Category Archives: Wine Basics

Interview: Johann Fourie, Head Winemaker at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate

Johann Fourie, Benguela Cove, South AFrica

Winemaker Johann Fourie’s passion for the Benguela Cove vineyard is reflected in the remarkable wines he is now producing. They beautifully reflect the special climatic conditions and terroir of the estate that sits in the south-western Western Cape province of South Africa.

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Interview: Izele van Blerk, The Mentors Winemaker at KWV

Izele van Blerk is the creative genius behind the remarkable team responsible for KWV’s The Mentors – a premium wine range that reflects the diversity of the soils and climate in South Africa. Its name recognises that Mother Nature is the greatest mentor whose natural gifts give us the ability to cultivate vines with beautiful results.

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Wine tasting with Constantia Glen

South African wine was celebrated in style just a few minutes walk from London’s Borough Market last month with a Constantia Glen tasting by Alexander Waibel, amiable co-owner of the estate, who moved to this amazing area of Cape Town in 1995 in the footsteps of his grandfather. (more…)

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Do you have a question about wine?

wine q and a

Swahili Coast Foodie looks forward to meeting readers from Dar es Salaam at the city’s 11th wine festival. To mark the occasion you are invited to send me your questions about the world of wine for a special Q and A series in the coming weeks. (more…)

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Fast food and slow wine pairing at Neethlingshof estate

Neethlingshof 1Cape Town Series: There has been a really great response from readers to the special reports from South Africa. This report from Neethlingshof estate in the Cape Winelands will please food and wine enthusiasts alike. (more…)

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Wine Basics: Red Grape Varieties

Wine starts with the grape variety which shapes the taste or character. In order to appreciate wine, it is crucial to understand the characteristics of different grapes and how they are expressed in wines. While there are lots of grapes in the world, there are select few that are most recognisable for making fine wine.

To make red wine, the skins are almost as important as the juicy grape pulp. Skins and stems add colour and tannins to the wine. Here are some of the popular red grape varieties:close up of red grapes (more…)

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