It’s undoubtable that wine occupies a very special place in our lives. It just has this magic of turning every event into a happy place where people can relax and be who they really are. Simply put, wine just makes you loosen up and live like there’s no tomorrow.
With Valentines coming up next month. You don't want to spoil your date with your awful wine taste or even worse be slouched during your date
Jane Folodi chats to a respectable young wine sommelier, Tinashe Nyamudoka. In case you caught the bus late, and wondering who is Nyamudoka- he is TYI's Mzansi Top 100 leader of 2016 and an entrepreneur, who has launched his own wine called KUMUSHA which has a white blend of Chenin Blanc and Semillon .
Fasten your seat belts and allow Nyamudoka to take you on a wine train...
Q: What factors should you consider when buying good wine? (What makes wine qualify to be good wine)
A: I consider PRICE first. In every category that is Entry Level, Mid Range or Premium wines, there’s always a good wine. Technically a good wine is a balanced between fruit, alcohol and acid (White). Fruit, alcohol and tannin (Red). As a consumer you have to rely on recommendations be it fruit wine ratings or wine critic. Personal previous experience helps too.
Q: What does the (Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot) add to the wine?
If all there are in a red blend, Merlot adds fruit flavors, Cabernet Franc adds herbaceous and earthy notes and Petit Verdot usually adds color and dark fruit flavors.
A: Wine pairing: Which win (red and white) goes well with certain types of food?
This topic is very subjective.
The old rule of thumb is still relevant
-High acid white wines with high acid or fatty food
-rich white wines with seafood,creamy or spicy food or even white meat
- big and bold red wines with red meat dishes
KUMUSHA wine has lovely fruit and texture and great to match with food. Try it out and tell us what you think.
Q: What’s your go-to summer/winter/spring/fall wine? and why
A: Summer - I go for dry Rosé or light reds like Pinot Noir which I can chill or slightly chill on a hot sunny day.
Winter - Mature or Old red wine that can keep warm over a heater of fireplace
Spring/Fall - anything in between!
Q: Does the bottle and the overall wine aesthetic have a direct effect on how the wine tastes?
Not at all.
A: Which places do you recommend around Cape Town that sells good wine for inexpensive prices?
-Wine at The Mill at The Old Biscuit Mill.
- Wine concepts
- Retailer such as Woolies and Checkers also stock some good wines.
Tip: You can also drink wine like a legend and try KUMUSHA wine which is available in white blend of Chenin Blanc and Semillon.
Q: What is the best way to store wine?
A: Away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Cool and humid area, average temperature of 17 degrees.
- Keep the bottles lying horizontally especially if they have cork. This keeps the wine in contact with the cork to avoid the cork drying out.
Q: Any wines you would recommend as an entry level wine for beginners?
A:Warwick First Lady wines
- Porcupine Ridge wines
-Odd Bins from Checkers
Q: Which wines have the highest alcohol percentage, thus millennials should avoid on their face dates or business gatherings?
A: Generally reds have higher alcohols. They shouldn’t worry as there’s not many out there. The trend is low alcohol wines at the moment.
Q: What temperature do you recommend serving wine and which glass do you recommend for red, white and sparkling wine?
A: Sparkling wine 6-8 degrees
White wine 10-12 degrees
Red wine 16-18 degrees
Q: What wine are you currently obsessing over and why?
A: I’m
obsessing over my own wine. The label is called KUMUSHA wine. It’s a white blend of Chenin Blanc and Semillon. It has lovely fruit and texture and great to match with food.
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