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It was a Tuesday evening and we were suddenly moved to loadshedding level 3. In our neighbourhood, the power was out between 18:00 and 20:30 and there was just nothing we could do. Well, that was when I took the Soleil Société Club Rosé (Valentine's) talking wine tasting kit out of the fridge. My wife and I had so much fun that by the time we were done, the electricity was back on again.
The talking wine tasting kits come in a nifty box and this specific one – all Rosé wines – had 12 wines (and a De Villiers chocolate included) in perfect size taster samples, poured into tubes. I put the whole box in the fridge. Each sample is enough for one person.
This is how it works. Each sample has its own AR (augmented reality) code that you scan with your phone. Once your phone recognises the code, the voice of the winemaker becomes audible. While pouring the wines, the winemakers will introduce themselves and take you through a tutored tasting of the wine. This is a great way to get to know the history and the story behind a particular wine, from the winemakers directly, in the comfort of your own home. You do need a smartphone and data in order to share in this experience.
Each tube is clearly marked with the name of the producer, the name of the wine, the variety and the vintage. The Rosé box contains a well-balanced variety of South African Rosé's that will cover a wide range of taste preferences. The wines included in this kit are as follow:
1. Strandveld - First Sighting Rosé 2021
2. Darling Cellar - Old Bush Vines Cinsault Rosé 2021
3. Holden Manz - Hiro 2020
4. Stellenzicht - Thunderstone Rosé 2021
5. Waverley Hills - Grenache Rosé 2021
6. Elmie – Elmie Rosé 2020
7. Bruce Jack - Sauvignon Blush 2021
8. Kleine Zalze - Cellar Selection Cinsault Rosé 2021
9. De Grendel - Rosé 2021
10. Lyngrove - Collection Rosé 2021
11. Fleur du Cap - Chardonnay Pinot Noir Rosé
12. Renegade CanCan - Satine Granache Rosé
The quality of these wines was great and from reputable producers. I was also pleasantly surprised by some smaller producers such as Elmie. The line-up of these wines jumps between complexities, acidity and flavour profiles, so your palate is constantly active with a new surprise for every wine. The chocolate was not paired with a specific wine.
I think that these tasting boxes are a great idea and a nice way to taste wines in the comfort of your own home, especially if you feel that you are still exploring and feel intimidated by formal wine tastings. I would not say that this is something that should be bought and kept for a special occasion – you should try it right away. And make sure that you order a box for each person tasting. The delivery is a smooth process.
So, if you feel like having a lazy weekend without going to busy places, but you still wish to explore a wide variety of wines, the Soleil talking wine tasting kit is the one for you! It is really fun! More information can be found on their website where orders can also be placed: https://www.soleil.club/
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