Fleur du Cap Chardonnay 2016 (South Africa) - Wine Review

The recent parade of South African wines continues tonight with this Chardonnay from the Western Cape.

Produced by Fleur du Cap, the grapes were sourced from vines planted in 1990 (Stellenbosch) and from 2000-2006 (Somerset West, Elgin and Robertson). Soils varied from Karoo limestone and granite in Stellenbosch, and shale soils in Elgin and Somerset West. Crops in 2016 were the smallest in half a decade, resulting in concentrated, ripe wines. I tasted the 2012 Fleur du Cap Chardonnay three years ago and am expecting a similar profile this time around as the vinification techniques used in this vintage are nearly identical to the 2012.

As part of the media package I received, this Chardonnay would pair well with Spanish-Style Brick Turkey (recipe below) that you can make during your holiday celebrations. This turkey recipe was crafted by Chef Nikko Janico and should complement the Fleur du Cap Chardonnay, which is widely available at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

Tasting Note:

FLEUR DU CAP CHARDONNAY BERGKELDER SELECTION 2016 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#358960) (XD) - $13.10
Screw cap. Ripe buttery aromas with baked apple and subtle hints of coconut, sweet vanillan oak, and minerality. The palate is medium+ bodied with a creamy texture and juicy acids. Flavours consist of butter, lemon citrus, pineapple, butterscotch and a touch of honeyed sweetness. There's a nice touch of smoky minerality mid-palate. Finishes with lemon citrus and mineral notes, with good length. Best with just a slight chill. Score: 87 pts

Spanish-Style Brick Turkey Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 12 lb. turkey, preferably fresh
• 2 apples, cored and quartered
• 3 jalapeños, halved
• 2 yellow onions, quartered
• 6 garlic cloves, crushed
• Vegetable oil

Rub:

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1-1/2 tsp fresh oregano
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 sprig fresh sage, roughly chopped

To Prepare:
In a small bowl combine all ingredients for the rub. Mix with a fork until well incorporated. Set aside. Start by placing the turkey with the breast resting on the cutting board. Using sharp kitchen scissors, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it. Flip the turkey over and open the cavity so both legs are spread out with the breast facing up. Press down on the breastbone to flatten. Using your fingers, gently separate the skin from the breast muscle. Using your hands, grab small portions of the butter and place between turkey skin and meat. Make sure to evenly spread throughout as this will help with consistent browning. Lather the outside skin as well. Place turkey on a wire rack over top a baking sheet and chill uncovered in the fridge for 6–12 hours.

To Cook:
Remove turkey from the fridge and let stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to 450°F. Tuck wings under the breast. Lay apples, jalapeños, yellow onion and garlic on a parchment-lined baking tray and lather with vegetable oil. Place the turkey on top of the ingredients and season the skin with salt. Place in the oven and cook for 20 minutes or until skin starts to darken. Reduce heat to 320°F and cook for another 40 minutes or until the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. When finished, remove from the oven and loosely tent with tin foil. Rest at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.