A little while ago, I found myself visiting the Eastern Cape. Memory lane always gets me feeling mentally fatigued, but rejuvenated at the same time. It’s a surreal feeling visiting a place you’ve learnt to dislike, but a place you still feel a responsibility towards.
Besides for getting a few new tattoos, being around family, and catching up with old friends, I made a point of visiting Cork & Barrel, East London’s fine wine retailer situated in Smart Road, Nahoon.
Theo and Bridgette own the shop, and do an amazing job in bringing top wines to the palates of curious wine enthusiasts situated in the east. Wine wasn’t ever a thing when I was growing up, but it brings me so much joy seeing more and more people exposing themselves to wine, and its beautiful culture in my home town.
For “Old Vine Day”, celebrated on 1 August, I purchased a bottle of the Tierhoek Wines Old Vine Chenin Blanc. The block is certified heritage, planted in 1977. Old vines give more concentration, complexity, as well as more depth of fruit flavour compared to the younger vines – granted they are well taken care of, and planted in the ideal surroundings! These vines are great conductors of their terroir, showcasing their unique surroundings through their scent and taste.
This Chenin comes from an area which has an array of aspects and altitude. The high diurnal range gives this wine the acidity needed to balance the incredible concentration of fruit. The wine manages to be powerful, yet elegant, it has an abundance of white peach, ripe apricot, cooked pineapple and a subtle hint of vanilla pod. The wine hugs your palate with a comforting familiarity, keeping you intrigued with its complexity and charm. This wine was produced to be rich in heritage, purity and expression.
I got to enjoy this impeccable wine next to the ocean with my brother. Just look at his face…it speaks volumes. What a connoisseur!
Buy the wine here.
WINE, FOOD, AND EVERYTHING THAT'S GOOD! 
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