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Terroir, pronounced “tehr-wahr,” is a French term that encapsulates the environment where a wine’s grapes are grown. It’s more than just the soil—it includes climate, topography (the physical shape of the area including its hills, valleys and water bodies), and even the local flora and fauna. (We have beautiful “fynbos” at The Goose Wines) These elements combine to influence the unique characteristics of the wine produced from that land.

The soil composition affects drainage and the nutrients the vines receive, while the climate shapes the grape’s ripening process, balancing sugar and acidity. A vineyard’s elevation and proximity to bodies of water further influence how grapes develop. Together, these factors imprint a signature on the wine, making it distinct from those produced elsewhere, even with the same grape variety.

Understanding terroir is crucial for appreciating wine, as it provides a deeper connection to the land and winemaker’s craft. It’s the reason wines from Burgundy taste so different from those in Napa Valley. By embracing terroir, we celebrate the uniqueness of each bottle and its inextricable link to the place it comes from.

Wines from cooler regions near mountains (like The Goose Wines) hold a special place in the wine world due to the unique conditions that affect how grapes ripen. In these areas, cooler temperatures and higher elevations slow down the ripening process, allowing grapes to mature more gradually. This extended growing season results in wines with distinct characteristics.

Because the grapes take longer to ripen, they retain higher levels of acidity, which contributes to a crisp, refreshing quality in the finished wine. (Think The Goose Sauvignon Blanc!) The slower development also allows for more complex flavours to form, often leading to wines with a balanced blend of fresh fruit notes and subtle earthy or mineral undertones, reflective of the vineyard’s terroir.

In mountainous regions, the variation between day and night temperatures (called diurnal range) can be significant. Warm days allow the grapes to ripen, while cool nights preserve their acidity and fresh aromatics. This balance between sugar and acidity makes wines from these regions particularly well-structured, with a finesse that is hard to replicate in warmer climates.

Wines from cooler, mountainous regions offer a taste of the unique environment they come from, with crisp acidity, layered flavours, and an expression of terroir that is distinctly shaped by the slower ripening process. This is also the very reason our Goose Sauvignon Blanc can still be enjoyed years after it was harvested and bottled.

Cheers to wine from unique regions!

The world of wine is filled with myths and misconceptions that often steer enthusiasts in the wrong direction. In this post, we’ll debunk some of the most persistent wine myths to help you enjoy wine with confidence, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned connoisseur.

Myth 1: Red Wine Should Always Be Served at Room Temperature •

The Truth: “Room temperature” is a misleading term when it comes to serving red wine. Traditionally, this referred to room temperatures in old European houses, which were much cooler (around 60-65°F or 15-18°C) than modern homes. Serving red wine at modern room temperatures can make it taste overly alcoholic and flat. For the best experience, slightly chill red wine before serving to bring out its balance and flavour.

Myth 2: White Wine is Only for Fish and Chicken •

The Truth: While white wine pairs beautifully with fish and chicken, it’s far from limited to these dishes. A rich Chardonnay can complement pork or creamy pasta, while an aromatic Riesling can pair wonderfully with spicy Asian cuisine. Wine pairings should be about balance and flavour, not strict rules, so feel free to experiment with red wine and fish or white wine with steak.

Myth 3: Screw Caps Mean Cheap Wine •

The Truth: The screw cap vs. cork debate is still strong, but screw caps are no longer a sign of lower quality. Many high-quality wines now use screw caps for practical reasons, including better preservation of freshness and consistency. They also help avoid cork taint, which can spoil a bottle. Winemakers from prestigious regions, such as New Zealand and Australia, often prefer screw caps for both white and red wines.

Myth 4: Only Sommeliers Can Properly Taste Wine •

The Truth: Wine tasting is for everyone, not just experts. While sommeliers are trained to detect intricate flavours and aromas, enjoying wine is subjective, and personal preference is key. You don’t need special training to appreciate wine’s complexity. Take note of the smells, tastes, and textures you experience, and don’t be afraid to trust your own palate.

Myth 5: Wine Glass Shape Doesn’t Matter •

The Truth: The shape of a wine glass can significantly impact the aroma, flavour, and overall enjoyment of the wine. For example, red wines are often served in wider bowls to allow for more air exposure, enhancing aromas. White wines typically benefit from narrower glasses to preserve their freshness and focus the aromas. While you don’t need a different glass for every type of wine, using the right shape can elevate your tasting experience.

There’s a lot of tradition and mystique surrounding wine, but it’s important not to let myths get in the way of your enjoyment. Wine is meant to be an accessible, enjoyable experience for everyone, and the more you learn, the more you can appreciate the rich diversity it offers. So, feel free to challenge these myths and explore wine in a way that suits your taste and style!

If you would like to order some of our exceptional wines, please visit our shop on this website under the “our wines” heading

If you’re a fan of bold and complex reds, our 2016 vintage Goose Expression blend is one to savour. This wine, crafted with precision and care, beautifully marries the structured elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon with the rich, spicy notes of Shiraz.

The 2016 vintage benefited from ideal growing conditions, allowing the grapes to ripen perfectly. After careful harvesting, the wine underwent a meticulous aging process in French oak barrels, allowing the tannins to soften and integrate. The result is a well-rounded wine with layers of dark fruit flavours, hints of spice, and a smooth, lingering finish.

Right now, this blend is drinking beautifully, showing a wonderful balance between its fruit-forward nature and the complexity gained from aging. It has reached a harmonious stage where the flavours are well integrated, making it a delightful choice for any occasion. However, if you prefer a more mature wine, this vintage has the potential to evolve even further over the next couple of  months and even years. The tannins are still robust enough to support additional aging, which could enhance the wine’s depth and complexity even more.

For those who love to explore the evolving character of a wine over time, we suggest purchasing a case of 6 bottles of this 2016 Goose Expression. This allows you to experience the subtle changes that occur as the wine continues to age in the bottle.

Then follow this fun and educational approach: Open one bottle every three months, and take notes on the aroma, flavour, and overall experience each time. You might notice the wine’s tannins softening, the fruit flavours becoming more pronounced or even some new nuances emerging that weren’t there before.

By the time you open the last bottle, you’ll have a detailed record of the wine’s evolution. Comparing your notes will give you a deeper appreciation for how time in the bottle has influenced this remarkable blend. It’s a journey worth taking for any wine enthusiast!

Whether you enjoy it now or decide to lay it down for a bit longer, the 2016 Goose Expression promises a rewarding experience. Cheers!

If you would like to place an order and start your journey, click “Our Wines” on our website to visit our online shop. Alternatively, send an email to admin@thegoosewines.com to request our full price list.

The Goose Shiraz with its exceptional character is from the unique region of the Upper-Langkloof in South Africa.

This distinguished wine recently scored an impressive 91 out of 100 at the prestigious Fine Wine Awards, earning it a coveted Silver Medal. The Fine Wine Awards is sponsored by American Express.

The accolades don’t stop there – Wine of the Month recently had a panel tasting of 20 different Shiraz wines, and The Goose Shiraz was ranked number 1 out of 20 tasted!

We take immense pride in our Shiraz, a testament to the dedication and passion that define our brand. Every bottle encapsulates our unwavering commitment to excellence and our deep connection to the land. The journey of our Shiraz begins in our meticulously tended vineyards, where every vine is nurtured with the utmost care and precision.

Characterized by its deep, ruby hue, our Shiraz offers an exquisite bouquet of dark berries, plum and a hint of pepper, enveloped in subtle oak. On the palate it delivers a harmonious blend of ripe fruit flavours, smooth tannins and a lingering finish that showcases its complexity and finesse.

The unique terroir of the Upper-Langkloof where our vineyards are situated, ensures that The Goose Shiraz is a true standout in the world of fine wines.

As you savour our award-winning Shiraz, know that it represents more than just a beverage. It is a celebration of our heritage, our craftsmanship, and our relentless pursuit of perfection.

Each sip tells the story of our vineyard, our team, and our commitment to bringing you a wine that is truly extraordinary.

Cheers!