As a wine writer swimming in a school of wine reviewers the reality is that every wine bottled can’t be reviewed. But this fish likes the Viognier grape on its lonesome and in a blend. It tends to give white wine a noticeable presence with apricots, tangerines and honey. Of course, if you do not like a wine with a strong presence perhaps Viognier is not for you. But at $16.95 this organic Jonty’s Ducks Pekin White from South Africa may be the lure that hauls you in.
It has a light gold colour. BINGO! The Viognier is certainly noticeable in the blend despite the fact there is also some Chenin Blanc, Roussanne and Sémillon in the blend.
On the nose pineapple, tangerine, peach, pear and honey all in a robust package not for those who prefer more demure and light wines. On the palate its robustness is not lost so you end up with a full-bodied white wine. It is a bit drier than I thought but perhaps because of the Sémillon that takes a few years to really develop a distinctive taste. So in addition to the pineapple, peach, tangerine, pear and honey you get a twist of guava and white grapefruit. A wine where nothing is out of whack. I wonder what seafood dishes South Africa is known for as this wine seems meant for seafood. Lobster, crab, shrimp or prawns in a white wine, cream and garlic type sauce. The wine is named for the ducks that waddle in the vineyard feasting on insects removing the need for insecticides.
(Avondale Jonty’s Ducks Pekin White 2018, WO Paarl, Avondale, Paarl, South Africa, $16.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 439554, 750 mL, 13%, Robert K. Stephen A Little Birdie Told me So Rating 91/100).
