Wine enthusiasts were taken on a fascinating journey of Mullineux Wines by Kyle Martin, with a taste of excellence at the TOPS St Francis Bay wine club, gathering at the St Francis Bay Golf Club.
AWARDS
Mullineux was established by Chris and Andrea Mullineux in 2007. They chose to settle in the Swartland after having worked several vintages at wineries in France, South Africa and California. The first-generation winemakers were convinced that the ancient granite and schist-based terroirs, as well as the old vineyards in the region, would have the potential to produce exceptional wines. Their confidence in the area proved to be correct. They quickly began reaping the rewards. By 2023 they had received over fifty 5-star ratings from the Platters South African Wine Guide. They were awarded the Platter’s Winery of the Year in 2014, 2016, 2019, 2022 and in 2023, a feat that had not been achieved before.
Other accolades include Andrea being named Wine Enthusiast’s International Winemaker of the Year and Chris and Andrea being recognized by Tim Atkin as South Africa’s Winemakers of the Year, all of this in 2016.
Kyle Martin of Mullineux Wines
A TASTE OF EXCELLENCE JOURNEY
Kyle started with the Kloof Street Old Vine Chenin, followed by the Mullineaux 2023 Old Vines White.
The latter is a blended white. Its origins stem from the early 2000’s, when creating a regional wine was discussed. Chenin Blanc forms the backbone of this wine, complemented with varietals such as Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Semillon Gris and Verdelho. Each brings a subtle nuance to a fresh and fragrant masterpiece. Some of the vineyards where the grapes are sourced are 80 years old and all of them are sustainably farmed.
Then it was on to the reds. Kyle presented three options, Kloofstreet Swartland Rouge, Mullineaux 2022 Syrah and the Granite Syra.
Kyle shared insights into the impact that the soil types have on the flavours of the wine. This includes the decomposed granite of the Paardeberg and the iron rich soils west of Malmsbury. Also, the Shale and Schist based soil found on Roundstone Farm, Other anecdotal snippets included the fact that Swartland has the largest collection Cinsault and Tinta Barocca in South Africa.
Lynn Strydom and Len Terblanche
FOOD, THE FINAL STRETCH
As usual, the evening ended with delicious buffet of finger snacks as prepared by Chef Bradley. The firm favourite of Pork Belly was accompanied by Mexican Spiced Chicken Wings. There was also Cheese Corn Dogs, Salmon Rosettes, Oxtail Spring Rolls served with mint chutney, Siracha Beef Kebabs and Cheeseboard. A great accompaniment to world class wines!
SIGN UP
All of the wines that were tasted during the Wine Tasting are available at the TOPS SUPERSPAR Village Square, while stocks last.
If you are interested in participating in the Wine Club, leave your details at the Tops at SUPERSPAR Village Square for Mickey Lindsay’s attention to include you on the WhatsApp group.
Jill Warrand, Mandi Tarrant and Richard Moolman
Recent Comments