Monday, 6 January 2014

A Novice on Nitida


Nitida

I have discovered I am not particularly partial to The Grapes from the Northern Region (otherwise referred to as Durbanville) - as yet. This tasting was a step in my self-appointed mission of finding a reason to like the area.

WHITE:
  • Nitida Riesling (2013): Pineappley, green apple, green beans, soft, savoury, less acidic than the nose, lurking coriander, veal stroganoff, salty.
  • Nitida Chardonnay (2013):  Diemersdal grapes. Fresh pineapple, sweetness, acidic, sharp soft cheese, like a young Chenin, unfinished creaminess.


RED:

  • Nitida Cabernet Sauvignon (2011): Cinnamon, nutmeg, berry crumble, shaved chocolate, salty soup, lovely texture, like hugs in your mouth, cuddly mouth feel, rich. (*)

  • Nitida Calligraphy (2011): 55% Merlot, 27% Cab Franc, 10% Cab Sauv, 8% Petit Verdot. Creamy cheddar with berry jam, strong coffee grinds, lightly salty, black cherries, chocolate coated coffee beans. Blended 1 month before bottling, fermented in separate barrels, hand sorted.


Notes on Nitida:


  •       2013 vintage was bottled a week prior to the tasting
  •        Durbanville  is the second oldest wine route in SA
  •         Botritis is noble rot
  •         Late Harvest becomes Noble Late Harvest when vines have Botritis
  •         “Drinking wine is a lot like dating”
  •         Canopy management = removing excess leaves to expose berries to the sun
  •         Wine estate = only use own grapes
  •         Wine farm = buy in some/all grapes
  •         “Nice shirt – it’s a skull dressed as a baby smoking – cute”

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