The Rascallion 33 and 1/3 RPM is a high concept wine that Malcolm Jolley says delivers.
Rascallian 33 1/3 RPM 2017, Western Cape, $18.95, LCBO# 914390
Here is strange sounding, high concept wine that ought not to work but really does. It’s a South African white wine made with a blend of 40% Chenin, 40% Roussanne, 10% Grenache Blanc, 8% Viognier, and 2% Verdelho. Loire Valey meets Rhône Valley, except, of course, Chenin Blanc grown in South Africa is (to stereotype) a fuller, riper grape than ones grown in Northwestern France and in the case of the 33 1/3 RPM it brings a strong peachy fruit that harmonizes with the round body and white floral elements of the Rhône. What the Verdelho does, I have no idea personally, but it’s all good. In this GFR interview, Rascallian founder and ‘wine creator’, Ross Sleet says the Verdelho provides ‘crunch’.
I plan on serving the 33 1/3 as an aperitif with snacks, as it strikes me as both versatile and able to stand on its own as a drink. I think you could pair it with anything one might an unoaked Chardonnay, from grilled fish to a club sandwich. At $19, this fun and fruit forward wine is certainly worth a try.
The Rascallian 33 1/3 is part of the LCBO’s August 31st Vintages release. Click here to look-up availability at lcbo.com.
