July Featured Wines – The Little Gazelle, Sauvignon Blanc (2021) & DeMorgenzon, DMZ Syrah (2018), South Africa

June 30, 2022 · by ·

Wine Club has not tasted wines from South Africa for some time. Summer seemed a perfect time to revisit. Most consider South African wines to be New World although many of the varietals – and there are many produced – are considered Old World. Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon are the most widely planted varietals but as we learned from Barista Pinotage, there are some unique wines produced.

This month’s selections are The Little Gazelle Sauvignon Blanc (2021) and DeMorgenzon DMZ Syrah (2018.) These will acquaint you with well-appreciated varietals that are not as widely produced.

The Little Gazelle Sauvignon Blanc has a clever label (similar to The Little Sheep wines.) This is no coincidence since both of these wines are produced and imported by Monsieur Touton, one of our suppliers. Monsieur Touton’s connections in the wine world give him the opportunity to buy excess “juice” for lack of a better term. Through his friendships with producers, he buys surplus quality wines that he finds represent that region’s varietals. This is the case of South Africa’s The Little Gazelle Sauvignon Blanc which is from the Coastal Region.

DeMorgenzon DMZ Syrah comes from another producer based in Stellenbosch, South Africa. This region has terraced hillside vineyards with views of both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. DeMorgenzon selects grapes from vineyards that show the best quality of the chosen varietal. Both wines will offer pleasant wines for summer enjoyment. One is light for fish and salads and one is great for rich barbequed beef.

The Little Gazelle, Sauvignon Blanc (2021), South Africa $10

This Sauvignon Blanc is described like a shy gazelle, simple yet refreshingly friendly. The wine is green and flinty but with fresh citrus, apple, melon, fig, and peach notes on the palate. It is a refreshingly, delicious summer wine. Pair with seafood, grilled chicken, and light appetizers. It is also a great complement to a salad with goat cheese. Alcohol: 12.5%

DeMorgenzon, DMZ Syrah (2018), Stellenbosch, South Africa $17

This Syrah has a deep, purple core with a rich, berry fruit nose with lots of ripe, red plum and whiffs of white pepper. There is some gentle oak integration which shows and supports the elegance and roundness. This wine is considered bold and structured with this vintage getting great scores. A perfect BBQ complement. Alcohol: 14%

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June Featured Wines – Arrumaco, Garnacha Rosé, Galicia, Spain & Mary Taylor, Pedro Gonzalez Mittelbrun, Castilla y Leon, Spain

June 1, 2022 · by ·

The rose we selected, Arrumacco (2021), is produced in Galicia on the Northwest coast of Spain which borders Portugal to the south. This region offers a mild Atlantic climate and sandy soil. As you know roses can be made from Garnacha, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Carignan. The Spanish call roses “rosado” and this selection is made with Garnacha grapes

The red selection takes us back to Mary Taylor Wines. Once again we will follow her approach to finding wines indigenous to a specific region. Mary Taylor, Castilla Y León Pedro Gonzalez Mittelbrun (2018) is produced by Pedro Gonzalez Mittelbrunn from Prieto Picudo grapes grown in Castilla y León from vines that are up to 100 years old. This region is just east of Galicia. Tempranillo are the most produced wines but Mittlebrunn convinced fellow growers to keep the heritage of the Prieto Picudo “growing.” You can see why Mary Taylor selected his wine as one of her imports.

Arrumaco, Garnacha Rosé (2021), Galicia, Spain $10

Lighter in color and body than many other Spanish rosés. Loaded with intense raspberry and plum aromas that follow to a crisp yet silky palate. A light mix of peach pit and stalky fruit aromas form the opening on this standard summer sipper. Excellent on its own and with a wide range of lighter fare. The perfect summer sipper and tapas wine. Alcohol: 12.5%

Mary Taylor, Pedro Gonzalez Mittelbrun (2018), Castilla y Leon, Spain $11

The unique, rare Prieto Picudo grape is a small grape with big flavor producing wines with bold flavous that age well.  It is well balanced with a beautiful red color. It has ripe and fresh red fruit aromas. While this feels like a light Spanish wine, it is fresh and powerful on the palate with a lingering finish. It pairs with most summer food. A good sipper. Alcohol: 13%
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