South AfricaAfter a brief stroll through one of my local wine shops, which I hadn’t visited in a few months, I was stuck on what to purchase. My desire was for something unknown to me yet leaning toward white varietals such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc in the $10 range. My recent postings have predominately been reds and with summer coming upon us I was feeling a bit guilty for not balancing out my tastings with some whites. I turned to the shop’s owner for a recommendation and I was pleasantly surprised after opening the bottle that evening for dinner.
Showing off aromas of pineapples, peach and a hint of vanilla I sensed there wasn’t an over abundance of oak. After some reading up on the wine maker’s process I found out a percentage of the wine was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels. This was pleasing, as I’ve heard the recent trend for Chardonnay wines is to reduce some of the heavy oak flavors found in many wines of the past. The taste brought on similar flavors of the aromas with peach and hints of citrus and honey. The mouth feel was very smooth with minimal acidity and a light balance of oak. A slightly tart, grapefruit flavor held on the finish although it seemed to vanish quickly. I had the wine with fish tacos done with Spanish Mackerel in a Panko crust (yes, I caught the fish myself). The wine would also go great with other seafood or even a creamy pasta dish.
“Indaba” is the traditional Zulu forum for sharing ideas as the label reads. The wine has a great story behind it as a portion of its proceeds support scholarships to those in South Africa interested in a career in wine, wine making, etc. A great wine, great price and great story. We should all look for things in life to align this well.
I found this at Gran Cru in Orlando, FL and I’m told some of the grocery stores such as Publix carry the wine as well. If you can’t find it in your local store, ask for it to be brought in. You won’t be disappointed!
Showing off aromas of pineapples, peach and a hint of vanilla I sensed there wasn’t an over abundance of oak. After some reading up on the wine maker’s process I found out a percentage of the wine was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels. This was pleasing, as I’ve heard the recent trend for Chardonnay wines is to reduce some of the heavy oak flavors found in many wines of the past. The taste brought on similar flavors of the aromas with peach and hints of citrus and honey. The mouth feel was very smooth with minimal acidity and a light balance of oak. A slightly tart, grapefruit flavor held on the finish although it seemed to vanish quickly. I had the wine with fish tacos done with Spanish Mackerel in a Panko crust (yes, I caught the fish myself). The wine would also go great with other seafood or even a creamy pasta dish.
“Indaba” is the traditional Zulu forum for sharing ideas as the label reads. The wine has a great story behind it as a portion of its proceeds support scholarships to those in South Africa interested in a career in wine, wine making, etc. A great wine, great price and great story. We should all look for things in life to align this well.
I found this at Gran Cru in Orlando, FL and I’m told some of the grocery stores such as Publix carry the wine as well. If you can’t find it in your local store, ask for it to be brought in. You won’t be disappointed!
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Very nice piece on Indaba Chard. This has become a staple in my home. I've picked up on notes of apple and honey, in addition to the wide range of tropical fruits. Wonderful depth and amazing value!
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