Free Wine from Wine52!

Wine52 are offering you a FREE case of wine (just cover the postage) with three wines showcasing Robertson Valley, South Africa.

That's right, it really is as simple as covering only the £9.95 postage and you'll have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most important wine districts from the Breede River Valley region! A region of dramatic landscapes and superb winemaking. Flanked by the Breede River and ringed by craggy mountains, Robertson is a patchwork of limestone, gravel and clay, with a microclimate that lends itself particularly to outstanding Shiraz.

Here's a taste of what you'll get:

• Sonskyn Chenin Blanc: Chenin Blanc is quintessentially South African these days, and this one is excellent. It's fresh and fruity with luscious pineapple, melon and crunchy green apple dominating the nose. A roundness compliments a touch of passionfruit and honey blossom on the palate, culminating in a rewarding finish.
• Verkoel Sauvignon Blanc: A fruit-driven wine, where aromas of gooseberry, passionfruit and white peach are complemented by fresh green capsicum, capturing the essence of a South African summer in the glass. An invigorating Sauvignon indeed, this wine’s freshness is met in equal measure by striking tropical aromas. On the palate in particular, these juicy tropical fruits balance well with the uplifting acidity, and a touch of leafy green herbaceousness.
• Verband Shiraz/Pinotage: Pinotage, a genetic crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault first cultivated in South Africa in 1925, is blended seamlessly with Shiraz in this delightful, fruit-forward South African red. Notes of baked, jammy black fruit, and ripe black cherry, complimented by a hint of umami depth are prominent on the nose, following through to the palate where soft, well-integrated tannin takes centre stage.

The choice however is yours. You can choose a red, white or a mixture of both and your case will also include a copy of Glug magazine and two tasty snacks.

Wine52 is a wine discovery club which showcases a new region every month. From velvety reds to crisp whites, focusing on native grape varieties from iconic regions they ensure that there's a perfect pour for every occasion and palate preference.

Wine52 Review: Robertson, South Africa Case

Our latest case with Wine52 takes you on a sunny trip to South Africa’s Roberston. Located in the Breede River Valley wine region, conditions are warm and dry with irrigation access provided by the river, allowing for relatively easy grape growing conditions. Robertson is what is known as a district under South African wine law, which is basically a smaller area within a region.

Unusually for South Africa, Robertson has limestone soils which is particularly renowned for making quality white wines and fizz. That’s why names such as Graham Beck are here. In the Wine52 case are three excellent examples of what the region can do with still wine. A powerful red, crisp Sauvignon and SA classic Chenin Blanc.

The Wine Tasting

Verband Syrah/Pinotage Blend

Pinotage is quintessentially South African. A crossing between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, it was bred at the University of Stellenbosch in 1925 and has given South African reds a fantastic USP ever since. Syrah is of course a classic Rhone variety making powerful reds. Together, these two were delicious. Baked black fruits, ripe cherry and some lovely spice on the finish were the mainstays. The palate is full yet soft thanks to the well integrated tannins. It has great body and fruit-driven power to make an excellent accompaniment to a BBQ, or with Easter on the way, your roast lamb.

Verkoel Sauvignon Blanc

Generally I tend to prefer Sauvignon from South Africa due to the effect of the more moderate climate influence than the warm, sunny kiwi versions. And this is exactly what I bargained for, thankfully.

It had the tropical passionfruit, guava and white peach flavours tempered with cool climate Sauvignon green bell pepper and grassy notes. To me, it was perfectly balanced with high acidity and a more than quaffable finish.

Sonskyn Chenin Blanc

Chenin is another South African specialty. Yes, it is also the main white grape of the Loire but South African winemakers have made it their own too.

This one was tropical, well rounded and fruity. Buttery oak and vanilla kick things off immediately with a nice flavourful onslaught. Tropical pineapple and mango then come into play with melon and green apple in the mix too. Like most Chenin, it has a lovely rich texture that makes it feel extra luxurious.

Wine52 Review: Classic France

Our latest case with Wine52 explores Classic France, a country with two millennia worth of tradition and expertise in winemaking which still regularly tops the chart for sales in the UK despite all the new world competition these days. That’s testament to their wine industry.

It is true that the French had to undergo a bit of a revolution a few decades ago as they were slower to adopt more modern techniques, particularly in traditional areas like Bordeaux. Whilst there are still some producers who make the more rustic style, France is once again pioneering in the industry, developing new techniques, maturation vessels and more to remain in keeping with modern palates and trends. Natural and low-intervention wines are one such example that have seen an explosion recently, championing small producers, the environment and artisan winemaking with an authentic flair.

So, if you’ve had a break from French wine for a little while whilst you sampled the delights of the rest of the world, perhaps now is a great time to get back into French wine, especially for free, and rediscover old favourites. And, if you don’t drink anything but French, what’s wrong with a little more?

The Wine Tasting

Ah Ah Ah!, Cotes du Rhone

Easily the standout wine of the pack and the one to kick it off with. The vineyard, Domaine de Rochebin, works on the principals of lutte raisonnee, meaning using less chemicals and working towards sustainability in the vineyard.

This is a typical Rhone blend. A powerful nose displays ripe red and black fruits, lighter berries like raspberry and a Spanish tapenade backbone. On the palate it is smooth, warming and delicious. Fine-grained tannins lend some body to the wine whilst mocha and chocolate flavours begin to develop on and during the finish. The fruits stay punchy and ripe making it a lively wine with great depth.

Vol de Taureau, Pays d’Oc

This is a Southern French blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Grenache from the largest independent organic wine estate in France, Masion Raymond.

It’s an interesting mix between a Bordeaux blend and a Rhone, and it certainly carries the aromas. Violet, redcurrant, cranberry, blackcurrant and dried herbs weave a complex wine together. Merlot keeps the body plush and lightens the otherwise heftier grapes bringing good balance.

Le Lievre Sur Le Pont, Pays d’Oc

A blend of Sauvignon, Grenache Blanc and Viognier again from Masion Raymond.

It’s an expressive wine that succinctly displays how each grape weaves together in harmony. The Sauvignon brings acidity and freshness, the Grenache Blanc the weight and honeysuckle, and the Viognier a little more richness and stone fruits. It’s a lovely blend of peach, apricot, honey, blossom and elderflower.