Richard's Swartland Rose 2018
About the wine
A tricky harvest led to this little gem
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Widespread drought in 2018 meant Richard had to tackle the challenges of a low yield, but he proved exactly why he’s a Master of Wine by bringing Angels this extraordinary rose.
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Made entirely from the Cinsault grape, this is not your everyday glugger. It’s packed with dried fruit flavours of cranberries and redcurrants and has a decidedly savoury feel to it. Whilst it may not be for everyone, the adventurous amongst you may like to give it a go…!
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Richard’s reputation meant he was able to secure some top notch parcels for a great price and, like the champ he is, he has passed the savings directly on to Angels.
Best before
Roses are typically consumed in the summer of their release and if stored over Winter until the next Summer comes around are rarely as exciting or as fresh as the new releases. This more robust offering extends the period of enjoyment through autumn and into early winter.
Serving advice
My advice is to match its temperature to the season and time of day. 9-10°C would work in the middle of Summer at midday, whilst 14-16°C would be best on cooler evenings or crisp Autumn and Winter days.
Food match
Rose is the natural choice for picnics as it works with tuna and bean salad, charcuterie and barbecues; but also try with grilled tuna, poached salmon with aioli, red mullet, steak tartare, gammon (boiled), black pudding and even prawn cocktail (Jamie OliverÂ’s recipe is a good one here!). There's also tapas (patatas bravas, garlic shrimps, smoky paprika peppers) and many Indian and Thai dishes!
And if you feel this is all too much crack open a bottle and make yourself a humble hamburger or a triple decker baked Italian cheese toastie or simply have it with some Pringles and a sour cream and chive dip. It will even go with chocolate chip cookies if you still have some left...
Contains sulphites
Wine profile
Meet the winemaker - Richard Kershaw
- He's a tip-off from Rod and Richard proved he is seriously wine savvy when he became a Master of Wine. Not bad for a man from Sheffield!
- Angel funding gave Richard the jump his one-man business needed, allowing him to tap into South Africa's huge potential to make spectacular wines without hiking up the price.
- Unlike the show-off wineries in South Africa, Richard dreams of owning a shed to make wine in. So you're not paying for fancy cellar doors, marble floors, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Just raw winemaking talent, great grapes, and a shed.
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