Rogier Courau November 18 at 12:04am
Hello Charlotte. Hope you are well. I think in terms of New World wineries that the US is a leader in the industry. Indeed, most of the root stock for the rest of world comes from California - especially after the phylloxera blight of a century ago. I think your strengths are Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. In the South African case, our industry is much older than the American one and better than the Indian one that Stefan works for. Our strengths are dessert wine made from Muscat de Frontignan, Chenin Blanc (lightly-wooded), Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. We also have the local Pinotage (a hybrid of Pinot and Cinsaut/Hermitage developed in the 1920s), though I'm not very fond of it.
It obviously has everything to do with terroir and individual taste sensibilities. I was impressed with some of the places we went to in Napa, and I would not profess to know anything substantial about American wine. I may have joked a little when I met you during my trip last year, but I must reiterate that I found it fascinating to visit another major wine-growing region. In fact, I look forward to another trip and you visiting me in Cape Town at some stage! It's the only reason I remain in South Africa...
Amusingly, the worst wine I ever tasted was in upstate New York where I met Karen at Cornell. It seems to be Riesling country - if it can achieve anything at all viticulturally :) - and reminds me a great deal of German wine.
You would love the food in the Cape (South Africa) and the distinct local cuisine - a fusion of Dutch, English, Malay slave, Indian, French and several other influences. So, in my case, it had everything to do with ego when I was having those tremendous culinary and wine debates with you - and little to do with the wonderful variety and complexity that Northern California represents viticulturally.
Anyway, I look forward to keeping in touch and comparing notes with you :) Cheers and have a glass on me! Best, Rogier
It obviously has everything to do with terroir and individual taste sensibilities. I was impressed with some of the places we went to in Napa, and I would not profess to know anything substantial about American wine. I may have joked a little when I met you during my trip last year, but I must reiterate that I found it fascinating to visit another major wine-growing region. In fact, I look forward to another trip and you visiting me in Cape Town at some stage! It's the only reason I remain in South Africa...
Amusingly, the worst wine I ever tasted was in upstate New York where I met Karen at Cornell. It seems to be Riesling country - if it can achieve anything at all viticulturally :) - and reminds me a great deal of German wine.
You would love the food in the Cape (South Africa) and the distinct local cuisine - a fusion of Dutch, English, Malay slave, Indian, French and several other influences. So, in my case, it had everything to do with ego when I was having those tremendous culinary and wine debates with you - and little to do with the wonderful variety and complexity that Northern California represents viticulturally.
Anyway, I look forward to keeping in touch and comparing notes with you :) Cheers and have a glass on me! Best, Rogier
My favorite moment is the detail about the "phylloxera blight of a century ago"--who else would know their wine and their history! Such a promoter of the Cape and all South Africa has to offer. An inter-continental embassador as always...
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