The new world versus the old world is a common battleground in the wine arena. However while old world is easily defined as the European masters such as France, Italy, Spain and Germany, and New World was always Napa Valley and Sonoma valley, I want to talk about the New new world of wines. The Southern Hemisphere can be easily forgotten!
Southern Hemisphere wines have had a renaissance in the past few years, while Australia had a big boom with cheap shiraz and Sauvignon blanc was made famous by the innovative e winemakers of New Zealand, other countries like Chile,, Argentina and South Africa have come to market with amazing wines!
Stellenbosch South Africa Vineyards
South Africa has been making wines since 1659. But it has only recently started to make great inroads into the consciousness of Americans. South Africa makes good use of the classic Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay grapes, but two of my favorites are the blended wines and a great white wine made with Chenin Blanc
Bush Camp Red is made by the Landskroon wine company. Landskroon is dates back to the 17th century when the French Huguenot settlers came to the Cape. The Bush Camp Red is a crazy good value. It is a blend of Cinsault, Cabernet, Shiraz and a touch of Cabernet Franc. It has flavors of black raspberry and a little smoke. But for whatever reason the flavor profile is perfect for my taste buds. IT is about $9-10 a bottle and among the greatest values in the world!
The Bush Camp Sundowner Chenin Blanc is an awesome white sipper. It is fresh and clean tasting and will go great with fish and a nice crisp salad. It is slightly dry, but has enough fruit to please everyone!
Argentina is also a region that has become more popular lately. Malbec is the grape that has brought the Argentine wines to the forefront. Malbec is originally a French wine that was used in many basic Bordeaux blends. Malbec has great big tannins and a rich inky dark color. Argentina is famous for their cattle farms and amazing steaks! Try a Brazilian Steakhouse like Fogo De Chao, for a small taste of great Brazilian Grilled Meats! Malbec goes perfectly with any grilled beef. A great Value is Tilia malbec. It is a top seller due to its aromas of black cherry and plum. Nicolas Catena is the brain trust behind this everyday killer wine. Catena was a pioneer in the Argentine wine world. His wines have won competitions throughout the world and his Namesake Catena Alta is always top rated around the world. With Tilia you get a little bit of the masters magic for about $10 per bottle! Tilia comes in Malbec, Chardonnay, Cabernet and a little sleeper wine called Torrontes. The Torrontes is slightly sweet with a little effervescence. Try it by itself or with light appetizers or salads,, it is refreshing and clean!
Adelaide Hills Australia Vineyards
Australia is still the king of Southern hemisphere wines. It produces more wine and has the largest vineyards in the southern hemisphere. It is easy to forget that it is a Continent onto itself! It has many different climates and great regions. It can make wines in virtually any style! But I love Aussie Red wines. The king of the Grape world Cabernet Sauvignon is well represented, but Shiraz is the kingpin in the land down under. Australian Shiraz is Rich, with lively berry flavors and aromas. It is so good that I drool as I write about it! True Aussie Shiraz can match up with the greatest wines in the world! While Yellow Tail Shiraz and its ilk can be great quaffable values, step up a bit and try the next level or two. A few dollars a bottle can make a huge difference in the quality. Try Black Opal Shiraz for about $9 a bottle. It is about the best red wine for a little scratch that I know of. The Stump Jump red is another favorite of mine. It’s a cool blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mouvedre. Rich jammy and tons of flavor. It is made by D’Arenberg wines, which is a 6th generation wine family in Australia. Chester Osborne, the latest in the lineage, knows what he is doing!
Event though it is a world away, and even though everything is backwards, from the seasons being opposite, to the toilets swirling the wrong way, the one thing the southern hemisphere can do do right is the great wines! Try one of these southern stars or any down under wine and you will love it!
