Monthly Archives: September 2012
Tukulu Wines To Carry Ethical Seal
Fives wines from the Tukulu range will feature South Africa’s recently introduced ethical seal. These are its 2009 unwooded Syrah, 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 and 2010 Pinotage, 2011 organic Chardonnay and 2012 Chenin Blanc. Granted by the Wine and Agricultural Industry Ethical Trade Association (WIETA) for complying with its code of good conduct, Tukulu is amongst the first to display the seal.
The ethical seal, believed to be a world-first among wine-producing countries, is based on rigorous auditin
g of WIETA’s code of good conduct. It confirms that fair labour practices are followed by the producer.
Tukulu is one of eight wine brands currently authorised to display the fully traceable seal. The seal is granted to individual wines, rather than to wine brands, as many producers source their grapes from multiple growers. To be eligible for accreditation, brand owners have to identify all their suppliers, the majority of whom must be WIETA-accredited.
With the exception of its 2009 and 2010 Pinotage and its 2011 organic Chardonnay, all the Tukulu wines featuring the seal are also Fairtrade-accredited. When consumers buy a wine that features the Fairtrade label, they are actively contributing to the social development of farm workers as a percentage of the sale of these wines go to the community.
The grapes for Tukulu wines are sourced from the Papkuilsfontein farm near Darling which is an empowerment venture between Distell and a group of black entrepreneurs from Gauteng and a local community trust. Established in 1998, it was one of the first empowerment projects of the South African wine industry.
Belvedere Vodka Intense: The Finest Quality Vodka Rated 100 Proof
Belvedere Intense is the first super premium luxury vodka brand to offer 100 proof vodka and contains 10% more alcohol than Belvedere Pure. Comprising of 50% alcohol, its positive characteristics are amplified creating a bold and elegant experience for any occasion. Striking an artful balance between purity and flavour, Belvedere Intense is smooth and full of character.
The term ‘proof’ came from the practice of lighting spirits to ensure that they contained a sufficient amount of alcohol. It takes a minimum of 80 proof or 40% alcohol to support combustion. If the spirit caught fire, it was ‘proof’ of the alcohol content. The proof is double the alcohol content hence 100 proof equals 50% alcohol.
In order to increase the alcohol content, Belvedere Intense is double filtered through pure charcoal. By doing so, there is a highlighted balance between elegance and taste. While it warms the palate, the intensity kicks in with an undertone of spice leaving consumers feeling the effect more so than with Belvedere Pure. The extra kick is sure to keep everyone in high spirits.
Due to the intensity of the vodka, it is an ideal choice for creating delicious cocktails. The natural flavours of Belvedere Intense are a perfect compliment to the caramel, spicy, and bitter chocolate aromas given off by this vodka.
Not only is the Belvedere Intense Vodka more complex in regards to taste and effects in comparison to Belvedere Vodka Pure, but the packaging also proves to be a stark contrast.
Walk into any store selling Belvedere Vodka and the Belvedere Intense bottle is unmistakable. With a glossy black bottle and silver foil trees with the iconic Belvedere palace in pale grey, the packaging is sure to catch the eye of any vodka consumer. Just as the original bottle is instantly recognisable, the Belvedere Intense Vodka bottle is sure to become a staple on any vodka lover’s shelf.
Belvedere Intense upholds the traditions of Belvedere Vodka while opening up an entirely new rage of cocktails to be enjoyed and good times to be had.
Tasting Notes:
Nose – Complex and intense concentrated aromas of crème caramel, dark savoury spice and rich bitter chocolate.
Palate – Full bodied and voluptuous with a velvety texture with ample cream and butterscotch characteristics resulting in smooth complexity.
Finish – Double filtered through charcoal, the result is complex savoury spice, black pepper and capsicum warmth, finishing with a clean flourish.
For more information please visit Belvedere SA’s Facebook and Twitter pages:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Belvedere_SA/132786870067496?ref=ts
http://twitter.com/Belvedere_SA
Oude Meester Is Brandy Star Of 2012 Michelangelo
Oude Meester Reserve 12 Year Old has won the 2012 Brandy Trophy at this year’s Michelangelo International Wine Awards, when it was judged the best brandy of the event by a panel of South African, European and US judges.
The connoisseur potstill is one of South Africa’s fastest-growing specialty brandies and has developed a following locally and across Africa, notably in Kenya and Nigeria.
All three Oude Meester potstills earned Michelangelo medals, making it the most awarded contender in the brandy component of the competition. Both the 12 Year Old Reserve and 18 Year Old Souverein earned Grand d’Or medals, the highest medal honour bestowed, while the Demant received silver.
“This is a full house of awards for the potstill brandies in the Oude Meester range,” said brand manager Genius Mnywabe. “Benjamin Franklin would have been proud of the accomplishment,” he added, referring to the famous US statesman, whose profile features prominently on the brand packaging.
A self-made man, the multi-talented Franklin was one of America’s founding fathers, who excelled as a scientist, inventor and a diplomat and was responsible for the establishment of America’s first public lending library. “He worked hard to build principles of excellence in American intellectual circles and in commerce, and the standards he set have inspired the Oude Meester team.”
Earlier this year, Oude Meester won two Gold Outstanding medals at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London, for the 12 and 18 year old potstills, when Demant came home with a gold.
Master distiller Brink Liebenberg, under whose direction Oude Meester brandies are produced, said the consistency of results across two very different panels was affirmation of the high regard in which these hand-crafted potstills were held. “Oude Meester is a regular international medallist and its reputation has played a key role in the exciting sales growth of the potstills both in South Africa and on the African continent.”
Sparkling Surprise From Robertson Winery For The Festive Season
A new well-priced and beautifully packaged trio of sparkling wines
including a Brut, a Sweet White and a Sweet Rosé
Robertson Winery are proud to introduce the new stars of their family, in time for summer festivities: a trio of sparkling wines including Robertson Winery Brut Sparkling Wine, Sweet White Sparkling Wine and Rosé Sparkling Wine. These sparkling wines, made by experienced winemaker Francois Weich, are stylishly presented in colourful packaging, delicious and easy to drink, and offer great value for money.
Robertson Winery Brut Sparkling Wine: This dry yet fruity sparkling wine made from Chenin Blanc is elegant, fresh and crisp with appealing notes of apple and pear and wonderful floral tones.
Left to Right Robertson Winery Sweet White Sparkling Wine, Robertson Winery Brut Sparkling Wine and Robertson Winery Sweet Rosé Sparkling Wine
Robertson Winery Sweet White Sparkling Wine: Made from carefully selected white grape varieties, this lively wine reveals ripe yellow apple and melon notes and is deliciously full on the palate.
Robertson Winery Rosé Sparkling Wine: This deliciously sweet, yet refreshing rosé sparkling wine is made from carefully selected white and red grape varieties. Ripe strawberry flavours tantalise the taste buds and linger with each sip.
The Robertson Winery Sparkling Wines are widely available nationally at leading grocers and retailers, and retail between R45 and R47 per bottle.
Glittering star-shaped ‘Star of the Show’ neck-tags ensure maximum shelf impact for this sparkling trio. In fact, in celebration of this launch, all Robertson Winery’s products are currently sporting a selection of fun-filled neck-tags such as ‘Sparkle in her Eye’, ‘A Bubbly Bunch’, ‘Fabulously Fizzy’ and ‘Rising Star’. These eye-catching neck-tags also serve to advertise Robertson Winery’s absolutely fabulous Facebook competition.
Visit http://www.facebook.com/Robertson.Winery to ‘Bring Out The Star In You’ and stand the chance to celebrate for a year with a 12 months’ supply of Robertson Winery’s Sparkling Wines.
Bowen Botha, Robertson Winery Cellarmaster and General Manager, commented enthusiastically about the launch of this new trio: “Based on our success in the market with our sweeter wines and the increasing public demand for wines offering quality at lower prices, we feel very confident that our new range of strikingly packaged, quality sparkling wines at excellent prices will be well received by our customers and will contribute a lot of fun and festivity to the coming summer season.”
Visit Robertson Winery
Robertson Winery, 160km from Cape Town, is situated in the beautiful Robertson Wine Valley. The cellar and tasting room is on the main road, as you enter the town of Robertson. Here, during harvest, grapes are received from most of their 43 member farms in the Valley.
Tasting Room Opening Hours
Mon to Thurs: 08h00 – 17h00
Friday: 08h00 – 17h30
Sat and Sun: 09h00 – 15h00
Cellar tours by appointment.
Tel: 023 626-3059
E-Mail: info@robertsonwinery.co.za
Website: www.robertsonwinery.co.za
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Robertson.Winery
Twitter: @RobertsonWinery
De Hoek Unleashes The Artist In You
De Hoek country hotel is all about indulgence and finding new ways to relax. The management team is always finding new and interesting offers for their guests.
Whether you are an established artist or someone who has always wanted to experiment and learn, artist Louis Wilsenach invites you to join him in an art inspired weekend in the De Hoek surroundings, from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th November, 2012.
Guests will be guided into unlocking their own, unique talents in a practical and inspired way. Art opens up new pathways to thinking, adds a new dimension to journaling and even makes the traveller view the world in new ways.
De Hoek certainly has every form of inspiration: from beautiful architecture to enticing landscapes, beautiful interiors, fresh country air, luxurious accommodation and world class food, wine and hospitality.
Art packs and materials will be given to guests on arrival on Friday, before settling in and enjoying the De Hoek surrounds, pre-dinner drinks and a five course meal.
Saturday is given totally to unearthing your hidden artistic talents, or honing your existing skills. After breakfast it will all be about art, art and art – drawing, discussing and experiencing – with the hospitable De Hoek team looking after creature comforts in the process. In the evening, there will be an informative presentation on famous sketchers as well as Louis Wilsenach’s own travels and sketching journal.
On Sunday morning, the creative tools are picked up again,w tiht the programme wrapping up in the late morning. Who knows, you might discover a new talent or a new way to express yourself!
The weekend package is on offer for R9390 per couple and bookings can be made at reservations@dehoek.com or by calling 014 577 6900 www.dehoek.com
KWV Wins In The Best Value Awards
Sixteen KWV wine brands have been acknowledged as some of South Africa’s most valuable wine purchases under R80.
The wines were independently rated and awarded by the 2013 Best Value Awards, a Best Value Wine Guide initiative.
More than one thousand wines were entered and judged and only wines that superceded a-2.5 star rating were considered for the awards.
Leading brands, KWV Classic Tawny and KWV Classic Full Cream were given highest accolade of 4.5 and 5-star ratings respectively. Judged by an independent panel of wine experts including wine journalists, wine masters and wine makers, the competition is fiercely competitive.
In order to fairly compare a R60 wine with an R80 wine, each wine’s price is divided by its star rating, providing a price per star of quality. The wine with the lowest price paid per star is thus the best value purchase in that category.
“KWV wines are known for being a quality purchase” says Category Manager: Wine, Chanel Kruger. “While people tend to judge the quality of a wine by its price, there are many other determining factors. The Best Value Awards acknowledge that there is more to appreciating a good wine.”
KWV Classic Tawny and KWV Classic Full Cream will proudly bear the Best Value sticker on all their bottles.
Some of the sixteen other KWV brands that received applause from the Awards are as follows: KWV Classic Cape Ruby, KWV Classic Medium Cream, Cafe Culture Choc Mousse, KWV Classic Red Muscadel N/V, Cafe Culture Pinotage 2011, KWV Classic Sauvignon Blanc 2011, KWV Classic Chenin Blanc 2012 and Pearly Bay Sweet White N/V.
“We are certain that 2014 will see many more of our brands in the Best Value spotlight”, says Kruger.
SA’s Fridjhon Wins International Award.
Last night Champagne Louis Roederer and the Judges of the Roederer Awards announced, at a glittering ceremony in London, the winners of this year’s competition.
The presentation took place in the Ballroom at the Four Seasons Hotel on Park Lane and was attended by wine writers, journalists, artists, members of the wine trade and publishers from around the world. Entries in 2012 from International Writers, was up by 1/3 and the Book category was huge, adding to the Judges already heavy workload!
The winners in 2012 are:
Category 1 – The Artistry of Wine Award 2012
- Colin Hampden-White
Michael Fridjhon winner of the 2012 Louis Roederer International Wine Columnist of the Year Award
Category 2 – Emerging Wine Writer of the Year 2012
- Erika Szymanski for www.palatepress.com
Category 3 – Online Wine Columnist / Blogger of the Year 2012
- Andrew Jefford for www.decanter.com
Category 4 – International Wine Website of the Year 2012
- Peter Liem for www.champagneguide.net
Category 5 – International Wine Publication of the Year 2012
The World of Fine Wine Johanna Wilson, Publisher, and Dr. Neil Beckett, Editor
Category 6 – Regional Wine Writer of the Year 2012
- Tom Bruce-Gardyne Articles from The Glasgow Herald
Category 7 – International Wine Book of the Year 2012
- Summer in a Glass Evan Dawson
Category 8 – International Wine Columnist of the Year 2012
- Michael Fridjhon Columns from Business Day, South Africa
Category 9 – International Wine Feature Writer of the Year 2012
- John Stimpfig The Financial Times How to Spend It
The Panel of Judges
CHARLES METCALFE (CHAIRMAN OF THE JUDGES)
Author of numerous books including the Award-winning Wine and Food Lover’s Guide to Portugal, Wine Writer, Presenter, Co-chairman of the International Wine Challenge, and occasional blogger thewinesinger.blog.co.uk
PETER RICHARDS M.W.
Peter Richards is a writer, broadcaster and Master of Wine. A familiar face from BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen, Peter also appears on BBC Radio 4 (The Food Programme/You & Yours), has penned two books and writes regularly for international print publications. Together with his wife Susie Barrie MW he runs a wine school, wine club and website (www.susieandpeter.com).
ANTHONY ROSE
Anthony Rose is the wine correspondent of The Independent. He contributes to the World of Fine Wine, Jancis Robinson’s Oxford Companion to Wine and Decanter Magazine. He also teaches at Leith’s School of Food & Wine. He has won several awards for his wine writing including, most recently, Louis Roederer International Columnist of the Year 2008 and the Glenfiddich Wine Writer of the Year Award 2005. In November 2008, he launched the www.thewinegang.com with a team of four other wine writers and has a blog and website at www.anthonyrosewine.com.
Dr. JAMIE GOODE
Jamie Goode is a London based wine writer. After completing a PhD he worked for several years as a science editor before launching www.wineanorak.com, now one of the leading wine websites. Since 2005 he has been wine columnist for The Sunday Express, and has published two books: Wine Science (2005) and Authentic Wine (2011, with co-author Sam Harrop MW).
MARGARET RAND
Margaret Rand writes regularly for Decanter, the World of Fine Wine and Drinks Business and occasionally for the Financial Times; she is General Editor of Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book and the Author (with Oz Clarke) of Grapes and Wines (Little Brown 2001). She is an international wine judge and a previous winner at the Roederer Awards.
LIZ SAGUES
Liz Sagues has been writing about wine for more than 20 years. For her weekly columns in the Ham&High Series of papers in London she has twice won the Louis Roederer Regional Wine Writer of the year title, in 2011 and 2005, and has been shortlisted on three other occasions. Liz has travelled widely in European wine regions, regularly judges in the International Wine Challenge, runs consumer wine tastings and is deputy editor of the Circle of Wine Writers’ newsletter, Circle Update.
Mutual & Federal Wellington Wine Route Puts WOW Into New Independent Wine District
The Mutual & Federal Wellington Wine Route has finally put the WOW (Wine of Origin Wellington) in their wines, after being declared a separate wine district on 16 March 2012. Wellington celebrated their independence at a gala event on 21 September, held at Kleinevalleij, where they announced their new title sponsor, Mutual & Federal Insurance Company Ltd.
This celebration boasted a wide range of local wines and cuisine, as well as top-class entertainment.
“Mutual & Federal Agri is honoured to be the title sponsor of the Wellington Wine Route”, says Philip du Preez, Head of Agriculture at Mutual & Federal. “As one of the leading insurers of wine estates in South Africa, we are excited about this relationship and look forward to exploring mutually beneficial opportunities with the Wellington Wine Route community.”
Well-known wine expert and master of ceremonies, Neil Pendock, accompanied by reputed international guest speaker, Tersina Siehn from Hong Kong alongside delegates from Cape Wine and Vindaba, joined in the evening’s festivities.
Pendock stated that Wellington’s declaration as an independent wine district continues the European process of mapping terroir. “Consumers will now be able to home-in on Wines of Origin Wellington (WOW!) and seek out mountain wines of singular intensity, authenticity and palate power.”
Historically Wellington, along with Franschhoek and Tulbagh, sorted only as wards of the Paarl wine region. Following a meeting with the Wine and Spirit Board in November 2010 during which producers strongly lobbied for Wellington’s independence, the district was finally announced as a separate wine region in March this year. This move is fully endorsed by the Wine and Spirit Board of South Africa and the formal proclamation was published in the Government Gazette.
From now on this new status not only allows Wellington producers to label their wines as “Wine of Origin Wellington” – or WOW, but also to introduce their respective terroir-based wards to the consumer.
Wellington Wine Route chairperson, Schalk Burger Sr, is elated with Wellington’s new independent status. “This is truly a joyous day for Wellington and the start for the wine estates and producers in Wellington to showcase the unique terroir and skills of our viti and vini culturists which already have the pundits and consumers in awe. The future of the icon wines of the world lie with site specific offerings. Watch this space for Wines of Origin Wellington.
Philip du Preez of Mutual & Federal hands over the cheque of R200,000 to Schalk Burger, the chairman of the Mutual & Federal Wellington Wine Route.
The Mutual & Federal Wellington Wine Route encompasses 21 producers, their wines increasingly receiving acclaim at local, as well as international wine competitions. In addition to three ABSA Top Pinotages, these also include several Decanter, Veritas and Michaelangelo, as well as two Platter 5-star awards. The conception of the local Wellington Quest for the Best – for Wellington, by Wellington, has contributed greatly to the overall quality of their wines, with Wellington proudly receiving the SA Terroir Top Wine Region award in 2010.
This achievement lead to Terroir signs being positioned at all major Wellington access routes, serving as notice to tourists and wine lovers alike that they are now entering a leading wine produce region. At present Terroir signs welcome guests on the R301 near Diemersfontein, along the R44 next to the Florida farm stall and on route to Hermon, as well as both turnoffs toward Lady Loch on the R45. Another sign is planned for Eerste Tol on Bain’s Kloof Pass.
Since the proclamation in March, the borders of the Wellington wine region have changed to include more fynbos areas, cultural diversity, as well as farms previously supplying to the Paarl and Swartland wine districts.
For more information, contact Trudy Oosthuizen on tel 021 864 2479, email wine@wellington.co.za or visit www.wellington.co.za. Become a friend of our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter at @wellwineroute for all the latest news and events.
Image by Julian Krüger Photography
Cape Winemakers Guild Marks 30 Years With Coffee Table Book
Cellarmasters in the Kitchen by Wendy Toerien
The Cape Winemakers Guild on Food & Wine
Three decades of excellence at the pinnacle of winemaking has been captured in an insightful coffee table book on food and wine featuring all the members of the Cape Winemakers Guild, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1982, the Cape Winemakers Guild is an association of some of South Africa’s top winemakers, committed to maintaining and constantly improving the quality of their wines, thereby serving as role models for the wine industry as a whole to uphold and build on the reputation of South African wine globally.
Beautifully written by Wendy Toerien, the text is both light-hearted and entertaining as well as evocative and informative. Each of the 45 Guild members is featured in a profile piece that includes anecdotes, insights and experiences of a life with food and wine. Also included are two of each winemaker’s favourite recipes, matched with one (or more) of his (or her) top wines.
Sections dealing with the history of the CWG (interwoven with its role in leading Cape wine industry developments and initiatives); the workings of the CWG and its members (the philosophy of the traditional role of a guild as a touchstone for artisanal excellence); and the activities of the CWG (including the annual, internationally prestigious auction of selected members’ wines and social responsibility programmes such as the Development Trust to mentor new young winemakers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and school funding) are another feature of this celebration of the Guild and its members.
Wendy Toerien has been writing about wine since 1989. She was a founder editorial staff member of Wine magazine in 1993 and became closely familiar with the wine industry, its winemakers and the CWG during her tenure there until 1998 when she started her freelance career. She has written several coffee table books on wine and related subjects, including South African Wine – A Celebration and South African Wines and Vineyards, published by Struik in 1999 and 2000 (reprinted 2003) respectively.
She has also been a contributing writer on Platter’s South African Wine Guide for more than a decade, and writes articles on wine people, wine tourism and winelands lifestyle for local and overseas publications.
ISBN: 978-1-43170-033-2 | RRP: R395.00 | CLASSIFICATION: General Cookery, Wine
For more information, contact Kim Taylor at kimt@randomstruik.co.za / 021 460-5400. For more information, visit www.randomstruik.co.za
Re-Discover The Joy Of A Picnic At Durbanville Hills
Head outdoors this summer to The Picnic Spot at Durbanville Hills Wines. With the sun on your back, the lawn tickling your bare feet and surrounded by a spread of delectable treats, a picnic is a great way to refresh and re-energise after the long, cold winter.
Offering the perfect setting in the olive grove with panoramic views over the picturesque Durbanville vineyards and Table Bay, the Picnic Spot promises hand-woven baskets brimming with scrumptious artisanal foods.
Spread out and relax on the beautiful bespoke blankets and comfy pillows and while away the afternoon with a complimentary bottle of Durbanville Hills Merlot Rosé. The menu, developed by executive chef Riedwaan Rooknodien of The Eatery at Durbanville Hills includes a delicious selection of rustic bread, chicken liver paté with grape chutney, minted Moroccan salsa on nutty couscous, parmesan chicken, fresh salad and The Eatery’s signature Grabouw sausage and red onion marmalade quiche. Cheese and biscuits along with a decadent bag filled with Turkish delight, chocolate truffles and nougat end off a perfect day spent with family and friends.
The free-form jungle gyms will keep the kids occupied and the special ‘5 Ants’ picnic will tempt the little ones. Their special menu includes meatballs, sesame chicken and cheddar wraps, pretzel sticks and dips, chocolate brownies and fruit juice.
The picnics will be available from October until the end of April and cost R295 for two people, including a bottle of Durbanville Hills’ Merlot Rosé and the kiddies picnic is charged at R65 each. Bookings are required at least 24 hours in advance during the week and for weekend picnics orders please book on the Friday by 16:00.
For more information or to make a booking contact Hanlie Campher on 021 558 1300 or send an email to info@durbanvillehills.co.za
Franschhoek Oesfees Runner-Up In Tourism Award
The annual Franschhoek Oesfees was named runner-up Festival of the Year at the 2nd annual Cape Winelands Mayoral Tourism Awards Gala Dinner on 20 September.
At a glittering event at Kronenburg Wine Estate in Paarl, tribute was paid to the Cape Winelands for their valuable contribution towards helping ensure a vibrant tourism industry in the Western Cape.
In the category – Tourism-related festival of the year – The Franschhoek Oesfees hosted annually by leading wine estate, Solms-Delta, in association with the ATKV, emerged as the runner-up. This award is bestowed upon businesses that run special events, festivals and activities that attract large crowds or people to the Cape Winelands. Nominees must have a proven track record of successful projects and campaigns that result in an increase in revenue and tourist visits to the region.
From left to right: Executive Mayor (Cape Winelands District Municipality) Ald. CA de Bruyn ; Adriaan Brand (Solms Delta); Cllr (Dr) Lourens du Toit (Portfolio Holder Economic Development, Tourism and Planning – Drakenstein Municipality)
The Franschhoek Oesfees has, since its inception five years ago, increased in numbers year on year, bringing tourists, both local and international together, to celebrate the end of the harvest with people of the Winelands. The 2012 event was a sold out event with over 5000 people flocking to Solms-Delta to dance with farm workers from throughout the valley under the oaks to the sound of Ghoema, Cape Jazz, Langarm, Vastrap and Boeremusiek while feasting on genuine local ‘Kaapsekos’ and wine.
MEC Mr. Alan Winde, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, was the keynote speaker at the awards ceremony. He spoke about the importance of tourism to our economy as a whole, as tourism is one sector with huge potential for growth. He emphasized the need to promote domestic tourism to the Winelands, by spending more marketing resources locally.
Solms-Delta GM Cathy Macfarlane and Adriaan Brand, director of the Music van de Caab project producing much of the local musical talent on display at the Oesfees, received the Award on behalf of Solms-Delta. Macfarlane said she was delighted that the hard work and dedication of so many people in staging the successful annual tourism event, had received such acknowledgement.
Simonsig Triumph At 2012 Méthode Cap Classique Challenge
Flagship Cuvée Royale 2007 best Blanc de Blancs
Cuvée Royale, the Prestige Cuvée of Simonsig Estate, South Africa’s first Méthode Cap Classique producer, has triumphed as the best Blanc de Blancs at the 2012 Amorim Méthode Cap Classique Challenge for the second consecutive year, this time with the 2007 vintage.
Last year the Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2005 was the overall winner and best Blanc de Blancs in the 2011 Challenge.
“We have set the benchmark right from the start when my father, Frans Malan, created South Africa’s very first Cap Classique, Kaapse Vonkel, 41 years ago and we will continue to contribute towards the growing interest in Cap Classiques amongst producers as well as the public,” says Simonsig cellarmaster Johan Malan, who selects only the finest, most delicate Chardonnay cuvées, capable of long evolution to achieve the pinnacle of Cap Classique quality in the Cuvée Royale.
The winning Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2007 spent more than five years (66 months) on the lees allowing the Chardonnay time to develop its complexity, finesse and fine mousse. Simonsig Cuvée Royale is only made in exceptional vintages, a clear indication of the selective manner in which this prestigious Cap Classique is crafted.
“The essence of a true Cap Classique lies with the gentle whole bunch pressing of the grapes which yield only the purest and most delicate juice known as the cuvée. If the quality of a particular vintage does not meet our expectations, we simply do not produce a Prestige Cuvée that year,” says winemaker Hannes Meyer, tasked with making Simonsig’s Cap Classiques under the guidance of Johan Malan.
Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2007 captivates with an intriguing golden hue and a remarkably delicate pearly mousse rising to the surface emitting wonderful aromas of Granny Smith apples coated with roasted almonds. Secondary flavours of freshly baked bread intertwine with the crisp scents of lime blossom and citrus typical of Chardonnay. Fermentation of 90% of the base wine in French oak barrels lends rich complexity to this Cap Classique. The result is a sophisticated Prestige Cuvée which revives the palate with exquisite balance between the primary fruit and the complexity of slow evolution.
Enjoy this glorious Cap Classique on its own or with fresh, succulent oysters. It works well with most light, delicate foods especially linefish, shellfish and crayfish and stands up well to caviar and artichoke hearts. This Cuvée Royale is also a winner with fresh desserts such as fruit salad or sorbets.
Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2007 is available on special request from the cellar at R190 a bottle and will be released later this year. For more information or wine orders contact Simonsig Estate at Tel: (+27)21 888 4915 or visit www.simonsig.co.za.
Simonsig Wine Estate is located outside Stellenbosch, on the Kromme Rhee road between the R44 and R304.
