Lothian Vineyards

South Africa

In its opulent setting on the banks of the Palmiet River and a private lake in the Elgin Valley, Lothian Vineyards shines in a class of its own. Years of searching for the perfect location finally revealed Elgin’s cool-climate terroir as an elegant setting for growing grapes to produce exceptional Burgundian-style Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Rosé varietals. The Wilson family’s non-interventionist artisanal wine-making technique flows into the feel of Lothian House: a feat of modern architecture, designed with sensitivity towards the environment. Lothian estate is distinguished by nature, positioned in the Kogelberg Biosphere, which possesses 1654 plant species found nowhere else on earth. Once the grapes are harvested, they pass into the hands of the estate’s skilled enologist, Dudley Wilson, who works closely with Richard Kershaw MW. Richard is one of the few Masters of Wine in the world that are actually directly involved in the production process. Under their skillful guidance, the wines evolve into true world-class masterpieces.

Wines

Lothian Vineyards Riesling · Profile

This wine has very pale-gold colour with flashes of green. The nose is of medium intensity. It conjures up freshness with Cape Gooseberry, elderflower white freesia flowers and lemon zest. This is a bone-dry Riesling which becomes obvious with a bright, tart entry. The elements discovered on the nose persist with notes of grapefruit, pine needles and a complex minerality, providing a lemon-sorbet cleansing finish.

SKU 829760

Lothian Vineyards Riesling · Pairing

This wine should be served chilled, but not too cold in order to allow the wonderful aromas to develop. It pairs well with summer salads, fresh seafood, sushi, grilled fish, and roasted poultry. The exotic fruit aromas also work well with Asian inspired cuisine.

Lothian Vineyards Elgin Chardonnay · Profile

The colour is very bright and clear with flashes of yellow and gold. The nose is quite prominent and complex. It starts with notes of very ripe oranges, bananas and tangerine peel. These light fruit notes move to the heavier ones of a tarte tatin made with pineapples. The entry is surprisingly bracing. The fine acidic backbone that gives this wine a lively tension asserts itself immediately. Flavours of yellow citrus, pineapple and nectarines come to the fore. Wood is noted but it is very much in the background. It provides a fragrant base and some texture to the mid palate. This wine has good length and all the while the flavours change in the mouth, the acid stands guard ensuring a very clean finish.

SKU 829771

Lothian Vineyards Elgin Chardonnay · Pairing

An excellent choice with noble fish preparations, flavourful pork and grilled poultry dishes, grilled shrimp and baked scallops in a butter citrus sauce. Also very delightful on its own.

Lothian Vineyards Isobel Mourvèdre Rosé · Profile

This colour of this wines reminiscent of the attractiveness of pale pink tourmaline crystals. The nose is soft and gives a slightly sweet impression of ripe red apples. This sets one up for the surprise of one of the driest Rosés available.

The fresh acidity heralds a more serious food-style rose. There are hints of raspberry. This wine has a wonderful minerality encased in a superb mouth feel. This gives length and complexity.

 

SKU 829761

Lothian Vineyards Isobel Mourvèdre Rosé · Pairing

While it is serves as a refreshing aperitif and summer sipping wine, its dry style makes this wine an ideal companion to a vast variety of dishes. It is a beautiful complement to Asian inspired dishes, grilled fish and seafood, summer salads and barbecued poultry. It is a refreshing accompaniment to any charcuterie board, the more variety the better.

Lothian Vineyards Pinot Noir · Profile

The wine has a bold rich colour. This hints at a more substantial style of Pinot Noir. On the nose, spicy oak gives way to violets and forest floor. The entry is silky. The mid-palate weight of this wine is remarkable. There are baked plums and morello cherries to be discovered. The youthfulness of this wine is revealed by the cocoa powder tannins that develop along with hints of dark chocolate and strawberry. The wine was barrel matured for a period of eleven months and lightly filtered prior to bottling to maintain the wines integrity and delicate Pinot flavour spectrum.

SKU 829762

 

Lothian Vineyards Pinot Noir · Pairing

This beautifully structured, complex Pinot Noir lends itself to be paired with flavourful roasts, cassoulets, mushroom soufflé, and game bird. It is a nice addition to any summer braii, South Africa’s version of barbecue.