Monthly Archives: February 2013
New Simonsig Pinot Noir Brut Rosé Vintage With No Added Sulphur
3rd vintage of popular No Added SO2 MCC exclusive to Woolworths
Simonsig Estate, creators of South Africa’s first Méthode Cap Classique more than 40 years ago, has released the Limited Release Pinot Noir Brut Rosé 2011, the third vintage of this popular no-added-sulphur Méthode Cap Classique, made exclusively for Woolworths.
The maiden 2009 vintage was the first Rosé Cap Classique with No Added SO2 in the country, showcasing the innovative spirit Simonsig still brings to the market. With a loyal following of bubbly lovers in search of a more innovative and health-driven style, Woolworths has a growing and successful range of red and sparkling wines with No Added SO2.
“This limited release is as delicious as it is health-friendly and extreme care is taken in the whole winemaking process to prevent oxidation and spoilage of the wine as no SO2 is added. It is a mouthful of freshness and finesse,” says Simonsig cellarmaster and MCC specialist Johan Malan, son of Frans Malan who gave South Africa its first bottle fermented sparkling wine back in 1971 – the iconic Kaapse Vonkel.
The Woolworths Limited Release Pinot Noir Brut Rosé 2011 comprises 100% Pinot noir grapes which lend the faintest salmon hue and an enticing nose of rose petals, luscious strawberries and vibrant red fruit.
“The beauty of this noble red grape variety lies in its ability to add full-bodied structure to the wine without losing its delicacy and finesse,” explains Johan.
The grapes where whole bunch pressed and then inoculated with a special Prise de Mousse yeast to start the primary fermentation. The yeast selection is critical as certain yeasts actually form sulphur dioxide in the wine which can be problematic when trying to make a sulphur-free wine.
The Woolworths Limited Release Pinot Noir Brut Rosé 2011 spent nine months on the lees to develop its mouth-filling roundness and well-balanced character. With a delicately fine mousse and an explosion of bubbles, it is ideal as an aperitif for summer entertaining. It also partners exceptionally well with crayfish thermidor, rich Thai dishes or decadent desserts.
The Woolworths Limited Release Pinot Noir Brut Rosé 2010 No Added SO2 retails at R89.95 per bottle at selected Woolworths stores countrywide.
For more information on Simonsig Estate contact Tel: (021) 888 4915 or visit www.simonsig.co.za.
B Is For Breytenbach, Brenaissance And Boran
Tom and Haley Breytenbach started their Brenaissance journey when he asked her to marry him. They decided to get married on the farm, situated in the beautiful Devon Valley area, they bought in 2011 and first on the agenda were a wedding chapel and wedding venue for their 250 guests.
The Estate has quite a few options including The Rose Conservatory, The River Deck, The Brenaissance Hall, The Couryard, The White Photo Studio and of course the landscaped gardens, plum orchards and vineyards. Café Blanc de Noir with its open plan, chic interior filled with home touches is the perfect place to relax. A safe play area for kids is visible to parents and the menu reflects their philosophy of grown in the valley, made in the valley and enjoyed in the valley.
In addition to the 30ha for vines and 30ha for export plums, the rest of the 116ha estate is home to Toms’ pride and joy, his stud of Boran cattle. He fell in love with the breed in Reitz in the Free State and bought some at an auction. His prize bull, Brigadier, will weigh in at a ton when fully grown and because cattle bring in quite an income, it only made sense to diversify.
Tom and Haley did their homework when it came to deciding which grapes for which wines they wanted to concentrate on and in the end, came up with 7 different wines. The wines are made by winemakers who were selected for their strengths; Longridge’s Jasper Raats made the Lady H Sauvignon Blanc 2011 and Knight of White Chardonnay 2010, Charl Coetzee when at Clos Malverne the Jack of Diamonds Shiraz 2009, Billy Marklew of Marklew Family Wines the Queen of Hearts Merlot, Marklew and Eikendal’s Nico Grobler were involved in the Bordeaux-style red blend Full House 2010 and Nico Grobler is responsible for the King of Clubs Cabernet Sauvignon 2009.
About 35 000 bottles are produced over the 7 varietals and Tom and Haley would like to keep it at this for the near future – more of a boutique style than a fully fledged wine farm with a cellar.
Whilst Tom and Haley are very new to the wine industry, they have already decided which direction to move in and the combination of business skill, enthusiasm and passion for this venture will guarantee its success.
Let’s raise a glass of Knight of White Chardonnay 2010 to Tom and Haley of Brenaissance and wish them well.
Two Oceans Simple Snack Solution
Take a taste tip from Two Oceans winemaker Michael Bucholz. Whether watching his favourite game on TV or putting his feet up after a busy day in the cellar, he’ll often pair a glass of lightly chilled fresh and zesty Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc with onion and balsamic-flavoured crisps or alternatively, with sea salt and black pepper chips.
“Some days call for hassle-free sipping and crunching. That’s when you don’t necessarily feel like a full-scale meal but want a nice savoury nosh with a good drop of wine. Why over-complicate life when you can keep it simple but tasty?”
When he’s in the mood for red, he’ll open the Two Oceans Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend and match its soft, smooth and juicy berry taste with cheddar or smoked beef-flavoured crisps.
Two Oceans wines sell for around R35 a bottle.
Boschendal Hits Number 1 In Lucrative UK Market
Boschendal Wines is the top selling premium South Africa wine in the UK, having experienced double-digit growth in terms of annual sales values, according to the latest Nielsen data in that country.
The Nielsen figures show Boschendal has the largest market share in the UK of all premium South African wines, defined as wines which sell for over £5. Total sales values for the year ending 29/12/2012 increased by 13.2% to £4 703 000 – volumes increased by 8.5% to 641 000 bottles (750ml) and the average price per bottle increased from £7.03 to £7.33.
Reaching the number 1 spot has confirmed that parent company (DGB (Pty ) Ltd, which produces Boschendal wines on South Africa’s second oldest estate, is on the right path in terms of how it positions, prices and distributes the brand in the UK.
Jacques Roux, marketing director for DGB, said the keys to Boschendal’s success in the UK were a hands-on approach and consistency in terms of quality, price, service and promotions.
“This success did not come over night, it is part of a 10 year plan and is based on reviewing and overhauling the complete brand architecture from the Pavilion range through to the Premium offerings. Along with our strategy of ‘premiumisation’ of Boschendal and improving the quality of the premium offerings,” Roux said.
“This success has been built on re-engineering the packaging, upgrading of wine styles with a trusted and committed winemaking team and replanting vineyards where necessary.”
The UK is very much a flagship market for South African wines and is still a bench mark of accomplishment for local brands. “We have an office in the UK with our own sales team, indicating the importance of that market to our business,” Garreth Anderson, MD of DGB (Europe) said.
DGB sells five varietals of its Boschendal 1685 range in the UK: the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Shiraz and Shiraz Cabernet, as well as their Lanoy Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Boschendal brand has broad distribution in the UK especially in the retail sector, being listed with the likes of Tesco, Waitrose, Majestic and The Co-operative. “The major retail groups only stock a very limited range of premium wines and Boschendal has excellent representation in this sector which accounts for the brand’s share of the South African premium sales in the UK,” Anderson said.
There is representation with regional wholesalers who service the country areas, while Boschendal also has some very good on-consumption representation and this is a sector they are focused on developing.
The Boschendal range includes 2 Cap Classique wines, the flagship wines Cecil John Reserve, a Reserve Collection of 3 labels, the 1685 range, Classics like Bland de Noir and Boschen Blanc as well as The Pavilion range. Recent accolades include the Cecil John Reserve Shiraz 2010 and the Boschendal Reserve Chardonnay 2011 being awarded 5 star ratings in the 2013 John Platter Wine Guide, while Boschendal Le Grand Pavillon Brut Rosé received a prestigious Top 10 award at Effervescents du Monde 2012.
Group winemaker JC Bekker presides over the entire DGB wine portfolio, with Lizelle Gerber as white wine and Cap Classique winemaker and Bertho van der Westhuizen responsible for red and rosé wines at the two dedicated cellars at Boschendal
Boschendal Estate, situated at the gateway to the Franschhoek Valley, was named “South African Winery of the Year” at the International Wine and Spirit Challenge in London in 2004. It is popular with visitors who get to pop a bottle of bubbly in the tasting room, enjoy a lazy family picnic beside the iconic pavilion, dine in one of the restaurants or explore the historic manor house.
First granted to French Huguenot Jean le Long, Boschendal dates back to 1685 and ownership has passed through several hands including those of legendary mining magnate Cecil John Rhodes.
For more information visit www.boschendalwines.com or call 021 870 4200. Follow Boschendal on Twitter @Boschendal_1685 or like their Facebook /Boschendal Wines fan page.
New Spicy Vernissage – More Fine Wine Art From Holden Manz In Franschhoek
An exciting year of promising wine releases awaits wine lovers at Holden Manz, where Vernissage 2012 has just made its debut as a seductive preview of things to come for this trendy Franschhoek wine estate.
Boasting a dark deep centre with a bright red edge, Vernissage 2012 is a beautiful collaboration of the typical characteristics of the two grape varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The nose teems with berry flavours and black fruit typical of Cabernet Sauvignon, whilst the Shiraz lends upfront spice and dark cherries.
Meticulous grape selection and minimal man-made impact to preserve the true varietal characters are the hallmark of winemaker Schalk Opperman’s new red at Holden Manz.
The individual varieties selected from distinct parcels of vineyards in varying soil types were bunch and berry so
rted, crushed and destalked prior to fermentation with very few interventions in the cellar to ensure varietal integrity. The winemaking team, in collaboration with enthusiastic owners Gerard Holden and Migo Manz, went to great lengths to finalise the blend after numerous careful trials and test tastings of the different batches.
The result is a superbly balanced, multi-layered, spicy and fruity wine with the various components adding great complexity and wonderful intricacy to the wine.
“The wine has beautiful ripe, soft and chewy tannins with good balance and a soft and lingering finish,” says Schalk, who recommends enjoying Vernissage 2012 with slow cooked lamb stew with rich tomato herb and garlic sauce, haricots vert and grilled polenta.
Vernissage 2012 is available at selected fine wine shops and sells for R60 at the Holden Manz cellar door.
The Holden Manz tasting room is open daily from 10h00 to 17h00. Holden Manz Wine Estate offers a spectacular setting for weddings. For more information or bookings, phone 021-876 2738. Visit Holden Manz on Facebook or www.holdenmanz.com. To reach Holden Manz, turn right at the Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek and follow the signs for two kilometres. GPS coordinates: Latitude: 33° 56’ 7” S; Longitude: 19° 6’ 54” E.
Savour Autumn With A Mouthful Of Fleur Du Cap Unfiltered Semillon
Full-bodied, packed with citrus aromas and a buttery, toasty finish, Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Semillon 2011 is a versatile wine to enjoy as the early autumn chill approaches.
The perfect accompaniment to wild mushrooms and muted autumn flavours, this Unfiltered Semillon embodies great complexity and true varietal character through meticulous terroir selection and excellent craftsmanship in the Fleur du Cap cellar.
“Our Semillon is an elegant wine with heaps of apricot and vanilla oak spice on the palate allowing it to be enjoyed even at mild room temperatures during the colder months. I enjoy drinking this wonderful food wine most during autumn with creamy wild mushroom risotto,” says winemaker Pieter Bedanhorst who loves to add a dash of Semillon to the pot to give the dish greater depth and flavour.
“A great trick I learned from salt aficionado Chef Craig Cormack is to substitute table salt with an artisanal alternative such as Murray River salt. It just adds an extra dimension to your dish and really brings out the full flavour profile of the Semillon,” adds Pieter.
Inspired by Fleur du Cap’s close affinity to nature and the unbridled expression of fruit and flavour of the Unfiltered range, Chef Craig enjoys experimenting with these wines and his ever expanding salt collection. His ultimate pairing choice for the Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Semillon 2011 is a seared tuna enlivened with delicately pink Murray River Salt from Australia.
“One of the challenges when pairing salt and wine is to create food that will enhance the wine without dominating it. The unique characteristics of Murray River salt unveil the flavours of the complex, full bodied Unfiltered Semillon superbly,” says Chef Craig.
Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Semillon 2011 is available at select fine dining restaurants, boutique wine stores or the Fleur du Cap cellar door at Die Bergkelder in Stellenbosch from around R95 per bottle.
For more information visit www.fleurducap.co.za, fleurducap.tumblr.com or join the Fleur du Cap Facebook community.
L’Ormarins Brut Classique NV – Homage To A Great Man
Traditionally regarded as a celebratory drink, Méthode Cap Classiques have fast become the favoured tipple with meals, sundowners or simply enjoying with friends. L’Ormarins, which forms part of the Anthonij Rupert Wines portfolio, has recently added a premium Brut Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) NV to its already highly acclaimed range of wines.
This particular Cap Classique was the brain child of the late Anthonij Rupert who dedicated much of his time in creating the perfect MCC for L’Ormarins. This was borne out of his belief that MCC’s in South Africa had great potential, as is evident today. After his untimely passing his brother, Dr Johann Rupert, paid homage to his brother, Anthonij Rupert, by continuing with his dream when he took over the business.
This vision has resulted in a first-class Méthode Cap Classique made from a blend of Chardonnay (60%) and Pinot Noir (40%) grapes. A hand-crafted wine best described as elegant, fresh and lively, rich in minerality, displaying hints of brioche, citrus and frambiose. The Chardonnay yields a fresh lime character, accentuated by the high natural acidity, whilst the Pinot Noir provides hints of perfume notes.
Available directly from the Cellar Door or in select specialist wine stores nationwide, Brut Méthode Cap Classique NV retails for approximately R110 per bottle. Best served, chilled, on its own or with oysters, delicate seafood dishes and light salads.
Stellar Shimmy Cuisine – From The Kitchen Of Chef Seelan Sundoo
Set on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in Cape Town, from the kitchen of celebrated culinary master, Seelan Sundoo, Shimmy Beach Club’s menu presents a stellar array of gastronomic offerings set to delight the most discerning of pallets.
With a fun dining approach to food and a wide selection of fresh seafood, tender steaks and high quality meat options, as well as mouthwatering sushi and gourmet, wood-fired pizzas, Shimmy not only caters for groups of friends with eclectic tastes but is also the perfect venue for an intimate lunch or sumptuous dinner for two.
Over the years, Seelan Sundoo’s name has become synonymous with quality dining in Cape Town, having learnt how to cook in his mother’s kitchen and then perfecting his craft in some of the city’s most renowned restaurants.
Using fresh, locally produced and organic ingredients, the dishes on Shimmy Beach Club’s menu are comfortable yet sophisticated and create the perfect balance between simple & and elaborate with Seelan’s signature dose of Italian, French and Asian influences expertly combined with the flavours of the Cape.
“We decided to offer a large menu with a lot of different choices to accommodate all tastes, making Shimmy Beach Club a venue where you can try something new each time and enjoy long lunches as well as lavish dinners with friends,” says chef Seelan Sundoo.
In turn, Shimmy offers the freshest and most decadent seafood including extraordinary platters, oysters, langoustines, giant tiger prawns, a variety of line-fish and Seelan’s storied prawn curry. Fresh combinations of ginger, chilli, lemon, coconut cream and garlic flawlessly compliment the flavours of the seafood.
Selecting only the highest grade cuts of dry-aged beef, a refrigeration process which leaves the meat incredibly tender and concentrates the flavour of the beef, Shimmy’s steaks are grilled to perfection and served with a choice of thoughtfully combined herbs, truffle mayo, chimichurri, tagliata or a delectable smokey black pepper sauce.
For patrons looking for something out of the ordinary, Shimmy offers a variety of exotic dishes including duck ravioli with a delicately-balanced orange and ginger sauce, a perlemoen starter, delicious salads and top cuts of veal or springbok, flawlessly complimented by sides of sweet potato chips or fresh organic vegetables.
A highlight at Shimmy is the phenomenal sushi from the hands of master sushi chef, Yasuhiro Yoshimura who has spearheaded sushi at some of South Africa’s top sushi restaurants. A personal friend of Nobu Matsuhisa and consultant to Sol Kerzner’s restaurants, Yoshimura ensures that each order of sushi is expertly prepared using top quality ingredients.
Meanwhile, the wood-fired pizza oven cooks thin crusted gourmet pizzas to perfection and the small plate menu offers a collection of hamburgers and light meals.
For the calorie-conscious, Shimmy Beach Club has put together their “Skinny Liscious” menu which is available between 17h00 and 19h30 daily. The menu combines elements of the existing menu but allows patrons to stay within their calorie “budget” by stating how many calories are contained in each meal. Along with the sushi and pizza menu, the dishes on the “Skinny Liscious” menu can be ordered from the luxury of one of the Shimmy Beach Loungers.
Shimmy also caters for the younger generation with a set “Kids” menu and dedicated children’s play area complete with child minders, ensuring that everyone is catered for.
In addition, Shimmy Beach Club also offers decadent desserts with hints of luxuriant chocolate, fresh cream, fruit and hints of spice as the ideal conclusion to any meal.
The panache does not however end on the plate, as located in the working harbour of the V&A Waterfront, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Shimmy Beach Club offers a fusion of fun, elegant dining and beach chic.
“We have created Shimmy as a venue with an emphasis on fun dining – combining playful elements with the more traditional and elegant,” says chef Seelan Sundoo. “All in all, we cater for everyone and encourage people to come to Shimmy to enjoy themselves, relax and eat delicious, well constructed food.”
Influenced by some of the world’s most glamorous and fabulous entertainment venues, along with a spectacular location, private beach and expansive outside deck, Shimmy Beach Club is Cape Town’s newest, premier dining and lifestyle destination.
Woolworths Launches New Range Of Wines
Woolworths has just launched a new range of local wines as well as a new selection of European wines. Available at selected Woolworths foodmarkets, they’ll make any occasion or meal complete.
They include:
Laibach The Ladybird Brut Rose MCC 2010
A first in South Africa! From Laibach Vineyards in Stellenbosch, an MCC made from Pinotage grown using sustainable practices and no irrigation. It has had 18 months on the lees to develop complexity and integrate the flavours. And it tastes delicious. It has an attractive salmon pink colour and an enticing nose of strawberries, wild cherry and rose petal. The palate is crisp and fresh with a mouth-filling, lightly textured mousse. A perfect accompaniment to sushi or creamy white cheeses. Only 2 400 bottles have been made.
Price: R99.95
Domaine Grier – French Tradition Brut
For many years the Grier family have made excellent and successful MCC bubblies at Villiera Wines in Stellenbosch. In 2006 they purchased a farm in the Côtes du Roussillon region in the South-West of France and called it Domaine Grier. Using their expertise they made a bubbly from Chardonnay (50%), Maccabeu (35 %) and Carignan (15%) grapes using the traditional Champagne Method. The wine has flavours of brioche and spice on the nose with a lively palate and a clean, chalky mousse. Enjoy with oysters or shellfish.
Price: R149.95
Ken Forrester Exclusive Selection Viognier 2012
Viognier is a grape from the Rhône Valley and is relatively new to South Africa. This example from Ken Forrester is too good to miss. It has a very gentle touch of wood with appealing peach and apricot on the nose as well as great mouthfeel and a crisp finish with fresh acidity. It is a great wine to pair with food, particularly poultry with sauces and light to medium spiced Asian dishes.
Price: R69.95
Allan Mullins My Song- White Blend 2012 (Reyneke Wines and Cape Point Vineyards)
A blend of Johan Reyneke’s Sauvignon Blanc (50%) and Duncan Savage’s wooded (25%) and unwooded Semillons (25%). The resultant mélange is full-bodied, rich and boasts vanilla, honey and concentrated fruit flavours and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel with a fresh crispness.
Price: R169.95
Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc 2012 1.5 Litre
[A Christmas Selection]. Sauvignon Blanc maestro, Thys Louw, makes a large range of Sauvignon Blancs on his Durbanville farm. The nose shows passion fruit, green herbs, gooseberry and ripe melon. The palate is textured and mouth filling with the fruit balanced by a crisp, lively acidity. An ideal summer wine, perfect for beach parties or picnics. Drink now or keep for 2 to 3 years.
Price: R129.95
Longmarket Pinot Noir 2012 (Robertson Winery)
A very accessible and palate-friendly Pinot Noir from Robertson Winery. The nose charms with flavours of ripe red berries, strawberries and cherries. It has a soft, rounded palate which fills the mouth with juicy red fruits as well as a typical Pinot Noir savouriness. Lovely with mushroom pasta dishes, pork fillet or grilled salmon.
Price: R54.95
Reyneke Pinotage 2012
Perhaps you thought you knew what Pinotage tasted like. Well, I doubt you have had one like this. Believe it or not it is unwooded and yet has a remarkable intensity and concentration of flavours. There are wild cherries, raspberries and an enticing spicy scent. Rather than describe it I urge you to try it. It is the only biodynamic and organic certified Pinotage in the world. To make it even better pair it with wild mushroom risotto, red meat or game cooked on an open fire, or your Sunday favourite of roast lamb. It is charming now but can be cellared for six years or more.
Price: R99.95
Diemersdal Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 1.5 Litre
[A Christmas Selection]. The cooler Durbanville climate makes for slow ripening classic Cabernet Sauvignons. This great example has a nose of blackcurrant, plum and dark chocolate. It has a well-rounded palate and is juicy with layers of fruit. The palate shows perfect balance of fruit and oak and the finish is long and lingering. Enjoy with roast beef or Karoo lamb. It drinks will now but will keep for 4 to 5 years.
Price: R139.95
Allan Mullins My Song - Red Blend 2009 (Spier)
Allan had access to Spier Wines highest quality reds and ended up choosing winemaker Frans Smit’s Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (43%) and Cabernet Franc (7%) for his velvety, intense blend. This robust red treats the nose to flavours of blackcurrant, spice and cigar box, while the palate strikes the perfect balance between fruit and oak, and lingers pleasantly.
Price: R199.95
French Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (Region – Gascony, France)
We have a lot of Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa. Now is the time to enjoy something different, and from an area where they have been growing Sauvignon Blanc for a lot longer than we have. This wine has a lovely fresh crispness and a nose with floral fruity notes and generous citrus flavours. Open it with seafood and grilled fish. Best enjoyed young and zesty.
Price: R59.95
French Bordeaux 2011 (Region – Bordeaux, France)
(Merlot – Cabernet Sauvignon)
Bordeaux is the region that produces the most quality blends of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. This wine takes you back to the heritage of these grapes and has the blackcurrant, violets and spice flavours that you would look for. It has a lush, well rounded palate and would be a delight with red meats, poultry and fuller cheeses. Best drunk now or within the next four years.
Price: R69.95
French Côtes Du Rhône 2011 (Côte du Rhône, France)
(Syrah and Grenache). There are a great many Côtes Du Rhône reds made in the Rhône Valley of France. To be honest some are good and some poor. We have searched for one that shows what fine Rhône reds can do. It has the classic white pepper and spice of Shiraz (Syrah in French) as well as perfumed redcurrants and cherries. It will go well with lightly spiced meat dishes as well as riper cheeses. It is drinkable now but can age for 3 to 4 years.
Price: R59.95
Spanish White 2011 (Region – Rueda, Spain)
(Verdejo and Viura grapes) Spanish white wines have improved markedly over the last five years and this is a fine example. There are unique floral and herbal aromas on the nose. The palate expresses vibrant minerality, a silky and waxy texture and there are fruity layers of pineapple, pear, almonds and lemon. It will go beautifully with seafood, poultry or pasta dishes with white sauces. Best enjoyed within three years.
Price: R49.95
Spanish Tempranillo 2011 (Region – Carinena, Spain)
Tempranillo is the classic red wine grape of Spain. This is an easy drinking example with bright fresh hints of raspberry, cream and black cherry. The palate is smooth and fruity with intriguing layers of spice and a well-rounded finish. A good match for meat cooked on a fire –try spare ribs, pork chops and sausages. It is also a good match for medium to ripe cheeses. Drink now or within three years.
Price: R49.95
Spanish Garnacha 2011 (Region – Calatayud, Spain)
Grenache in France, Garnacha in Spain. It is a vibrantly fruity wine with ripe blackberry, hints of spice and ripe plums. The palate is richly rounded, smooth and laden with fruit. It is perfectly suited to Spanish-style tapas, poultry, grilled meats or pasta. Drinking well now, it can also age for 3 to 4 years.
Price: R49.95
Spanish San Pedro Rioja 2011 (Rioja, Spain)
A wine from the most famous red wine area in Spain, located in the north. The nose has fresh, intense aromas of strawberry, cherry and liquorice. The silky, polished palate has a firm but gentle grip with a pleasing hint of leather at the edge. Well-rounded and easy drinking, it is a great match for chorizo, salami and ham as well as medium to ripe cheeses. Consume now or within four years.
Price: R49.95
Cape Winemakers Guild Takes On Three New Protégés For 2013
The Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme, a mentorship initiative which gives aspirant winemakers the rare opportunity to work side by side with some of the country’s finest, has swelled its ranks to seven this year with the recruitment of three new Protégés.
The Guild’s three new Protégés, all graduates in Cellar Technology at Elsenburg Agricultural College, are Wade Sander from Johannesburg, Thornton Pillay of Durban and Ricardo Cloete from Steinkopf in Namakwaland.
Wade, who completed his studies with assistance from the Cape Winemakers Guild Billy Hofmeyr SETA Bursary Programme last year, joins master craftsman Etienne Le Riche in the cellar. Thrilled to be selected as a Protégé, Wade enjoys the practical aspect of hands-on work in a cellar. “I look forward to being able to bottle my first vintage and to influence the character and structure of the wine with my own creativity and expression.”
Thornton, who will be put through his paces at Ernie Els Wines under the watchful eye of Louis Strydom, has big dreams to make a name in the winemaking industry. “I’ve always had an interest in agriculture and winemaking with a genuine passion to become a role model some day. Being a part of this programme is an honour for me and a fantastic kick-start for my future plans.”
Determined to become a successful winemaker, Ricardo will be learning his craft under the mentorship of Abrie Beeslaar at Kanonkop. “Being selected as a Protégé is the ideal foundation to become one of South Africa’s most successful winemakers,” says Ricardo.
Left to Right: Philani Shongwe, Thornton Pillay, Elmarie Botes, Wade Sander, Chandré Petersen, Ricardo Cloete and Heinrich Kulsen
All the Protégés have the opportunity to make their own wine during their three year internships as a result of generous sponsorships from various suppliers. Every year Cape Cooperage provides wine barrels for the maturation, whilst Consol Glass and Amorim Cork donate the bottles and corks for the Protégé wines.
“With the shifting of priorities towards sustainability in terms of communities and the environment, we as the Cape Winemakers Guild need to assist the local wine industry in achieving these objectives. We are therefore indebted to our suppliers for their generous support of our Protégé Programme,” says Guild Chairman Jeff Grier.
The Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme was launched in 2006 under the auspices of the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust with the goal of bringing about transformation in the wine industry by cultivating, nurturing and empowering promising individuals to become winemakers of excellence.
The Cape Winemakers Guild Billy Hofmeyr SETA Bursary Programme pays tribute to the Guild’s first founding chairman. The first Guild meeting took place over 30 years ago at the Hofmeyr’s home on the farm, Welgemeend, in Paarl on 24 August 1982.
For more information on the Guild, contact Tel: 021 852 0408 or send an email to info@capewinemakersguild.com. Students interested in applying for the Protégé Programme can visit the Guild’s website at www.capewinemakersguild.com.
Simonsberg Wine Route Market Day
Delvera, Sunday, 10 March 2013
End your weekend with a vibrant Winelands buzz of tastes and treats from the Simonsberg Wine Route, a sub-route of the Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes, when this prized strip of savvy wine farms hosts its annual Market Day at Delvera Estate on Sunday, 10 March 2013.
More than 20 estates will descend onto the Delvera agri-village to share their latest wines and way of life with a swarming crowd who wants to soak up the last bit of summer fun.
Young and old can delight in a fun-filled family day blended with the finest wines from the Simonsberg area, country food, craft stalls with proudly local produce, horse rides and live music entertainment by Newton & Co. The younger crowd will have barrels of fun in the play corner with go-cart rides; a trampoline; jungle gym, and a snake and reptile show.
Catering for both novices and seasoned wine enthusiasts, The Vineyard Connection has tailor-made four tutored wine classes which will be on offer at the market. These interactive and insightful wine tastings cost R50 per person and pre-bookings are essential. All proceeds will be donated to the Pebbles Project – a non-profit organisation that supports children living in the Winelands. Contact Tel: 021 884 4360 to book your wine class and contribute to a good cause.
The Simonsberg Wine Route Market Day starts at 9am and entry is FREE. Delvera is situated on the R44 between Stellenbosch and Klapmuts.
For more information on the Simonsberg Wine Route Market Day or shuttle service recommendations contact Tel: 021 886 4310/ 021 886 8275; send and email to info@wineroute.co.za or visit www.wineroute.co.za. For directions visit www.delvera.co.za.
New Le Venue Restaurant Opens At The House Of J.C. Le Roux
Enjoy pure foodie heaven in the Stellenbosch Winelands at the chic new Le Venue restaurant at The House of J.C. Le Roux for your taste of Le Good Life.
One of the gems of the stylish four month makeover that literally raised the roof of South Africa’s leading home of sparkling wine, this dazzling new restaurant provides an uplifting setting for a relaxed escape in the heart of picturesque Devon Valley.
The inviting al fresco deck is the perfect spot to enjoy delicious food on sunny days while sipping on award-winning J.C. Le Roux Méthode Cap Classique and sparkling wines, with a new gourmet braai area a welcome addition especially for private functions.
Mouth-watering breakfasts that feature regularly on the menu, which changes weekly, include a “vineyard breakfast” of truffle centred scrambled egg, pesto button mushrooms, fried cocktail tomatoes, candied bacon, mini rösti and chipolatas. The French toast layered with grilled bananas and bacon, topped with Canadian maple syrup and crispy prosciutto ice cream is a must.
With their natural affinity to bubbly, oysters and sushi are always on the lunch menu. Other dishes include Thai beef salad, a winning combination with J.C. Le Roux Pinot Noir Rosé or spicy Portuguese chicken fillet. Desserts and bubbly are also a perfect match especially the red velvet cake and La Fleurette crème Brule.
Flaunting style and glamour, Le Venue is the ultimate hot spot for fashionistas and wine lovers alike.
The House of J.C. Le Roux, situated in the Devon Valley in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands, is open seven days a week. Le Venue is open from 09h00 till 16h00 with breakfast served between 09h00 and 11h00 and lunch from 12h00 till 15h00.
Visit www.jcleroux.co.za, www.facebook.com/HouseofJCLeroux or follow @LeGoodLife on Twitter.
