Chief winemaker at KWV Richard Rowe, gives us a sneak preview (and taste) of the 2009 The Mentors new vintages. This is what he had to say:

 

Welcome to 2010! Word on the street has it that although we are experiencing a swelteringly hot summer here in Paarl (it was 45 centigrade the other day), the UK and Europe seems to be freezing over. This is not all bad news because chilly days are a great excuse to invite around some mates and huddle round the fireplace with hot food and some red wine.

We’ve asked our The Mentors winemaker, Johann to help us out on a few ideas of wines to drink with warm hearty meals to help keep you going, this is what he suggests:

Our The Mentors Shiraz which is quite powerful, with “upfront flavours” of cherries, fruit and spice is totally delicious served with a tasty cut of rump steak. It will also go very well with a tomato-based pasta dish.

For those that like Greek food, the The Mentors Shiraz Cabernet Franc is an outstanding partner to a juicy leg of lamb, or any Mediterranean dish (including couscous, hummus and dolmades) for that matter. Although the Shiraz Cabernet Franc is blended with contradicting partners, their strong individual characteristics work well together resulting in an elegant, yet bold wine with a combination of earthy, spicy and fruity overtones.

Cobus, grew up in Elgin and began is career with a B.Sc.Agric. Oenology and Viticulture, after which he worked in California for three months. On his return he joined Vinpro Consultation services as Senior Viticulturist for the Paarl area.

Currently Cobus is Senior Viticulturist at KWV. He is responsible for grape procurement, producer liaison and new area developments – all in all, ensuring the excellence that epitomises the KWV Wines.