South Africa - Western Cape - Tulbagh

The town of Tulbagh lies at the northern end of the lush and striking Tulbagh Valley which is almost entirely surrounded by mountains - the Obiqua in the west, the lofty Winterhoek (2077m) in the north and the mighty Witzenberg on the eastern side of the valley. These snow capped mountains help protect the valley and allow the land to be very productive and vines grow happily with olive groves, grain, pears and plums (in fact 70% of South Africa's plums come from Tulbagh).

This scenic, dry, hot region lies well up country, about 120km. to the north-east of Cape Town, the Tulbagh valley produces some excellent Chenin Blanc but, in recent years, is becoming increasingly known for its reds.

Pinotage, 2004 Tulbagh Ridge, Tulbagh

Pinotage With a colour of deep red with a purple tinge. The nose shows juicy raspberry and cherry with hints at the spicy oak underneath. This is a soft, fruity wine with a lingering finish. In the fertile valley known as Het Land van Waveren lies South Africa's oldest co-operative wine cellar. Tulbagh Co-operative Winery has been producing quality wines since 1906. Situated in the picturesque hamlet of Drostdy, the winery can be found on the Winterhoek road leading out of Tulbagh. CHEESE/PATE/LAMB

Chenin Blanc, 2005 Tulbagh Ridge, Tulbagh

Lemon yellow with faint green tinge. the bouquet hasd a lovely whiff of ripe green apple with touches of capsicum and green pea. On the palate there is ripe apple, backed by firm crisp natural acidity. APERITIF/SHELLFISH/COLD MEATS/VEGETARIAN