Drink Well, Do Good Tour Hits DC

Last night I had the privilege of attending a tasting of South African wines, made by black South Africans. This tour is hosted by The International Society of South Africans in Wine (ISAW) whose mission is to build sustainable communities through viticulture. ISAW aims to reduce poverty through the socioeconomic development of African grape farmers in existing and emerging wine industries. Why is this important? Blacks account for about 90% of the population, yet own less than 1% of the wineries and vineyards.

The Drink Well, Do Good tour is an effort to raise $150,000 for a viticultural training center on the property of M'hudi Vineyards for South African vintners, and coincide with the historic 2010 World Cup being held this summer for the first time in Africa.

Heritage Link Brands, an importer of wines made by Black vintners in Africa and other parts of the world, founded by Selena and Khary Cuffe provided the wines tasted for the event. Rita Blackwell and Helynn Nelson were the wine educators on hand to present 4 wines to us for tasting.

Seven Sisters 2007
Bukettraube Odelia
Slightly sweet with hints of peach and florals on the nose. Great acidity balanced with flavors melon and honey.

M'hudi 2006
Sauvignon Blanc
A very refreshing white wine with notes of pineapple and tropical fruits.



One World 2009
Chenin Blanc
A light hint of peaches on the nose with a creamy palate of tropical fruit and banana.



One World 2008
Shiraz
My fav of the nite! Rich, spicy aromas of red fruit. Strong tannins were balanced well with flavors of plum and dark cherries.

The Golden Child (or Tardy for the Party)

What a week this has been! 2 huge snow storms, a roof leak, a dead car battery and a computer meltdown...good thing I had Pinotage to help me make it through. Now thanks to the computer meltdown I missed the actual Pinotage party on Twitter but I was able to sit back, with my feet up and enjoy a glass (or 3). When presented with the idea of a Pinotage Party by Dezel of My Vine Spot, I was so in! Being an acquired taste, I've found that most people have a love it or hate it relationship with the varietal. But Pinotage has been a favorite of mine for quite a while with the best examples coming from its originating country, South Africa. My Pinotage pick was a 2006 from Golden Kaan. The deep ruby red color filled my glass and as I swirled and sniffed, aromas of dark fruits, like plums, and hints of earth were present. Then I took a sip…ahh that signature bacon-y flavor of Pinotage. Clocking in at 14% alcohol, this wine also packed a punch. But once settled in the glanced I found soft fruits, soft tannins, plums and kinda gamey and earth-y on the palate. I had some barbecue chicken that I thought would pair well with the smoky flavors of the wine, and I was correct! One bite of chicken, then a sip of wine…amazing! A great wine on a cold night but also a perfect pairing for grilled pork and chicken.

So, I guess it wasn’t a total loss that I couldn’t join the party to tweet how delicious this wine was, I got to sit back and enjoy my culinary skills and my Pinotage. Guess I had a private Pinotage Party.