From: Western Cape, Paarl, South Africa
Varietal: Chenin Blanc, Roussane, Viognier
Taste: This medium-bodied white blend is made primarily from South Africa’s classic white variety, Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc is known for its generosity of fruit and friendliness towards most foods. This wine shows typical Chenin Blanc pineapple, lychee, and guava aromas. A few months of lees contact enhances the texture of this wine while still maintaining a fruity palate and fresh finish. Adding Roussanne and Viognier adds complexity, with each component contributing distinctive characteristics to the blend, bringing out hints of pear, melon, and passionfruit.
Pairing: Try grilled shrimp tacos topped with pineapple salsa; the wine's pineapple and guava notes complement the fruity brightness of the salsa, while its acidity balances the shrimp's sweetness. Thai green curry with vegetables and coconut milk is another fantastic pairing; its fresh finish offsets the gentle spice. Sweet and sour pork would be a fantastic pairing with the wine’s tropical and stone fruit characteristics. At the same time, its acidity cuts through the richness of the glaze.
For seafood lovers, pan-seared scallops or a creamy lemon pasta primavera with fresh vegetables also pairs well, as the wine’s fruity and textured palate enhances the dish’s creamy citrus flavors. For a lighter, tropical option, a mango and avocado salad with chili-lime dressing with the wine’s lychee and melon notes enhances the salad’s fresh, fruity components and complexity, standing up to the zesty, spiced dressing. This versatile blend thrives alongside dishes that highlight fresh, fruity, or lightly spiced elements, making it perfect for various culinary occasions.
Sweet and Sour Pork
Recipe from Brandon Jew and Noah Kopito
Adapted by Cathy Erway, NYT Cooking
About: Essay Wines is a South African winery renowned for its distinctive approach to winemaking, emphasizing the art of blending to craft wines that reflect the diverse terroirs of the Western Cape. Established in the early 2000s, Essay Wines was founded to produce high-quality, approachable wines that showcase the unique characteristics of South Africa's wine regions.
South Africa’s national anthem is unique, seamlessly blending lyrics from four of the country’s eleven official languages into a harmonious and uninterrupted melody. The philosophy behind Essay Wines draws inspiration from this idea of unity in diversity. By identifying grape varietals that thrive in the Agter-Paarl region, the winemaking team skillfully blends them to create wines that are truly “greater than the sum of their parts.”
