Famously known to be from the Barolo and Barbaresco regions in Piedmont, the terroir-expressive Nebbiolo wine makes for an arresting experience. So big was the surprise to find Renosterbos Nebbiolo right here on the West Coast in a garagiste cellar.
Powerfully full-bodied, this light-hued red is built for both easy drinking and ageing. With an appealing bouquet, pretty aromas of violet, plum, dark cherry and spices leap from the glass. Meanwhile, the palate boasts the freshness, structure and length of spices, red berries and roses, underpinned by firm tannins. To taste, it’s complex and intense with great ripeness.
Small wonder then that praise from wine cognoscenti has been pouring in for the Renosterbos Nebbiolo: ranging from “surprising” and “worth every drop” to “very impressive”.
To make it sing, pair with Italian foods, Asian cuisine with brown and five-spice sauces, salt-crusted prime rib, Ossobuco, braised pork shank or Prosciutto.
This triumph of a wine, plus other noteworthy reds, are made by winemaker Wim Smit at his Hofstraat Cellar in Myrtledene, outside Malmesbury. He’s had a prowess around the barrel since 2000 and so far has bagged seven Garagiste of the Year awards, plus gold and double gold trophies.
Book a tasting: renosterbos@cornergate.com or 083 2702352.
