Celebrate the many wonders of Spring with Champagne Bollinger Rosé, a highly polished, delicately fruited, perfectly balanced Rosé of great complexity and sophistication.
The Bollinger Rosé is a blend of 62% pinot noir, 24% chardonnay and 14% pinot meunier from 85% Grand or Premier Cru vineyards of exceptional quality.
Champagne Bollinger Rosé entices with a beautiful salmon pink colour, a velvet mousse and fresh, pure redcurrant, cherry and strawberry aromas, the palate is rich and refined, perfectly combining power with freshness, with a silky texture and juicy wild berry flavours, a touch of creaminess and a lasting fresh berry finish.
The absolutely fabulous Champagne Bollinger Rosé can be served for afternoon tea, Bollinger-style. It is also perfect for a picnic on a summer afternoon, as a pre-dinner drink or served with crayfish, salmon, Japanese cuisine or not-so-spicy Asian cuisine and fruit-based desserts.
Champagne Bollinger Rosé, packaged in a gorgeous gift box, is available nationally for approximately R1400
One of the world’s most revered Champagne Houses, Bollinger has consistently created outstanding Champagne distinguished by elegance and complexity since 1829.
When #DrinkChenin Day comes around on 18 June, why not open a bottle of Nederburg Heritage Heroes The Anchorman Chenin Blanc? You’ll discover its superb freshness matched by complexity and structure, and ripe apricot, white peach and floral flavours with a hint of spice.
At Nederburg, Chenin blanc offers the winemaking team an incredible opportunity to innovate and experiment with various styles and grape sources.
“This wine has a fascinating story in that it is a blend of four very differently vinified components,” explains the Paarl winery’s assistant white winemaker, Jamie Williams.
“One portion of fruit is fermented in barrels, a second in stainless-steel tanks, while a third is fermented in amphorae (clay pots) and the remainder, carbonically macerated. Usually applied when making reds, carbonic maceration is when whole grape bunches are neither crushed nor pressed, but allowed to ferment spontaneously, to give a light, fruity and fresh profile.
“An absolute pleasure to make, and to drink, this wine is very food-friendly and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, from fresh fish, seafood, white meat, pasta dishes, salads and mild, fruity curries. For a truly South African match, try it with Slaphakskeentjie tarte tatin with Chevin cream.”
#WineThings
FAT bastard wines are ‘tickled pink’ that their well-loved FAT bastard Rosé was honoured with a Double Gold medal, for the second year in a row, at the 2020 Rosé Rocks competition. Rosé Rocks is South Africa’s first dedicated rosé wine competition which seeks to recognise excellence in rosé winemaking and promote the SA Rosé category.
“Rosé is still one of the fastest growing categories of wine internationally. In South Africa alone, sales have grown annually in double digits in the last few years. This is exciting for consumers and winemakers alike, and there's no doubt about it, rosé wines have sex appeal,” said the late Allan Mullins, wine expert and industry legend who headed up the panel of judges since the competition’s inception.
In addition to the 2020 Rosé Rocks accolade, The FAT bastard Rosé was also honoured with a Gold Medal at the 2020 Gold Wine Awards and a 2020 Silver Veritas Awards Medal. In fact, these prestigious awards for the Rosé are amongst a notable awards yield for the FAT bastard range of wines from 2020 wine competitions.
CONGRATS TO NEDERBURG FROM US.
Nederburg’s first new-look and new-styled top-tier wine to reach the market has earned a five-star rating in the 2021 edition of the Platter’s South African Wine Guide. The ultra-premium wine, Private Bin Two Centuries Cabernet Sauvignon, is from the celebrated 2017 vintage. It will be released later this month (November).
Says winery MD Nïel Groenewald: “ThePlatter’s panel’s affirmation of our revised styling is very welcome news. Cabernet Sauvignon is an especially important grape for us. We have a long-standing and award-winning history with the variety. It is a major focus for our cellar.
“With this, our most recent iteration of the wine, it was essential that we maintain a measure of continuity - call it our recognisable signature. At the same time, though, we wanted to give expression to some of our new thinking about wine, as well as to the benefits of our stepped-up investment in precision farming and enhanced cellar technology.
“While you can pick up a stylistic link to earlier vintages, I think wine lovers will discover a greater level of fruit purity and concentration in the 2017 wine, but within a lither, more supple frame. Certainly, the hallmark balance between fruit, acidity, tannins, palate weight and length are there but delivered with greater refinement.”
End of Season 2 goes to Holden Manz - Merlot Reserve, Franschhoek - 2016 (750ml)
I must say this season has been my favourite. I have had no pressure at all, every wine was carefully selected with many many notes I personally made. normally I have a thousand events to go to and I take very quick time to choose but this time around I have more free time which means more Wine time!
Congratulations to the Winemaker Thierry Haberer for creating this masterpiece. Thank you.
Upfront mulberry, blackberry and dark cherries followed by subtle spice aromas provide an in depth nose with nuances of elegantly integrated wood maturation. Smooth, elegant, sexy and luscious! This is pure 100% merlot. Just the way I like it!
TOPS at SPAR Wine Show uncorks more opportunities to better your wine know-how
In these tumultuous times, TOPS at SPAR Wine Show, remains 100% dedicated to keeping the conversation around local wine alive! During the first stages of lockdown, South Africa’s largest and most loved travelling wine show partnered with South Africa’s top wine educator, Cathy Marston, to create two accessible, fun, interactive online courses for the wine-curious. They were so well-received that TOPS at SPAR Wine Show is now offering more online wine courses during July and August!
The content of these courses has been curated following feedback from the first two courses and will be an interactive, fun way to connect with friends whilst social distancing – think of them as an online wine club…wine’s answer to book club! If quality time with your loved one is long over-due, why not sign up for a course and do something new on date night? Whether you’re just straight up tired of doing the same old things in the evening or really not keen on going out in the cold, then booking your spot on one of these courses, lighting the fire and opening a bottle of wine just seems like the right thing to do!
Two entry-level courses – ‘A Newbie’s Guide to Wine’ (running on 21, 23, 28 & 30 July) and ‘Local & Lekker – Focus on SA Wine’ (running on 18, 20, 25 & 27 Aug) are neatly packaged into four live 60-minute online ‘Zoom’ sessions. Each session starts with some informative theory presented in Cathy Marston’s engaging style, followed by an interactive, practical tasting session to put what you have just learned into practice. All participants will have access to downloadable course material and a course recording is supplied after each session, plus the opportunity to engage in live Q&A’s with Cathy Marston online. The perfect blend of a fab night in with the added bonus of upskilling!
The first session of ‘A Newbie’s Guide to Wine’ decants the ABC’s of Wine, while the two subsequent sessions will delve into Great Whites and Romantic Reds. The course ends on a high note unveiling the Mystery of Pinks & Pairing.
For those on a quest for a deeper understanding of the nuances of the Cape Winelands, ‘Local & Lekker – Focus on SA Wine’, shines a spotlight on local cultivars, styles and regions in session one ‘WINEderful Whites’ and session two ‘Robust and Red’. Session three dives deep on our nations sweet, fortified wines, with session four culminating in a crescendo for WINEderlanders as they learn about South Africa’s finest fizz and MCC.
Space is limited so book your spot on the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show website. Wines are not included. Both courses are presented live by Cathy Marston and consist of four sessions, taking place from 18h00 to 19h00 every Tuesday and Thursday over two weeks. The TOPS at SPAR Wine Show’s ‘A Newbie’s Guide to uncorks on Tuesday, 21 July at 18h00, ending on Thursday, 30 July, and the ‘Local & Lekker – Focus on SA Wine’ starts on Tuesday, 18 August and concludes on Thursday, 27 August (registration closes the Monday before the first session.)
----
TOPS at SPAR Wine Show
--------------------
South Africa’s largest and most loved travelling ‘try-and-buy’ wine show – the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show – is back, opening the door to a taste of what the winelands has to offer. Its 14-year legacy continues with seven spectacular events that showcase the most sought-after and enjoyed wines throughout South Africa. It’s time to breathe! Says Andrew Douglas, Owner and Producer of The Wine Show, “We invite our guests to step into the South African winelands: to experience the beautiful landscapes, drink in the rich aromas, meet the colourful characters, and most of all, indulge in our globally celebrated wines.” The WINEderland Tour kicks off in Durban from 7 to 9 May, followed by Johannesburg from 4 to 6 June, Cape Town from 9 to 11 July, Port Elizabeth from 30 July to 1 August, Pretoria from 1 to 3 October, East London from 5 to 7 November, and ending off in Nelspruit from 26 to 28 November.
---------------------
Keep an eye out on www.wineshow.co.za for ticket sales going live in your area.
Introducing a Sumptuous Sip of Sunshine and Award-Winning Wines for Summer Sipping #LiveLarge
Discover the taste of sunshine this summer with FAT bastard Chenin Blanc, the latest member of the popular FAT bastard POD.
A larger POD means you’ve got more ‘LARGE-LIVING’ to do this summer, wallowing in the many charms of the well-loved, rich and round, food-friendly range of award-winning FAT bastard wines.
Introducing FAT bastard CHENIN BLANC 2018 This gorgeous Chenin Blanc was blended from a selection of the best wine from the year’s ripe harvest. From the start, the aim was to produce a Chenin Blanc with intense fruit flavours and complex character utilising quality grapes. All the fruit was harvested in the early hours and the juice pressed while the grapes were still cool to help retain aroma and flavour. As lively as a golden ray of sunshine, it all comes together in that very first sip: Juicy yellow peach and a hint of vanilla dance across the palate and the wine lingers with a tangy note of fresh lime on the finish. A sumptuous sip of sunshine indeed, and delicious with a glazed ham, smoked salmon or a Cape Malay-style prawn curry. The FAT bastard Chenin Blanc 2018 is widely available nationally and retails between R85 and R95.
The Wines of Italy Festival comes to Montecasino!
Vini Classico… Vini Superiore… Vini Reserva… From Friday, 22 to Sunday, 24 November, wines of Italian origin ranging from the classic, to the superior to vintage reserves will be spectacularly showcased at the second annual Vino in Piazza. The Wines of Italy Festival extends even further into an appreciation of the essence of ‘la dolce vita’ through Italian food, lifestyle and culture – fittingly presented in SA’s very own Tuscan village on African soil – Montecasino (https://www.tsogosun.com/montecasino). Presented by the Consulate General of Italy in partnership with the Italian Embassy, the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Chamber of Commerce and held as part of the International Week of Italian Cuisine, Vino in Piazza is an opportunity to experience the very best that Italy has to offer – without the cost of a plane ticket! Vino in Piazza will introduce over 20 exclusive Italian wine producers who will showcase 130 wines from 11 different regions located in the North, centre and South of Italy: Veneto, Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio, Umbria, Abruzzo, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily to the South African market. Visitors will discover never-before-tasted red, white, rosé and Prosecco or Spumante Italian wines decadently paired at chefs’ tables hosted by renowned Italian chefs such as Michelin Star Chef Alfonso Caputo from Napoli in Italy. Famous for his typically napolitana fish-based cuisine, Chef Alfonso will be jetting into SA to headline the delicioza Italian food and wine pairing sessions. He will be joined in the chefs table line-up by local Italian celebrity chefs such as Orazio Cremona Jr of Belfiore Deli, Ciro Molinaro of La Cucina di Ciro, Gianni Mariano and Paolo Scola from Mastrantonio. The Italian Embassy will also be hosting “The South African & Italian Wine Research Innovation Workshop”, presented by both Italian and South African Oenologists who will impart their knowledge and best practices in the science and study of wine as a means to pursue new collaborations between the two wine-making countries. Italian-styled pop-up restaurants and food stalls by O’vero Pizza, Nutella, Ferrero, Kinder, Grand Padano, Adriatic Italian food distributors and Lavazza, amongst others, will bring to life the quality and simplicity of Italian food, allowing you to indulge in the leisurely style of eating made famous by Italians, while the children are entertained in the Kinder Play Area. There are also some exciting prizes to be won: two return tickets to Rome courtesy of Alitalia valued at R30 000, two tickets for a three-day cruise to the Portuguese Islands in an Ocean View Cabin valued at R17 210 courtesy of MSC Cruises, Ferrari hampers valued at R2 000, three Lavazza coffee machines valued at R 1 500 each and Ferrero limited edition pyramids valued at R1 000 each.
Says Mike Page, Operations Director and Complex General Manager of Montecasino, “The Tuscan way of life inspired the theming of Montecasino, and we strive to encapsulate the essence of Italian life at every touchpoint. This event, made possible by partnership of the Consulate General of Italy, Italian Embassy, Italian Trade Agency and Italian Chamber of Commerce, allows us to extend this vision to the most authentic showcase of Italian lifestyle possible, and we invite everyone with a passion for la bella vita (the good life) to come and experience it in its truest form.” Get your tickets from www.tapticket.co.za/event. General access is only R160 per person and includes 20 wine tasting vouchers, a wine tasting glass, one wine-pairing session and a Lavazza coffee.
The Kinder Play Area includes child minders and games for children at R20 per child aged 3 to 12 years. Why not get your friends together and take advantage of the group ticket special? With this deal you pay R1 200 for 10 tickets. Don’t forget to use your Rewards card for further discounts! Montecasino is hosting the best of Italy in Johannesburg! Prepare for an Italian feast of flavours under African skies.
Visit www.tsogosun.com/montecasino or Facebook.com/Montecasino for more information on Montecasino. … Low in Alcohol, Low in Kilojoules and Stylishly Repackaged
Robertson Winery, true to its reputation for pioneering, innovation and keeping abreast with the times, launched the first collection of light cultivar wines in 2008, featuring a: Sauvignon Blanc Extra Light, Chenin Blanc Light and Pinotage Rosé Light. This popular range was extended when an Extra Light Merlot was added to the collection in 2011. With the trend towards a healthier lifestyle and the stricter enforcement of drinking and driving laws, this innovative new refreshing light, fruity style of wine - with lighter alcohol levels and fewer calories, without sacrificing quality and taste - proved to be very popular. The energy or kilojoules in wine come from two sources – the alcohol, and the residual sugar left in the wine after fermentation. All four wines in the Light Cultivar range have lower alcohol levels, around 9% compared to the normal 12 or 13%. In addition, the Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot are termed Extra Light because they are extra dry (with 2.5 grams/litre (g/l) or less residual sugar) resulting in a third less calories. BE SURE TO LOOK OUT FOR THE FOUR WINES IN ROBERTSON WINERY’S LIGHT CULTIVAR RANGE: All freshly adorned with stylish new packaging.
ROBERTSON WINERY LIGHT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019: Low in alcohol | Low in kilojoules
Winemaker’s comments: This refreshingly dry wine is zesty with attractive notes of freshly-cut grass and green pepper, with a grapefruit zip. Retail price: R50 – R55
ROBERTSON WINERY LIGHT CHENIN BLANC 2019: Low in alcohol | Off-dry
Winemaker’s comments: This off-dry wine is refreshing with captivating yellow apple, pear and floral notes. Retail price: R50 – R55
ROBERTSON WINERY EXTRA LIGHT PINOTAGE ROSÉ 2019: Low in alcohol | Off-dry
ROBERTSON WINERY EXTRA LIGHT MERLOT 2018: Low in alcohol | Low in kilojoules
Winemaker’s comments: Enticing aromas of mulberry, cinnamon and spice lead to ripe plum and sweet black cherry flavours. Retail price: R50 – R55
ROBERTSON WINERY, 160km from Cape Town, is situated in the beautiful Robertson Wine Valley. The tasting room is open seven days a week. Tel: 023 626-3059 Email: info@robertsonwinery.co.za Website: https://www.robertsonwinery.co.za/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Robertson.Winery Twitter: https://twitter.com/robertsonwinery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertsonwinery/ @RobertsonWinery Three of the country’s leading sommeliers give their top wine tips – and share their favourite food and wine pairings
Xolani Mancotywa, who works at the hospitality consultancy Chenin Noir and who has been a sommelier at top South African and international restaurants: “My favourite food and wine pairing depends on the mood, time of the year and the company I am with. Today I happened to be in a Prosecco and chorizo pasta mood!” Tongai Joseph Dhafana, internationally celebrated sommelier from La Calombe, wine judge with his own successful wine label Mosi Wines and board member of the BLACC Cellar gives advice to wine buyers: “If you are looking for young wines to drink immediately, look for fruit that is well balanced with its acidity. If you are looking to buy wine to age, then try a bottle before you buy a whole case to check its acidity, tannins and structure to ensure that it will age well.”
Chantelle Gous who works with the Singita Premierwine Direct team reveals: “One of the most satisfying moments doing wine service one evening was when I recommending a De Morgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc to pair with a passion-fruit coated pork cheek. I could see the scepticism from the guest (who was not very familiar with Chenin Blanc and least of all SA Chenin Blanc) and wondering how a Chenin Blanc would work in this pairing. The match worked very well and the guest demanded that I go and get a piece of pork cheek to taste it with the Chenin Blanc.” The three were part of the judging panel for this year's Sommeliers Selection, the only South African wine competition blind tasted and judged solely by a panel of South Africa’s top sommeliers, in categories fashioned around the perfect varietals for a restaurant wine menu and to accompany food. This year more than 400 wines from the country's top estates entered the contest, with the winning wines, beers and gin coming from more than 60 farms.
Stand-out wines for 2019 include the Glen Carlou Chardonnay 2018, Plaisir de Merle Grand Plaisir 2014, Idiom Bordeaux Blend 2015, Villiera Wines Tradition Brut NV, Peter Falke Wines Méthode Cap Classique 2013 and, in the craft beer category, the Cape Brewing Company's Mandarina Bavaria IPA. These - and many more - can be sampled at the Sommelier Selection 2019 tasting evenings held this month in Johannesburg and Durban later in the month. Mancotywa explains what attracted him to the profession: “It was curiosity. I once was in a class for white wines and the students said they smelt asparagus and green pepper - this is what hooked me as I did not believe one could get scents of food in a glass.” His top tip: “Drink what you love and never be bullied by a sommelier or wine professional who wants you to purely spend on price. It is why people should attend Sommeliers Selection. There is exposure to a wide range of wines which have been expertly placed into the accompanying categories. From price to a quality spectrum, there is an option for all.
Real sommeliers do not choose wine based on pricing only. The categories are testament to this.” Gous reveals some latest wine trends: “There is an exciting increase in the light red wine category - wines such as Cinsaut, Grenache, Pinotage and Pinot Noir and lighter-styled red blends showing bright red fruit, crunchiness from skin contact and attractive perfume. This is a refreshing transition as these wines offer good pairing partners to food, the lighter style is suited to SA’s warmer climate and it can be enjoyed slightly chilled for lunch. A variety such as Grenache is also more drought-resistant and offers a solution to not only the recent drought pressures in SA, but also to the overall global warming realities. It is exciting to see some experimentation with white varieties such as Verdelho and Palomino in SA – both also suited to warmer areas and adds a nice element of citrus and white stone fruit to wines.” Why does she believe it is important to pair food and wine: “I personally did not grow up with wine and food paired – this is a world that opened for me when I started working in the hospitality industry. It is also something that I love to experience especially when travelling in Europe where it is such a part of their daily life. I often come across this culture when serving European guests in particular - wine would never be ordered without deciding on their dinner first or alternatively, dinner would be selected to fit the wine choice. Ultimately it is about achieving balance and promoting the best components from both – the food and the wine. Neither of it can be enjoyed to its full potential by being overpowered by the other. Often you have a magical moment where the food and wine not only complement each other, but enhance the entire experience and create a wonderful sensorial experience.”
DURBAN
Venue: The Beverly Hills Hotel, uMhlanga
Date: Thursday, 31 October Times: 16:00-18:00 - trade only 18:00 - public admitted 21:00 - doors close
Tickets: R100pp or R175 for two (no persons under 18 permitted)
Book: https://www.webtickets.co.za/performance.aspx?itemid=1494163066 Social media: Website: www.thesommeliersselection.co.za Facebook: @Sommeliersselection Twitter: @SommeliersS
#Congrats to Durbanville Hills
Joburg's lovers of all things Wine and Bubbles headed down to The San Deck, Sandton to celebrate the arrival of Durbanville Hills Sparkling Rosé. Enjoyed under the sun with Live music and their very own custom made cocktails! The Afternoon was perfect for this new baby that all the guests were raving about. Ricardo Cloete from the wine team at Durbanville Hills was there and was just as excited about the brand and was being dubbed as the 'man behind the brand', something he shy's away from and says this new addition is really a team effort. He thanks the consumer for seeing the gap in the market because if it was not for their requests the Rosé would not have been here today. There's a huge global trend of Rosé so this I think is really a great move for Durbanville Hills and it will allow them to tap into new markets while giving the competitors a run for their money.
There's a Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz combination in this new Rosé and the thing with a Rosé is being able to pick the right grapes which I think was done with this new Durbanville Hills offering. Carbonation brings out flavour & colour in the wine, Ripe berry freshness coming through the nose, sweet flavours as well. They clearly added a bit of sugar that's why it has that semi-sweet freshness. Perfect chilled.
Food pairing? for me I'd pair it with seafood dishes and BBQ as well.
Durbanville Hills Sparkling Rosé is available for purchase right now! The first vintage was released 18 years ago
Hannibal, Bouchard Finlayson’s iconic Italian red blend, created a stir when Peter Finlayson released the first vintage 18 years ago. Today, with Chris Albrecht as winemaker at the helm, Hannibal is as consistent and popular as ever, with the newly released 2017 vintage expected to be another best seller within the Bouchard Finlayson stable. The intriguing name, Hannibal, is a symbolic expression of the synergy with the African elephant linking the winelands of France and Italy together two thousand years ago under the invading command of the classic Carthaginian general. The 2017 vintage comprises 39% Sangiovese, 18% Pinot Noir, 18% Shiraz, 15% Nebbiolo, 5% Mourvédre and 5% Barbera. Says Chris Albrecht: ‘Using six Italian cultivars and compiling the final blend, is a rigorous affair that stretches over a number of days.
This vintage saw two Italians assist with harvest on their internship, which I believe particularly benefited the Hannibal. My overriding winemaking philosophy is to focus on the small things, and so various possible combinations were tasted, until this particular blend showed itself as superior. It is a classic Hannibal vintage, sporting cherry and plum compote aromas, a saline edge and clean leather adding depth of flavour.’ The entry is subtle, offering rounded yet notable tannins, building towards the finish and interspersed with bright freshness. Considered as the perfect match to red meat dishes, as well as chevre cheese, and Aubergine and mozzarella bake, it’s a wine that leaves you contemplating its complex nature.
Available at the cellar door at R331 per bottle, the 2017 Hannibal will age exceptionally well. @BouchFinlayson
WELGEGUND HERITAGE WINES HONOURED IN TIM ATKIN'S 2019 SOUTH AFRICA SPECIAL REPORT
Welgegund Heritage Wines has broken the venerable 90-point barrier in Tim Atkin’s 2019 South Africa Special Report with two 2017 special releases from low-yielding dryland bush vines: Welgegund Heritage Wines Grenache Noir and Cinsault with 93 and 91 points respectively. Tim Atkin, a British Master of Wine and accomplished wine commentator with over 30 years’ experience under his belt, has extensive knowledge when it comes to South African wines.
He tasted 2 115 local wines for his 2019 report, now in its seventh year and his largest yet. The wines are rated according to the international 100-point system. WELGEGUND HERITAGE WINES GRENACHE NOIR AND CINSAULT 2017 “We are overjoyed that the stature of our two 2017 maiden niche cultivar releases has been endorsed by acclaimed UK Master of Wine Tim Atkin. 2017 proved to be an exceptional vintage. Our Cinsault and Grenache Noir were normally destined for blending, but when I saw the quality of these varietals in barrel, I just knew I had to do single cultivar bottlings and show these wines to the world. The immense drought of the 2016/2017 season had created smaller Grenache and Cinsault berries bringing lovely colour and intense concentration to the wines, with a wealth of fruit, richness, texture and depth of flavour. We wanted to showcase the ample fruit and aromas unique to Grenache and Cinsault,” says Welgegund Heritage Wines winemaker, Friedrich Kühne. WELGEGUND HERITAGE WINES GRENACHE NOIR 2017 In the vineyard and the cellar: This wine is produced from a high-altitude west-facing dryland bush vine vineyard planted in 2006. 50% of the wine was aged unoaked, to retain fresh fruity aromas, with the balance aged for 14 months in 3rd and 4th-fill French oak barrels.
Winemaker’s tasting notes: Bright and exuberant with light violet hues, the nose displays an abundance of blackberry and raspberry aromas with some subtle floral notes. The palate is soft, lean and refined, showing dark fruit, chocolate and black forest cake with a hint of cloves, powdery well-integrated tannins Limited release: Only 1777 (the year Welgegund was established) individually numbered bottles were produced. WELGEGUND HERITAGE WINES CINSAULT 2017 In the vineyard and the cellar: This wine is produced from a 1974 southwest-facing dryland bush vine heritage vineyard with an extremely low yield of 1.2 tons per hectare. A large portion of the wine (80%) was aged unoaked, to retain fresh fruity aromas, with the balance aged for 14 months in 3rd and 4th-fill French oak. Winemaker’s tasting notes: Clear and bright with fresh purple hues, the nose displays an array of fresh berry aromas: cherries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries with a hint of spice. The palate is soft, juicy and consistent, showing liquorice and dark fruit flavours with subtle savoury notes, silky tannins and a persistent clean finish. “Our purest expression of Cinsault.” Limited release: Only 1768 individually numbered bottles were produced. WINE PACKAGING AND RETAIL PRICES “We were so impressed with these two niche cultivar bottlings that we pulled out all the stops with exquisite packaging - bold imported bottles, simple and elegant wrap-round labels, regal wax seals and numbered bottles,” continued Friedrich Kühne.
The Welgegund Heritage Wines Grenache Noir and Cinsault 2017, adorned with vivid violet and crimson wax seals respectively, are available at the cellar and nationally at specialised wine merchants and restaurants, and retail between are available at the cellar and nationally at specialised wine merchants and restaurants, and retail between R310 and R340 per bottle.
WELGEGUND HERITAGE WINES
Welgegund, meaning “well-bestowed”, is the perfect title for this heritage estate nestled at the foot of the magnificent Hawequa mountains at the end of an oak-lined cul-de-sac in Wellington. Visitors don’t have to venture far to experience the fruits of its blessings: a place of natural beauty, heritage buildings dating back to the early 1800’s and a unique fingerprint of terroir and climate.
A scenic 50-minute drive from Cape Town, Welgegund is a must for connoisseurs and wine lovers. Wine and olive tastings that showcase the intense deliciousness of this estate’s produce can be enjoyed by appointment only. Take the time and make an appointment. It’s well worth it!Welgegund Wine Farm, 119 Berg Street, Wellington, South Africa Tel: 021 873 2123 · Email: emathews@welgegund.co.za Website: https://www.welgegund.co.za/ · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/welgegundwines/ Twitter: @WelgegundWines Instagram: @Welgegund_wines #WelgegundWines
UNCORKING THE KRONE KAAIMANSGAT BLANC DE BLANCS 2016
A Single-Vineyard Terroir-Specific Vintage Cuvée Rooted in Time and Place Krone, home to vintage-only, handcrafted Méthode Cap Classique, on the historic Twee Jonge Gezellen estate in Tulbagh, have released South Africa’s first terroir specific MCC: the Krone Kaaimansgat Blanc de Blancs 2016.
Sculpted by the vintage and harnessing the intrinsic energy of the iconic Kaaimansgat (Crocodile’s Lair) Chardonnay vineyard near Villiersdorp, this single-vineyard terroir-specific vintage cuvée is rooted in time and place. “The making of vintage-only Krone MCC is directed by nature: from soil to vine to bottle. We bottle the spirit of the vines, the character of the vintage. Our winemaking team channels the rain, the sun and the wind into structure, complexity and balance—and seals it all with a cork. Each vintage tells its own story, celebrating a unique moment in time and place,” comments Rudiger Gretschel, Krone’s cellarmaster. After many visits to Champagne, Rudiger decided to focus on a single vineyard cuvée, cast in the mould of Grower Champagnes, producers who focus on ‘terroir expressive champagnes, which vary from vintage to vintage.
The 2016 Krone Kaaimansgat Blanc de Blancs expresses the distinct character of the 2016 vintage and the extraordinary 31-year-old high-altitude Kaaimansgat Chardonnay vineyard, located 700m above sea level deep inside a blind valley in the cool-climate Elandskloof ward in the Overberg. “Producing a vintage wine from a single vineyard is the purest expression of transparency and authenticity. It is an exercise in courage and passion, leaving no place to hide as the quality of the grapes and the skill of the winemaker are in full view”, continues Rudiger.
THE VINEYARD
Highly acclaimed viticulturist, Rosa Kruger, who has spent over two decades locating and nurturing some of the country's most remarkable vineyards, and is now the driving force behind The Old Vines Project, shares her insight into the famed Kaaimansgat vineyard: “Kaaimansgat is a unique high-altitude site, a site of extremes. The old vines, unirrigated, are planted on the steep foothills of the mountains. In winter the mountains encircling the vineyards are covered in snow, in summer the day temperatures are warm and sunny, the nights cool to cold: ideal conditions for later ripening of the grapes, producing wines with a strong acidity at full ripeness and low pH, prerequisites for making superlative MCC. We have had small crops of beautifully healthy Chardonnay grapes from these 31-year-old vines over the last three years for the Krone Blanc de Blancs MCC.”
THE VINTAGE
The 2016 growing season across the Cape Winelands was characterised by extreme heat and drought, though, thanks to the Kaaimansgat vineyard’s high altitude, the grapes were largely unaffected by these extreme weather conditions. The Chardonnay bunches, small and of excellent quality, were hand-harvested early in the season in the cool of the night, to preserve flavour and retain a high natural acidity and low sugar content ideal for MCC. The intensely flavoured pure fruit came in at a crisp, cool 18°C.
IN THE CELLAR
This terroir-driven Blanc de Blancs is made in a natural style in small batches. On arrival at the cellar, the grapes were immediately whole-bunch pressed to preserve the aromatics as well as the clarity of the juice. Only the free-run juice, the first 500 litres per ton, was used for this MCC. The fruit was fermented with natural, wild yeasts in large 2,500 litre foudres, upright wooden vats. It was then bottle-fermented and aged for three years on the lees in the underground cellar, balancing acidity, fruit and freshness. With over 300 years of history, Twee Jonge Gezellen has the honour of being home to the first underground cellar in Africa.
TASTING NOTES
Aromas of mandarin peel and the distinct citrus-floral scent of verbena develop gradually into classic white-fruited Chardonnay elegance. Cool, pure Pink Lady apples evolve on the palate edged with a flinty finish, as if cut by a steel knife. The precise, taut nature of the wine expresses the character of the vintage - a steely framework to support its full, soft mousse along a grain of toast with hints of oatmeal in the background. With its defined, linear acidity this Blanc de Blancs is restrained in its youth and will develop further in the bottle. It's a MCC built to last, and over time more brioche, biscuity notes will evolve to balance the citrus flavours.
FOOD PAIRING
The pure nature of this MCC calls for authentic food of the highest simplicity. Shellfish roasted over wingerdstok, cracked open and served with farm-egg mayonnaise; baked oysters dressed with burnt butter; primal flavours and cooking techniques, such as whole trout grilled on a cedar-plank; refined yet down to earth, pork cheeks with caramelised apples; grass-fed T-bone accompanied by foraged mushrooms; Dalewood Huguenot soufflé; whole cauliflower roasted in terracotta; MCC poached pears with clotted cream.
RETAIL PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Krone Kaaimansgat Blanc de Blancs 2016, distinctively packaged in a jet-black bottle with matching gift box, retails nationally at approximately R500. It is available at fine wine retailers and at the Twee Jonge Gezellen farm as well as at select restaurants. TWEE JONGE GEZELLEN Established in 1710, a national monument with over 300 years of history, Twee Jonge Gezellen in Tulbagh is the treasured home of Krone, a collection of vintage-only, terroir-driven Méthode Cap Classiques made from the finest most distinctive grapes. Traditional Champagne grape varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, have been night-harvested since the early 1980’s to preserve the delicate aromas and flavours of the grapes. Vintage after vintage of Krone MCC is made in classic bottle-fermented style and hand-turned in traditional pupitres while it matures on the lees in Africa’s oldest underground cellar before disgorgement. When the Rands family bought the farm in 2012, many of the original buildings were in need of refubishment. Today, after lengthy restoration, the farm is both redolent of its 300-year-old history and burgeoning with contemporary relevance. Visitors can journey through a series of extraordinary spaces, immersed in history, and filled with contemporary art, sculpture and collectible design, before moving on to sample Krone’s vintage Cap Classiques. The raised terrace offers singular views of the picturesque valley and the Winterhoek, Witzenberg and Obiqua Mountains, while the Tasting Room boasts a dramatic picture window that unveils the workings of the cellar. Twee Jonge Gezellen continues to delight its visitors into the 21st century, offering tastings, cellar and gallery tours.
The Tasting Room and Deck are open Monday to Friday from 10h00-16h00, and on Saturdays from 10h00 to 14h00. The WHATIFTHEWORLD Gallery at Twee Jonge Gezellen, celebrating African contemporary art in the heart of Tulbagh is open Monday to Saturday from 10h00-16h00. Twee Jonge Gezellen is closed on Sundays and Public Holidays Tel: 023 230 0680 · Email: info@kronemcc.com Website: kronemcc.com Facebook: Facebook.com/KroneMCC Twitter and Instagram: @KroneMCC
A GRAND OPENING: NEDERBURG UNLOCKS ITS VAULT OF VINTAGE TREASURES
Nederburg invites wine lovers to visit its beautiful farm in Paarl on 23 and 24 August, to personally choose and purchase from an exciting selection of rare vintage and limited-release wines, when it opens its “vintage vault” to the public.
“This is a rare opportunity to get your hands on some exceptional vintages of Nederburg, including a few vertical and horizontal offerings, at very fair prices – a perfect chance for wine drinkers and connoisseurs to add an integral part of South African wine heritage to their private collections,” says Niël Groenewald, managing director of Nederburg.
Highlighting the remarkable longevity of Nederburg wines and the equally appealing collectability of its newer vintages, the selection totals 57 iconic wines, from the award-winning Private Bin, Two Centuries, Heritage Heroes, Ingenuity and The Winemasters collections.
Own ten vintages of Nederburg’s Ingenuity White (a blend of eight white wine cultivars), spanning 2007 to 2016, seven of which rated five stars by Platter’s South African Wine Guide.
Or add the debut vintages of the Heritage Heroes wines to your wine collection. These wines are all individually named to honour some iconic personalities who have played their part in shaping Nederburg’s pedigree as one of South Africa’s most admired wineries.
“I also encourage potential buyers to strongly consider our Heritage Heroes The Anchorman Chenin Blanc 2016. This wine made us extremely proud when it was awarded a platinum medal for the best South African Chenin blanc at the 2017 Decanter World Wine Awards,” Groenewald explains.
The oldest Nederburg wine to feature is the 2004 vintage of its very exclusive Private Bin R172 Pinotage.
You will get to taste the majority of the wines on offer before you purchase.
The Red Table restaurant, situated in Nederburg’s historic manor house, will be serving delicious dishes from its à la carte menu on both days of the special wine sale, between 12:00 and 16:00.
NEDERBURG VINTAGE VAULT WINE SALE DETAILS
Dates: Friday, 23 August, and Saturday, 24 August 2019
Time: 10:00 to 18:00
Venue: Old Barrel Cellar, Nederburg Wines, Sonstraal Road, Dal Josafat, Paarl
Entrance fee: R100 per person (refundable when purchasing six bottles of wine or more). Go to https://bit.ly/2N3ELxg to purchase tickets.
She started her winemaking career in 1996 at Zevenwacht, but it was her tenure at Avontuur in the early 2000s that cemented her love for the vine. In-between her time at these two estates, Gerber spent a harvest season in the Alsace region of France where she gained important early exposure to the international wine industry. She was winemaker at DGB’s Bellingham from 2004 after which she joined Boschendal in August 2006, where she worked for over a decade as its dedicated Methode Cap Classique (MCC) and white-wine maker. In her new role, Gerber will oversee the production of Nederburg’s extensively awarded wine portfolio, and serve as mentor to young winemaking protégé for Pongrácz, Andiswa Mapheleba, to fast-track her development as a specialist MCC winemaker. “Lizelle is known for being progressive, strategic, and disciplined yet innovative. We are confident in her ability to provide astute direction and inspiration to Nederburg’s team of talented winemakers, and look forward to gleaning valuable insights from her as she takes up the reins to lead Nederburg in its next phase of continuing a legacy of winemaking excellence.” Groenewald explains that Nederburg’s unassailable reputation is no cause for complacency. “If anything,” he says, “it increases the pressure to maintain our position and with so many wines of excellence produced locally, it’s a very real and exciting challenge. “At Nederburg, we continue to work to the mantra of innovation and discovery, and to the belief that one can never stop learning or finding ways to do things better. Lizelle is a most suitable candidate to further progress Nederburg’s already enviable position in the South African winemaking industry.” Visit www.libertasvineyards.co.za for more information about Libertas Vineyards and Estates, or go to www.nederburg.com to find out more about this award-winning Paarl winery.
The Time is NOW! To taste the best wines that South Africa can offer!
12 June 2019 – It’s the 18th year that the Old Mutual’s Trophy Wine Show, the nation’s highly celebrated wine event, has selected ‘the best of the best’. It’s time for wine lovers to taste the wines that have set judges’ palates buzzing. This evening, people who are serious about their wines should be heading to the Sandton Convention Centre where the Bill Gallagher Room will be offering the exceptional experience to get a taste of the silver, gold or trophy medal winners - the wines that excelled at the Old Mutual Wine Trophy competition. Wines available for tasting will include the Best Red, Best White, Discovery of the Show (Best Value) and the International Judges’ Trophy award. All wines are available to order on the night at the Makro pop-up store at show prices. Light meals and refreshments will also be on sale.
It will be a rare opportunity for wine lovers to sample, and buy, the wines selected through ‘blind’ tastings by a panel of international and local judges chaired by South Africa’s wine authority Michael Fridjhon. This year's illustrious international judges were Kirk Bauer (Germany), Simon Field MW (UK) and Benjamin Roffet (France). The South African panel comprised Narina Cloete, Christian Eedes, Patson Mathonsi, Alexandra McFarlane, JD Pretorius and François Rautenbach. Some of the major award winners announced at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show Awards luncheon held on the 4th of June in Cape Town who will be showcasing their produce will be: Mulderbosch Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc Block A 2017: Best White Wine Overall Kruger Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017: Best Red Wine Overall Bonnievale Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2015: Discovery of the Show/Best Value Gold Medallist The countrywide roadshow will continue with the Cape Town Public Tasting happening on Thursday, 20 June, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Visit the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show website www.trophywineshow.co.za for all updates as well as judges’ profiles, information and historical statistics. Tickets are available via Webtickets at www.webtickets.co.za and cost between R180 and R200. END All the Trophy Winners Old Mutual Trophy for Most Successful Producer Overall Painted Wolf Wines Harold Eedes Trophy for Best Chenin Blanc, Old Mutual International Judges’ Trophy and Old Mutual Trophy for Best White Wine Overall Mulderbosch Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc Block A 2017 American Express Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon and Old Mutual Trophy for Best Red Wine Overall Kruger Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Old Mutual Trophy for Discovery of the Show / Best Value Gold Medallist Bonnievale Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Grand Roche Trophy for Best White Blend Cape Point Vineyards Isliedh 2017 Old Mutual Trophy for Best Sparkling Wine JC Le Roux Scintilla Méthode Cap Classique Vintage Reserve 2014 Riedel Trophy for Best Bordeaux-Style Red Blend Leopard's Leap Culinaria Collection Grand Vin 2017 Miele Trophy for Best Chardonnay Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2018 Tony Mossop Trophyfor Best Cape Port Delaire Graff Cape Vintage 2017 Makro Trophy for Best Shiraz Rustenberg Buzzard Kloof Syrah 2017 Nestlé Pure Life Trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc Ghost Corner Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Old Mutual Trophy for Best Dessert Wine (Unfortified) Nederburg The Winemasters Noble Late Harvest 2018 Trophy for Best Pinotage Survivor Pinotage Reserve 2017 Trophy for Best Red Blend De Krans Tritonia Calitzdorp Blend 2016 Trophy for Best Niche White Variety Painted Wolf Roussanne 2018 Trophy for Best Niche Red Variety Painted Wolf Black Pack Mourvèdre 2017 Trophy for Best Semillon Wildeberg White 2018 Trophy for Best Museum Class Fortified Wine KWV Ruby Port 1949 Trophy for Best Museum Class Sparkling Wine Desiderius Pongrácz Méthode Cap Classique 2011 Trophy for Best Museum Class Sauvignon Blanc D'Aria The Songbird Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Trophy for Best Museum Class Semillon KWV The Mentors Semillon 2012 Also Gold Medal Winners Bonnievale Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2009 (Museum Class) Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Glen Carlou Syrah 2017 Hidden Gems 2016 KWV The Mentors Semillon 2015 Darling (Museum Class) Neethlingshof The Short Story Collection Maria Noble Late Harvest 2017 Neil Ellis Amica 2017 Peter Falke Méthode Cap Classique 2013 (Boutique Class) Spier Creative Block 2 2018 Villion Henning Chenin Blanc 2017 Warwick Professor Black 2018 Zandvliet Kalkveld Shiraz 2015 MY EXPERIENCE AT THE KAYAFM WINE AND WHISKY AFFAIR
The Kaya FM Wine and Whisky affair presented by Wade Bales in partnership with Hyde Park corner was everything I had imagined and more. I for one have never been to Wade Bales events, however I've heard people describe them as a sophisticated gathering amongst friends. This was exactly my expectation going in, leaving no room for disappointments even with knowing what people say about expectations. I don't regret having high expectations for this event as they were met and I left completely satisfied.
The Kaya FM Wine and Whisky affair allowed us to taste some of the most incredible wines and whiskies from around the world. Guests were welcomed with a complimentary glass to enjoy unlimited tastings of more than 200 of South Africa's premium wines and over 100 top malt whiskies from around the world. This was the perfect opportunity to engage and find out the back stories from winemakers and whisky ambassadors.
Can we talk about the food? gorgeous! we had a wide variety of gourmet cheese, breads, meat, fruits to choose from. The inclusion of food was an amazing idea, with all those tastings you are going to need some food to keep things balanced. Everyone who was there was raving about the quality and presentation of the various foods we had.
Another thing that stood out for me was the Half-Time Bell that they incorporated in the show, where for a limited period of 15 minutes, you get access to taste exclusive and limited editions of wines and whiskies. I took advantage of this, anyone who knows me knows I prefer exclusivity before anything else!
Here's a list of my favourite wines and whiskies tasted on both evenings:
WINES
1. ALTO SHIRAZ 2016
- Medium to full-bodied with a good balance between finesse and structure. Red fruit and spices. infact, great balance! The spiciness at the back of your throat? to die for!
- Medium to full-bodied with a good balance between finesse and structure. Red fruit and spices. infact, great balance! The spiciness at the back of your throat? to die for!
2. DURBANVILLE HILLS COLLECTORS RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 - 
A gorgeous 750ml bottle, slick, great colour. The label is inviting, this is one of the premium ranges. Loved the tropical fruit flavours and freshness on the palate
3. GROOT CONSTANTIA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 - 
I found out from the exhibitors that the grapes are hand picked very early in the morning. after fermentation, the wine is left on the lees for 4 months before being racked, fined and stabilized in preparation. I enjoyed this so much. I have to add it to my collection.
WHISKIES
I really do not know much about whisky but here's what my palate preferred
1. 
Bains Cape Mountain Whisky. I enjoy this whisky everytime and there's no surprise it's one of the best I tasted that night. I suggest you take it as it is. No ice, no water, just so you can go on a journey with all the flavours coming through. It's a single-grain malt! That says alot.
Bains Cape Mountain Whisky. I enjoy this whisky everytime and there's no surprise it's one of the best I tasted that night. I suggest you take it as it is. No ice, no water, just so you can go on a journey with all the flavours coming through. It's a single-grain malt! That says alot.
2. 
The Glenlivet 12 Year old. Now this is what I'm talking about! This might make me fall in love with whiskies. Vanilla notes and gives the whisky its distinct smoothness. It has a soft balance of sweet summer fruits and floral notes of spring flowers. So bloody yummy!
The Glenlivet 12 Year old. Now this is what I'm talking about! This might make me fall in love with whiskies. Vanilla notes and gives the whisky its distinct smoothness. It has a soft balance of sweet summer fruits and floral notes of spring flowers. So bloody yummy!
3. 
The Highland park naked grouse. The exhibitors created such great whisky cocktails with this. They had that fresh, lime taste. it was amazing
The Highland park naked grouse. The exhibitors created such great whisky cocktails with this. They had that fresh, lime taste. it was amazing
A special thanks to the exhibitors & all event partners. It was truly memorable. I am looking forward to the next one! #WineWhiskyAffair
MY SOCIAL MEDIA
The name Missionvale stems from the mission hospital established on the domain property in the early 19th century. The 2016 vintage has been lauded globally, bringing home a Gold Medal in the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2018, and scoring 92 points from James Suckling and 93 points from Tim Atkin MW in his South Africa Special Report 2018. With eleven months in the best French oak barrels, this is a ‘commanding wine with solid backbone and a lengthy, lingering palate.’ Flavours of pear and melon enhanced by peachy taste sips offer a lively and long-lasting mouth feel. Best wood maturation has complimented to offer complexity and structure, which will grow and embolden this wine over the next five years. Expect nutty flavoured integration as the aging process evolves.
Soft cheese, fish pâté, Bouillabaisse or fish all work splendidly with this vintage, as well as chicken or sushi dishes. (Bouchard Finlayson 2016 Missionvale Chardonnay R276 per bottle from the Estate) Bouchard Finlayson’s Crocodile’s Lair/Kaaimansgat Chardonnay is crafted from grapes grown in the Elandskloof Valley behind Villiersdorp, 80km from Hermanus. Bouchard Finlayson has been linked directly to this vineyard for close to 26 years, which at 700m above sea level, benefits from cool autumn temperatures. The essence of capturing complexity drives the flavour profile of the 2017 vintage. Structured with many layered flavour components arising from combinations of the best French Oak, yeast, lees contact and finest fruit, which all reward the palate with a kaleidoscope of tastes. This pleasing palate adventure offers hints of litchi, white peach, kiwi fruit, strawberry smoothie and golden tangerine combining to generate a memorable taste experience.
Aging potential is excellent. Winemaker Chris Albrecht quips: ‘Treat seriously and sip slowly, this is not just another glass of wine!’ The 2017 vintage scored 93 points in Tim Atkin MW‘s 2018 South Africa Special Report. A great companion to white meat and rich seafood such as lobster bisque. Other perfect pairing suggestions include soft cheese and mushroom risotto. (Bouchard Finlayson Crocodile’s Lair/Kaaimansgat Chardonnay R174 per bottle from the Estate) Achieving the character associated with the best Chardonnay wines, usually happens through maturing in French Oak barrels. Without employing any magic recipe, the Sans Barrique lives up to its name (unwooded) in arriving through well monitored basic wine making. A pure expression from two locations – the Bouchard Finlayson Estate and the exceptional Elandskloof vineyards, grapes are fermented in stainless steel tank under ideal temperature control that has led to the arrival of a well-structured, crisp, white Chardonnay, after three weeks from harvest. A host of perfumed reminders relating to apple, gooseberry, guava and sweet melon tease the taste senses while the organic compliment of lees tones adds complexity and assists with aging potential. This is a shell fish delight which is happily enjoyed with sushi, summer salads and all fruits of the sea. (Bouchard Finlayson Sans Barrique Unwooded Chardonnay R162 per bottle from the Estate) Warwick Three Cape Ladies 2014
Whoa guys! The stakes have just went to the roof with #4realWineOfTheWeek - week 3 of 4 edition! Let me introduce my Wine of the week that thoroughly impressed me. I'm certain South Africa has the best wines in the world, very certain!!
you all know I'm not really a huge fan of Red Wine/Red Blends but when I drink one I want only the best. With 14.20% alcohol volume, this wine is best to be enjoyed only at the finest venues.Floral - rosepetal, white jasmine on the nose. Musk, bramble berries,blackcurrant, sour figs. White pepper spice on the palate, beautiful red berries. Juicy, very well integrated tannins.
FOOD PAIRING:
A Cape blend and a good old char grilled steak are a perfect match, but try it with a fiery chimmicurri sauce on the side and it takes you to a new level.
FUN FACT:
The wine had 24 months in 40% new French oak.
I had a few friends taste it with me and the reviews were quite good for this one. I'd like for you to try it and tell me your thoughts at www.twitter.com/Thabang4real THE ART OF WINE AUCTIONS
Many mistakenly think the Cape Wine Auction (CWA) is solely an event where serious oenophiles bid for rare and expensive wines. While that is indeed the case at the American Express Barrel Auction - which takes place the day before the main event - the CWA itself is an opportunity for philanthropists to bid for exclusive vinous objets d'art - donated by generous winemaker benefactors.
Included in the lots for this year's 2019 auction, which takes place at the beautifulBuitenverwachting Wine Farm in Constantia on Saturday, March 2, is a line-up of exceptional artworks which are sure to be hotly contested during bidding proceedings.
Among the collection are:An original Lionel Smit resin and fibreglass sculpture titled 'Forge' which has an estimated value of R180 000. (Smit and his partner Chris Erasmus have also donated a signed case of each of Lionel Smit Wines and will host a dinner designed and prepared by Erasmus for 12 guests at the beautiful Lionel Smit Studio in Cape Town).A magnificent one-off sculpture by leading South African artist Anton Smit titled 'Crouching Man'. Widely revered for his overwhelming heads and monumental sculptures, evoking themes of suffering, reconciliation, glory and sublimation, Smit's works grace public and private collections countrywide and internationally and are widely sought after by serious art collectors the world over!Included in the American Express lot, are two paintings by acclaimed SA artist Willie Strydom - Cape Dutch Farmhouse in the Mountains and Vineyards in the Valley - both original acrylic on canvas. Strydom’s colourful interpretations of South African life have found their way into galleries and private collections across South Africa and abroad.The Cape Wine Auction is one of the most significant international charity auctions ever conceived in South Africa, uniting the wine industry around a single goal of raising money for education in the Cape winelands. Last year more than R17.5 million was raised and allocated to 22 beneficiaries who make a profound impact on education and the lives of children in the winelands. Managed by the Cape Wine Auction Trust, a beneficiary community has been established where funded beneficiaries get to know each other, learn from each other and support one another. This collaborative mindset has already resulted in enormous impact and increased efficiencies.
For more details, go to
http://www.thecapewineauction.com/
HEAVENLY NEW WHITE WINES RELEASED BY BOUCHARD FINLAYSON
In the hidden Hemel-en-Aarde Valley at the Southern tip of Africa lies Bouchard Finlayson, a winery that combines the best of the old ways and classic French winemaking techniques, with the creativity and innovation of the new world. A family-owned boutique vineyard where Heaven meets Earth, inspired by genuine passion and shaped by a global family. Nurtured by a dedicated team who handcrafts wines to perfection, constantly in pursuit of excellence, Bouchard Finlayson is an estate synonymous with world-class premium international wines.
Bouchard Finlayson has released the latest vintages of three of its most popular white wines. Showstopper Bouchard Finlayson Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2017 has its origins in numerous vineyard parcels, picked at various stages of ripening, to contribute to a sleek and complex wine that is destined to become a collector’s vintage. An undercurrent of spice and flint notes add complexity to the fruit bowl of flavours, including fig, lemon zest and passion fruit, all integrating on a long finish to pair beautifully with fish dishes, crustaceans, sushi, vegetarian cuisine and cheese. (R174 per bottle)
The unique Bouchard Finlayson Blanc de Mer 2018 is widely celebrated as a wine for all seasons. Bouchard Finlayson founder and creator of the Blanc de Mer label, Peter Finlayson is quoted as saying: ‘Standing at the front of the winery one enjoys a classic view of the southern oceans, prompting the title ‘White of the Sea’ (Blanc de Mer). The palate is perfect and positively gregarious! A genuine people pleaser totally at home amongst relaxed company’. At 65% of the content in the 2018 vintage, the Riesling grape offers a solid frame to this unique white blend. This noble white wine variety is an unusual contribution to a Cape white blend, to establish a singular personality to the wine. A 16% Viognier and 18% Chardonnay component further enhances its exclusivity profile, resulting in a fountain of flowery aromas with a taste characterised by hints of quince, apricots and almonds – fresh and vibrant with a convincing strength and quality finish. (R110 per bottle)
Lauded year on year as part of its stellar range of Chardonnays, Bouchard Finlayson’s Crocodiles Lair/Kaaimansgat 2017 is a wine to be treated seriously and sipped slowly. The 2018 vintage is a great companion to white meat and rich seafood such as lobster bisque, as well as soft cheese and mushroom risotto. Structured with many layered flavour components arising from combinations of best French Oak, yeast, lees contact and finest fruit, it rewards the palate with a kaleidoscope of tastes. Hints of litchi, white peach, kiwi fruit, strawberry smoothie and golden tangerine combine to generate a memorable taste experience. (R174 per bottle)
The new releases are now available for sale at the cellar door and leading wine merchants.
DISTELL APPOINTS NEW HEAD WINEMAKER
The new head winemaker at Distell is Andrea Freeborough. Cellar-master at Nederburg since 2015, she will be leaving her position at the Paarl winery at the end of May to take up her new role in overseeing the production of South Africa’s largest wine portfolio.
Distell’s diverse and globally traded range extends from premium brands such as Nederburg, Durbanville Hills, Fleur du Cap and Alto (which, amongst others, now form part of Distell’s new premium wine company, Libertas Vineyards & Estates), all the way through to more mainstream offerings such as 4thStreet, Two Oceans and Drostdy Hof.
“Andrea will be carefully looking after our wine brands from a top-line perspective, managing all aspects of winemaking by working hand-in-hand with our talented winemakers and viticulturists,” says Johan Venter, who heads up Distell’s Centre of Excellence: Intrinsic, and to whom she will be reporting in her new role.
“With her impressive qualifications, excellent sensorial instinct, and close to two decades of successful winemaking experience under the belt, Andrea has certainly proven her ability to lead top-performing teams, to innovate and experiment, and to simultaneously create specialty wines and those aimed at broad appeal.
“This makes her ideally placed for the role of Distell head winemaker. We are confident that with Andrea’s solid track record in running a cellar, making wine, and dealing with a multitude of people, processes and departments, she will provide outstanding direction and inspiration to our wine brands.”
Armed with BSc Hons degrees in viticulture and oenology from the University of Stellenbosch, Freeborough’s working life began as an assistant winemaker at Neethlingshof in Stellenbosch. Less than three years later she was appointed a fully-fledged winemaker, working under Nederburg cellar-master Razvan Macici, producing the whites. Obviously with great proficiency, because four-and-a-half years later, still in her very early 30s, she was appointed to head Distell’s Die Bergkelder, a job she held for a decade before returning to Nederburg to take over from Macici in 2015.
It’s a modest account of her working life, considering that many of her award-winning Nederburg and Fleur du Cap wines, and others made under her direction, suggest a woman of considerable talent and leadership skills, not to mention an impressive ability to balance work and family life. Just the ingredients to take over the winemaking helm at Distell.
Freeborough is married to Michael-John and they have two children, Leah-Jessica and Josh.
A TOUCH OF TRADITION AT NEDERBURG THIS EASTER
As summer draws to a magnificent close, the Nederburg wine farm is getting ready to welcome visitors to its home in Paarl during Easter. Come find out why Nederburg was recently included, for the fourth consecutive time in 2019, in the World’s Most Admired Wine Brands top 50 list by Drinks International!
Chef Lisa Cilliers of The Red Table, situated in Nederburg’s historic manor house, will be serving up a selection of delicious dishes from the restaurant’s à la carte menu, expertly matched with some of Nederburg’s award-winning wines. Given the Easter tradition, there will be plenty of fish to feast on. Think along the lines of smoked smoor snoek and cauliflower rice, lightly curried with sambals, green chutney and sweet potato crisps; and fresh fish of the day and chips with tartar sauce. Surprise blackboard specials and pre-booked picnics will also be on offer.
Nederburg’s award-winning range of wines, as well as mineral water and soft drinks, will be available at The Red Table for purchase to complement your meal or picnic.
A short walk away from the manor house is the comfortable Visitors’ Centre. Here you could taste and purchase Nederburg’s delicious selection of wines across its multi-tiered range. Guests are encouraged to try the popular Cabernet Sauvignon tasting to experience for themselves why Nederburg has earned an almost unassailable name for itself in crafting Cabernet Sauvignons of distinction. Offered at R65 per person, the tasting includes the flagship, Nederburg Two Centuries Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 or 2015, as well as Nederburg Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (which achieved a score of 95 points - the highest rating awarded by judges - in the 2018 edition of Winemag.co.za’s annual Cabernet Sauvignon Report), and the popular Cabernet Sauvignon of the 2017 vintage that forms part of Nederburg’s core collection named The Winemasters.
Cheese and wine, ice cream and wine, confectionary and sweet wine, and kids’ pairings, as well as snack boxes and cheese platters, are also available to enjoy at the Visitors’ Centre. Please enquire with staff regarding pricing.
To learn more about Nederburg and its rich history, book an informative guided tour of the state-of-the art cellar and other points of interest, such as the manor house and Old Cellar Museum that tells the Nederburg story in wonderful artefacts and pictures. Foreign language guides could be arranged by prior appointment. All cellar tours need to be pre-booked by contacting Nederburg.
Nederburg contact details:
Sonstraal Road, Dal Josafat, Paarl
Tel: +27 21 862 3104
E-mail: nedwines@distell.co.za
The Red Table restaurant contact details:
Tel: +27 21 877 5155
E-mail: theredtable@dishfood.co.za
Nederburg Visitors’ Centre and Old Cellar Museum trading hours:
Mondays to Fridays: 09:00 to 17:00 (May to September) (tastings until 16:30)
Mondays to Fridays: 09:00 to 18:00 (October to April) (tastings until 17:30)
Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 to 16:00 (tastings until 15:30)
Public holidays: 09:00 to 17:00 (if over a weekend, weekend hours apply)
Scheduled cellar tour times:
Mondays to Fridays: 10:30 and 15:00
Saturdays and Sundays: 11:00
The Red Table restaurant trading hours:
Mondays:
Tuesdays to Saturdays: Lunch and pre-booked picnics served from 11:00 to 16:00
Sundays:
Nederburg; including the Visitors’ Centre, The Red Table restaurant and Old Cellar Museum; will unfortunately be closed on Good Friday (19 April 2019). Please also note: Large groups are accommodated by prior appointment only.
Interact with Nederburg on social media using the hashtags #OnceUponaNederburg, #TheresAlwaysAStoryinNederburg #TheRedTable #Easter #Paarl #CapeWinelands
Nederburg has been included in the highly-anticipated top 50 list of ‘The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands’ by UK-based publication, Drinks International, for a fourth consecutive year in 2019.
The Paarl winery is one of only two South African wine brands to appear on this year’s top 50 list, selected by over 200 of some of the most renowned names in the global wine industry, and strengthened by the expertise of well-known specialist wine market research and consultancy firm, Wine Intelligence, that helped conduct the 2019 survey.
The results were announced last night during a special, by-invitation-only awards evening at the luxurious Steigenberger Park Hotel in Düsseldorf in Germany. The ceremony also served as the inaugural party for ProWein 2019, known as the world’s top international trade fair for wine and spirits, which concludes on 19 March.
In 47th position, the achievement puts Nederburg, one of the most dynamic brands in the newly-formed Libertas Vineyards and Estates portfolio, in the company of several very famous wine brands. Amongst the luminaries on the list are Australia’s Penfolds, Spain’s Torres, New Zealand’s Villa Maria, Chile’s Concho Y Toro, and French icon M. Chapoutier.
According to Drinks International, to make it into the international line-up of the top 50 wine brands, demands consistent or improving quality; a reflection of region or country of origin; a responsiveness to the needs and tastes of target audiences; excellent marketing and packaging; and a strong appeal to a wide demographic.
Niël Groenewald, MD of Nederburg says: “What an honour for Nederburg to be featured, for a fourth time in a row, in this esteemed international list of top global wine brands! We are delighted by this news and especially thankful to our viticulture and winemaking teams for their zealous focus on innovation, not merely for the sake of newness but to see how they can continually improve what they do. They continue to explore new wine growing areas, plant new vines, and trial new cultivars, blends and techniques to maintain Nederburg’s name as the byword in South African wine excellence. It’s their adventurous spirit and sense of curiosity that drives them to keep discovering and experimenting.”
Jackie Olivier, Nederburg’s global marketing manager remarks: “Such high-level affirmation for Nederburg is a major boost for us. Over the past few years, we’ve been hard at work in building Nederburg’s global brand presence and appeal in key markets by introducing new innovative wines and securing new listings, an exciting global communications campaign for which we’ve won a variety of awards, and our alignment with pro-cycling via our sponsorship of Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka, the first African cycling team to race in the iconic Tour de France.
“We are not resting on our laurels, though. We are geared to continue taking Nederburg to the next level. Over the coming months and years we’ll be rolling out some new brand aspects to entice wine consumers worldwide to keep on discovering Nederburg and its many facets and stories.”
Nederburg’s success as one of South Africa’s most lauded names in wine is built on a rich history and tradition of winemaking excellence spanning more than 200 years. Currently, multi-talented cellar-master Andrea Freeborough leads the team of highly-skilled winemakers.She trained as both a viticulturist and winemaker and combines finely-honed technique with a keen appetite for innovation.
The winery prides itself on its ability to produce both specialty and popular wines. It grows its own grapes, but also sources fruit from a long-standing network of supplier growers across the Cape, giving it access to excellent quality grapes. Its cellar is designed to simultaneously produce connoisseur and mainstream wines for export to more than 80 countries across the world. Nederburg was one of the first South African wine brands to enter the international market, and has been trading in Germany for over three decades.
Over the years, Nederburg has won many other leading international and local wine titles and awards. These include most successful South African producer at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, Platter’s South African Wine Guide ‘Winery of the Year’, and Diners Club ‘Winemaker of the Year’, amongst others.
QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS FOR DAN NICHOLL
AHEAD OF HIS ROLE AS AUCTIONEER AT THIS YEAR'S CAPE WINE AUCTION
AHEAD OF HIS ROLE AS AUCTIONEER AT THIS YEAR'S CAPE WINE AUCTION
Ahead of his role as auctioneer at this year's Cape Wine Auction, due to take place at Buitenverwachting on Saturday, March 2, we asked the multi-talented and multi-hyphenate Dan Nicholl some quick-fire questions. Herewith his equally quick-fire answers ...
Q: Tell us the one lot at this year's Cape Wine Auction that you want for yourself?
The Karkloof Safari with Hollywood actress Shannon Elizabeth sounds brilliant. But also the week on a catamaran off Croatia with seven mates would be hard to beat. But, as I’m hosting the Cape Wine Auction, I reckon the Naples Winter Wine Festival in Florida would be most appropriate!
Q: White, red or rosé?
All of them! We’re making such terrific wine across the board in South Africa, and it just keeps getting better.
Q: Chicken, beef or fish?
Again, tough call. South African ribeye with lashings of Stellenbosch 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon or fresh sea bass with lemon and olive oil on a Greek island, with a bottle of Assyrtiko.
Q: Aisle or window seat?
Single window seat covers both!
Q: New York, London, Paris or Rome?
Love them all – but wandering through New York in summer narrowly edges out the romance of exploring Paris.
Q: Pizza or pasta?
Does risotto count? One glass for the cooking, rest of the bottle for the chef…
Q: Hiking, bush safari or beach holiday?
My wife’s Greek, so definitely a beach holiday. I can highly recommend a week on Paros for a beautiful break that’s as inexpensive as Europe gets.
Q: Favourite TV show?
Other than The Dan Nicholl Show…? I'm a big fan of Graham Norton and The Daily Show and just started working my way through Game of Thrones from series one. Not one to watch when your mother-in-law is visiting!
Q: Go-to music when you're on a road trip?
If my wife has control (which she usually does), a barrage of ‘80s nostalgia; I’ll lean towards Oasis, U2 or some Ard Matthews and Just Jinjer.
Q: Cook and have someone else wash up or have someone cook and you wash up?
Definitely cook. I took Pete Goffe-Wood’s Kitchen Cowboys course 15 years ago, and have loved cooking ever since. And dishes tend to look cleaner before I’ve tried to wash them.
Q: Desert island book, box-set and drink?
I can read Nick Hornby’s Fever Pitch over and over; ditto Pete McCarthy’s McCarthy’s Bar. Box set? The Simpsons has been going forever, so I wouldn’t run out for a while (and Homer is my parenting role model). And to drink, a melchizedek (or midas) of Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir – 30 litres of Creation, Newton Johnson, Hamilton Russell, Bouchard Finlayson – to last long enough, and then make a decent vessel from the bottle to escape the island in search of a refill…
The Cape Wine Auction - sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth - has become the wine event of the year and is an exhilarating global showcase of South Africa’s finest wines and a chance to bid for experiences that money can’t ordinarily buy! And all for a great cause. The 2018 auction raised R17½ million for education in the Cape winelands.
This year, the event takes place on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the beautiful Buitenverwachting estate in Constantia, Cape Town, with the 2019 American Express Cape Wine Barrel Auction kicking off proceedings on the previous evening, Friday, March 1 at the spectacular Norval Foundation.
For more on the American Express Cape Wine Barrel Auction and the Cape Wine Auction visit: http://www.thecapewineauction.
TEN REASONS TO LOVE BOUCHARD FINLAYSON
Established in 1989 in the temperate Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on 125 hectares of Walker
Bay's prime viticultural land, Bouchard Finlayson Vineyard and Winery is a small cellar
dedicated to the quality production of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
1. Bouchard Finlayson is a family-owned boutique vineyard and winery inspired by the
genuine passion of its owners and the team in the vineyard and cellar.
2. Founder Peter Finlayson was the first winemaker in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley – he
has played a key role in establishing the Walker Bay wine region, which is
internationally recognized today.
3. The unique terroir of Bouchard Finlayson is synonymous with world-class South
African Pinot Noir.
4. A small dedicated team, led by winemaker Chris Albrecht and vineyard manager
Mortimer Lee, handcrafts wines to perfection.
5. Bouchard Finlayson wines are globally acclaimed and award-winning, favouring
quality over quantity.
6. The winery is a sister property to The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, where the
complete range of Bouchard Finlayson wines are proudly showcased; and is part of
the Travel Corporation.
7. A small quantity of estate olive oil is produced, as well as honey from approximately 800 000 bees - displaying the expressive characteristics of this unique terroir.
8. As a WWF (World Wide Fund) Conservation Champion member, guided nature trails
are offered to explore the 100 hectares of preserved fynbos on the estate.
9. Bouchard Finlayson is a supporter of the arts and hosts monthly classical music
concerts by the Hermanus Music Society in the Homestead Cellar.
10. The winery has been a lead sponsor of the local arts community and the Hermanus
FynArts Festival since its inception in 2013. THE ART OF WINE AUCTIONS
Many mistakenly think the Cape Wine Auction (CWA) is solely an event where serious oenophiles bid for rare and expensive wines. While that is indeed the case at the American Express Barrel Auction - which takes place the day before the main event - the CWA itself is an opportunity for philanthropists to bid for exclusive vinous objets d'art - donated by generous winemaker benefactors.
Included in the lots for this year's 2019 auction, which takes place at the beautifulBuitenverwachting Wine Farm in Constantia on Saturday, March 2, is a line-up of exceptional artworks which are sure to be hotly contested during bidding proceedings.
Among the collection are:An original Lionel Smit resin and fibreglass sculpture titled 'Forge' which has an estimated value of R180 000. (Smit and his partner Chris Erasmus have also donated a signed case of each of Lionel Smit Wines and will host a dinner designed and prepared by Erasmus for 12 guests at the beautiful Lionel Smit Studio in Cape Town).A magnificent one-off sculpture by leading South African artist Anton Smit titled 'Crouching Man'. Widely revered for his overwhelming heads and monumental sculptures, evoking themes of suffering, reconciliation, glory and sublimation, Smit's works grace public and private collections countrywide and internationally and are widely sought after by serious art collectors the world over!Included in the American Express lot, are two paintings by acclaimed SA artist Willie Strydom - Cape Dutch Farmhouse in the Mountains and Vineyards in the Valley - both original acrylic on canvas. Strydom’s colourful interpretations of South African life have found their way into galleries and private collections across South Africa and abroad.The Cape Wine Auction is one of the most significant international charity auctions ever conceived in South Africa, uniting the wine industry around a single goal of raising money for education in the Cape winelands. Last year more than R17.5 million was raised and allocated to 22 beneficiaries who make a profound impact on education and the lives of children in the winelands. Managed by the Cape Wine Auction Trust, a beneficiary community has been established where funded beneficiaries get to know each other, learn from each other and support one another. This collaborative mindset has already resulted in enormous impact and increased efficiencies.
For more details, go to
http://www.thecapewineauction.com/
Comments
Post a Comment