JUST DESSERTS

JUST DESSERTS

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say Muscadel? Did you say “sweet” or “soetes" ?

This month, Orange River Cellars White Muscadel 2015 received one of just two platinum awards at the Muskadel SA Competition held in Paarl. Since 2013 the cellar has received 3 platinum and two gold awards in the same competition - evidence of the superb quality of the rich, sweet dessert wines from the Northern Cape.

Platinum winner 2016

Platinum winner 2016

The second platinum went to Du Toits Kloof Red Muscadel 2014. The wine is made from 100% Muscat de Frontignan grapes, from 10year old single-vineyard bush vines. At 275gspl and near 16%AV, the wine is a superb accompaniment with mature cheeses, baked desserts or on its own alongside a cosy fire.

The many faces of Du Toits Kloof Vineyards

Majestic mountains and verdant valleys in the scenic Breedekloof

Gold Awards were given to:

Van Loveren Rooi Muskadel 2015, Rooiberg Red Muscadel 2015, Badsberg Red Muscadel 2014, De Wet Cellar Rooi Muskadel 2014 and Boplaas Heritage White Muscadel. 

The competition, in its 14^th year, is sponsored by Enartis SA, suppliers of speciality chemicals to the wine industry.

This year's judges were Dave Hughes, (internationally awarded wine and spirits judge), David Biggs (wine writer), Bennie Howard (Cape Wine Master), Gert Van Deventer (winemaker) and Winifred Bowman (Cape Wine Master)

Because of their high sugar and alcohol content, Muscadels can be kept for many decades and at retail prices of around R50 per bottle for the platinum winners, you can enjoy their delicious raisin-like sweet nuttiness, with lingering aftertaste on any occasion.

NB: AV = Alcohol by volume; gspl = grams of sugar per litre; the spelling Muscadel/Muskadel is either English or Afrikaans; Muscat de Frontignan is another name for Muscadel grapes.