The 2018 edition follows the popular and award-winning Platter’s format, with 941 South African wine producers, merchants and brands being featured, including 48 new ones, along with well over 8,000 locally produced wines.
The guide’s wine descriptions and star ratings are compiled in association with a team of leading wine experts and include good-value indicators and pointers to Hidden Gems – wines that are interesting, unique, unusual or otherwise worthy of wine lovers’ attention. Winelands dining, accommodation and cellar door tasting options are also covered in detail, along with the full spectrum of tourist amenities, attractions and activities.
With the festive season in mind, Platter has announced the best MCCs in South Africa, so that you can stock up your fridge.
Colmant Brut Chardonnay NV
A floral bouquet with beautiful lime blossom notes, paired with fresh citrus and green apple scent, followed by toasted bread and brioche aromas induced by the lengthy maturation. The intense freshness and elegance of this wine pair it beautifully with delicate seafood dishes such as pan fried scallops, oysters or line fish “au beurre blanc”. This wine also complements the flavours of parmesan, asparagus, artichokes and parma ham.
Pongrácz Desiderius 2009
Desiderius Pongrácz 2009 is made in the French time-honoured tradition of bottle fermentation and is a blend of Chardonnay (70%) and Pinot Noir (30%) grapes hand-picked from two selected vineyard blocks. The wine spent four months maturing on the fine lees before being bottled for a slow secondary fermentation producing the beautiful, elegant bubbles and brioche-like taste. The MCC’s rich complexity and classic yeasty character are imparted overtime during prolonged maturation on the lees for over 7 years. The combination of fresh fruit, lively bubbles, almonds and rich buttery bread is a delight to the senses.
Steenberg Lady R 2012
Aromatically, the Lady shows hints of crisp, red apple, rhubarb, candied lemon, fynbos honey, treacle and honeyed biscuits. The wine shows a refreshing acidity which is balanced by a richness of creamed honey and toasty brioche notes on the palate. Lady R’s effervescence shows finesse with elegantly fine bubbles that contribute to the overall texture of the wine. It is seriously structured and shows elegance and beautiful ageing ability.
Platter’s by Diners Club also has apps for iPhone and Android, simply download from your app store.