Most Popular Wines in Kenya 2022: Part 3, Premium Wines
In previous articles we highlighted our most popular everyday value wines and our most popular crossover wines. Here we present Kenya’s most popular premium wines in 2022 as purchased by The Wine Box customers.
Anyone who develops a taste for wine will at some point wish to explore the more premium products out there. Generally, a wine is considered “premium” if it displays the correct flavours and aromas of the grape variety (known as typicity) plus an influence from the place the grapes were grown (known as terroir). Learn more about these aspects of wine production in our article “What factors affect the price and quality of wine?”
So if you’re looking for some recommendations for premium wines to try, a good place to start is with a list of those premium wines other customers prefer to buy. All of the following wines retail between Ksh2,500 and Ksh6,000:
1. Louis Latour Bourgogne Chardonnay 2020
At the top of our list of popular premium wines is this lovely chardonnay from one of France’s most well respected producers. Aromas of pears and cream, with a hint of elderflower, give way to lemon and lime on the palate. It pairs beautifully with fish dishes and and also white meats such as poultry or pork.
2. Louis Latour Chablis La Chanfleure 2020
Our discerning customers love a chardonnay and here is another French example taking second spot. Light and delicious, fragrant with green apple, pear, citrus and dried fruit, and with refreshing acidity and minerality on the palate. Try it with fish, shellfish or soft cheese; it will also work well with yakitori.
3. Louis Latour Brouilly 2020
A classic beaujolais is the top premium red wine on our list this year, and the third Louis Latour we’re highlighting. Light and smooth, with blackberry and raspberry aromas and flavours, a touch of violet flowers and pepper, and good acidity. Easy drinking and a great match for meats such as veal and pork.
4. Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana 2018
Moving to Italy now, and our most popular premium red blend in 2022. A medium-bodied wine with dark fruits, vanilla and spice, perfectly balanced with soft tannins and delicate acidity, it’s a terrific wine to serve with red meat dishes and pasta.
5. Yealands Estate Winemaker’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2018
As you might expect, Yealands have produced an expertly made, complex and elegant Marlborough sav blanc for the winemaker’s reserve. Intense aromas and flavours of gooseberry and passionfruit are backed by savoury notes of thyme and a flinty mineral palate. Fresh and crisp, this wine will pair well with creamy fish dishes and other seafood.
6. Rutini Collection Malbec 2019
Malbec is one of Kenya’s favourite grapes and this is a wonderful example from Argentina, without doubt the spiritual home of malbec. With plenty of red cherry and plum aromas and a hint of vanilla from the aging in oak, it is full bodied, well built and very refined. Pair it with grilled and roasted meats; it also makes a fantastic companion for hearty stews.
7. Louis Latour Côte de Nuits-Villages 2019
Another Louis Latour wine favoured by our customers, this excellent pinot noir offers plenty of red and black berry aromas along with some floral and spice notes. A lighter style wine, with juicy blackcurrant flavour balanced by medium tannins, smooth on the palate. Match it with duck, veal and charcuterie; also try it with a savoury crèpe or alongside a cheese platter.
8. Cigalus Blanc 2019
This complex and beautifully balanced wine from Gérard Bertrand is unquestionably inspired. A blend of chardonnay, viognier and sauvignon blanc grapes grown biodynamically, it offers intense aromas of honey, tropical fruits and grapefruit. On the palate the wine is textured and supple with plenty of minerality and exotic fruit flavours. Pair it with seafood or vegetarian dishes, or alternatively serve on its own as an apéritif.
9. Rutini Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2020
The second wine from Argentina’s Rutini winery in our list, this excellent sav blanc offers aromas of grapefruit and passionfruit, followed by peach, grapefruit and a touch of toast on the palate. Zesty acidity complements the flavours, and the finish is smooth and dry. Serve on its own as an apéritif or alongside shellfish.
10. Terroir Hunter Carménère 2018
Finally, an outstanding Chilean carménère rounds off our list of the most popular premium wines this year. Smoky, earthy aromas envelop prominent berries on the nose. Wood tones, restrained minerality and a hint of dark chocolate balance the powerful berry flavours. The soft tannins, moderate acidity and long spicy finish make this a particularly moreish drink. Perfect with grilled meat dishes.