We have just arrived back from a fantastic family trip to Croatia. What a gorgeous country, with incredible natural beauty, lovely people and delicious food but one of the things I missed is our incredible South African Wine! Before our trip, I received a delivery from Christina Van Loveren, which proved to be “the perfect treat”.
Christina Van Loveren
My delivery included three wines from the Christina Van Loveren Premium Single Vineyard Range, as well as a few special treats. I received the Christina Brut MCC, the 2015 Shiraz, as well as the 2016 Chardonnay. I am only featuring the MCC and Shiraz in this write-up, as I am yet to drink the Chardonnay. Also available in this exclusive range is a Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Noble Late Harvest.
Below you will find my thoughts on the wine, which may include winemakers notes, as well as my recommendations for wine and food pairings.
Christina 2012 Methode Cap Classique (MCC)
The Christina MCC Brut is a blend of 71% Chardonnay and 29% Pinot Noir grapes. This award-winning MCC has spent 9 months on primary lees. Followed by a second fermentation, of 17 months, in the bottle. You can expect a well-balanced, elegant wine with refined bubbles and refreshing citrus flavours on the palate. It is a perfect summer wine. As a special treat, we enjoyed it with juicy, sweet strawberries, a match made in heaven. Another pairing which I think would be perfectly suited to this MCC is seafood, especially shellfish. Cellar door – R115.00 per bottle, available to purchase online or through the tasting room.
Christina 2015 Shiraz
Of the three wines, I was particularly eager to try the Shiraz – as you know I am a big Shiraz fan. The Christina Shiraz is matured for 14 months in 10% American and 90% New French Oak barrels, of which 30% is new oak.
You can expect a full-bodied, well-structured wine with heady spice and ripe red fruit on the nose. I love the spiciness of the Shiraz. It is most drinkable now, but I would like to taste it again in a few years, as it has excellent ageing potential. It is definitely a great food wine, which I would ideally pair this wine with red meat dishes, such as Lamb Shank or tomato-based pasta. On this occasion, however, I decided to pair the Shiraz with delicious Velvet Midnight Fudge. All I can say is HEAVEN!!! Smooth red wine and chocolate, what is not to love. Cellar door – R135.00 per bottle, available to purchase online or through the tasting room.
Wine Tasting
Van Loveren offers a variety of Tastings, as well as Tutored Food and Wine Pairings. I have tried their Food and Wine Pairing and would highly recommend it. The Christina Van Loveren Master Tasting costs R 55 per person. The tasting room is open seven days a week. Monday to Friday 08h30 to 17h00, Saturday 09h30 to 15h30 and Sunday from 11h00 until 15h00.
Contact Details and Location
Contact via telephone 023-6151505 or E-mail: info@vanloveren.co.za.Van Loveren Family Wines R317, Robertson, 6707, South Africa
Feedback
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Disclosure
I received wine from Van Loveren for review purposes. All information provided, including prices, mentioned are deemed correct at time of publishing, but is, however, subject to change at the establishment’s discretion. Please note that all opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
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