HONOURING THE ‘WOMEN OF MURATIE’ ON WOMEN’S DAY

On Women’s Day on 9^th August and during the month of August known as Women’s Month, South Africa honours the strength and resilience of women and their contribution to society and country.

it is Muratie’s pleasure to present the ‘Women of Muratie’ wine collection, celebrating their respective roles in moulding Muratie as we know it today.

ANSELA VAN DE CAAB

Muratie’s flagship Bordeaux-style red blend pays tribute to Ansela van de Caab whose impressive story is written into South African folklore as an icon of the struggle against the horrors of slavery at the Cape in the late 17th century.

The Muratie Ansela van de Caab, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, is rich and velvety with concentrated dark fruits (blackcurrants, cassis) and plenty of wood spice (sandalwood, cigar box) with savoury hints of olive tapenade and a lingering finish.

LADY ALICE SARAH STANFORD

Muratie’s Lady Alice Méthode Cap Classique bubbly made from 100% Pinot Noir is a toast to a ‘lady’ for whom every day was a celebration, who was always the life and soul of the party, who infused the Muratie Manor House with merriment and joy. As the wife of a senator, who bought Muratie in 1909,

Muratie Lady Alice Rosé MCC displays bright strawberry, cranberry and naartjie notes lifted by a refreshing zestiness offset by a shortbread richness and creamy mouthfeel.

ALBERTA ANNEMARIE CANITZ

Muratie honoured Alberta Annemarie Canitz, the feisty pioneer who became one of the first female wine farm owners in the country, by naming their Merlot after her.

Redolent of lusciously ripe plums in its youth, the Muratie Alberta Annemarie Merlot has complex layers of dark cherries, cocoa, cinnamon and toasted hazelnut that come to the fore over time. Its appealing sweetness and full-bodied richness are balanced by fresh acidity and a pinch of mixed herbs.

AMBER

Muratie’s gorgeous, fortified dessert wine is named after Amber, George Paul Canitz’s beautiful model and muse whose painting hangs in the Muratie tasting toom to this day.

This irresistibly seductive Muratie Amber Forever dessert wine made from Hanepoot grapes (Muscat d’Alexandrie) displays heady aromas of sweet sun-ripened grapes, musk perfume, rose petals and hints of litchis giving way to a luscious mouthful of golden raisins, fynbos honey, poached pears and honey-drenched peaches, all offset by a crisp acidity which keeps the sweetness in check.

JOHANNA

Muratie’s lively and fruity yet dry rosé celebrates a tenacious woman, overflowing with personality, who embodies the honesty and passion of Muratie and its people. From a young age, Johanna Davids worked in the vineyards of Muratie, but never without a song on her lips. Now happily retired, she continues to bring beauty to the farm, by arranging exquisite flowers in the manor house and cellar.

In a delicate pink, the Muratie Johanna Dry Rosé entices with fresh berry aromatics, followed by wonderful fruity notes ranging from pomegranate to raspberries and strawberry sorbet. This rosé is elegant and delights with a crisp mouthfeel, making it ideal for warm and relaxing summer days and light-hearted moments of enjoyment.

ISABELLA

For Rijk and Kim Melck, there could be only one name for their Burgundian-style Chardonnay, the name of their first child, Isabella, who today, as a young woman, is classic and elegant just like the Chardonnay.

Muratie Isabella Chardonnay is a beautifully fresh, understated and elegant Chardonnay with an enticing peach-blossom fragrance, ripe stone fruit, melon and citrus flavours with hints of hazelnuts and vanilla cream from subtle oaking, and a lingering mineral finish.

The ‘Women of Muratie’ wines are available for purchase at the estate, online athttps://www.muratie.co.za/wine/buy-wine/ and at select fine wine merchants around the country.

ISSUED BY:  Posy & Jeremy Hazell · PR & Wine Consultants

CELEBRATING THE WOMEN OF BOPLAAS FAMILY VINEYARDS

The rich history of Boplaas Family Vineyards has been shaped significantly by the remarkable women who have played pivotal roles in its journey, and their influence continues to be felt to this day.

Ouma Cloete Straw Wine – A Timeless Tribute

Inextricably intertwined with wine culture, the Boplaas family legacy draws from both the Nel family, the original proprietors of Blauwklippen and descendants of the French Huguenots, and the Cloete family, renowned owners of Groot Constantia. One of the esteemed matriarchs of the family, Jeannette Cloete, has been immortalized with the creation of the Boplaas Ouma Cloete Straw Wine. Crafted using the same traditional method that once gave rise to the famous Constantia Wines, this delightful vintage stands as a tribute to her enduring spirit.

Ouma Roline – A Stoepsit Sauvignon Blanc

A cherished memory of Carel Nel’s mother, Ouma Roline, comes alive in the form of the Boplaas Stoepsit Sauvignon Blanc. In fond recollections, she would often indulge in a glass or two of this vibrant Sauvignon Blanc while basking on her stoep with friends every afternoon. This delightful wine embodies the essence of those heartwarming moments and serves as a loving homage to Ouma Roline’s joyful spirit.

Margaux Nel – A Winemaking Prodigy

Guided by a passion for oenology, Margaux Nel, the talented winemaker at Boplaas, pursued her MSc at Stellenbosch University, focusing her thesis on the exquisite Touriga Nacional grape as both a table wine and a fortified Port in the Calitzdorp terroir. Under her expert stewardship, Boplaas has earned numerous accolades, including Platter 5 stars, Veritas Double Gold, Tim Atkin’s Port of the Year, and numerous awards for their exceptional Touriga Nacional table wine.

Rozanne Nel – Pioneering Marketing Excellence

Leading the charge in marketing endeavors at Boplaas is Rozanne Nel, the eldest daughter of Carel and Jeanne. Equipped with her education from Stellenbosch, Rozanne has been instrumental in elevating the Boplaas brand to new heights. With her innovative strategies and passion for the wine industry, she continues to drive the winery’s success into the future.

Jeanne Nel – The Backbone of Boplaas Administration

Hailing from an esteemed Ostrich farming family and a graduate of Stellenbosch University, Jeanne Nel, Carel’s wife, has been the steadfast force ensuring the smooth functioning of Boplaas’ administrative affairs. Her dedication and commitment have been vital in maintaining the winery’s operations and fostering a strong foundation for growth.

A Multitude of Influential Women at Boplaas

Beyond the notable women in the Boplaas family, a host of other incredible women plays indispensable roles in the winery’s operations:

• Ellenore Cronje: Financial Manager
• Zelda Botha: Despatch and Marketing
• Ray Cromhout: Tasting Room Manager
• Caro Meiring: Marketing
• Tessa Coetzee: Assistant in Cellar
• Annarie Cornelius: Admin and Exports
• Janneke Nel: Finance and Admin
• Nicel Dunlop: Tasting Room (George)

Their passion, expertise, and dedication contribute to the ongoing success and reputation of Boplaas Family Vineyards. Their collective efforts reflect the progressive strides made by women in the wine industry, forging new paths and crafting a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

THE PLEASURE OF GOOD FRIENDS AT OUR DINNER TABLE

I’m sure you will agree that being in the company of good friends is a hard-to-beat pleasure. In our household, these occasions are usually enhanced by the enjoyment of some good wine.

One of my favourite wine estates to visit is La Motte in Franschhoek. Over the years each visit has offered me something new and every visit has been a pleasure.

Of course, over time, I have had the opportunity to get to know their fine range of wines pretty well. In fact, they have become regular guests at our dinner table (and in our lounge).  So much so that I refer to them as my bottled wine friends. And our circle of (human) friends always smile at that affectionate ‘label’!

The most recent of these bottled friends enjoyed were the La Motte Syrah 2018 and the 2020 La Motte Millenium.

Regular readers will be aware by now that syrah/shiraz is my favourite red grape and the most frequently imbibed bottled friend at our home. And, if anyone knows his way around making very good syrahs, it is La Motte’s cellar master, Edmund Terblanche, and his latest oeuvre the La Motte Syrah 2018 certainly maintains the high standard for which he is known.

This La Motte Syrah is full-bodied and has a lovely fruitiness of berries and some plum. It has an elegant mouthfeel and is so drinkable. They should make bottles bigger, ours was empty before I could have seconds.

The second (bottled) friend was the La Motte Millenium 2020.

One of the consequences of the Lockdown period was that I developed a better appreciation of red blends.

The Millenium is a blend dominated by Merlot (50%) and Cabernet Franc (35%) with a little Malbec (12%) and a touch of Petit Verdot (3%) and has a Wintery nose with fruit cake, plum and dark berries. It is an easy-drinking medium bodied wine and I was left with a delicious berry aftertaste. A really lovely and drinkable red blend.

Both these wines are affordably priced, and if you haven’t tried these wines before, please do and they too are likely to become bottled friends of yours.

CELEBRATING WOMEN THIS AUGUST AT MORGENSTER ESTATE

Woman’s Day is around the corner and to celebrate this special day Morgenster Estate in Somerset West, will be dedicating the entire week to women. The Bertrand Family and Morgenster Team look forward to hosting you to celebrate women, art and wine.

From 9 to 13 August, internationally acclaimed artist Jaret Loggenberg’s art will be displayed throughout the Tasting Room and Barrel Room. Jaret’s paintings reflect the natural warmth, emotions, and inner beauty of a true female. She makes her art unique by expressing herself with bold strokes and natural colours. Jaret will be at the Tasting Room on Woman’s Day to where you will get the opportunity to meet her.

Visitors will be treated to a sensory experience of wine, Italian-inspired food, and art. Not only will the usual offerings be available at Morgenster Estate, but during this special week, an exclusive platter will be available to enjoy alongside the estate’s award-winning selection of wines.

An event not to be missed during this week is the Fringe Fireside Chats Festival, where author Jacqui Burnett will be doing a reading of her book, Life’s Not Yoga…..or is it? Finding Love in the Chaos of Life. Tickets cost R140 per person and include an Aperitivo (Italian-inspired light bites), a glass of wine, and a goodie bag. Pre-booking via Computicket is essential, as space is limited.

For more information contact Morgenster Estate at tastingroom@morgenster.co.za or 021 852 1738.

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ISSUED BY	:	ON THE MARQUE

LA MOTTE ESTATE ANNOUNCES JAN FRANSCHHOEK SEASON II

La Motte Wine Estate is delighted to announce the eagerly anticipated second season of JAN Franschhoek.

This exceptional, seasonal food and wine experience combines the nostalgia of a South African family table with Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s unique sense of culinary innovation and promises to captivate and charm just as much as the first edition. Expect regional traditions, familiar flavours and local ingredients transformed for an adventurous, modern and global palate. Sourced and prepared with the utmost care and consideration, dishes are paired with the estate’s award-winning wines as well as wines from the JAN collection and presented with mesmerising flair around a communal table.

Hosted at Veepos, a quaint 18^th-century cottage on La Motte Wine Estate, these culinary encounters celebrate the distinct terroir of the Franschhoek Valley, and promise to be unique and memorable sensory experiences inspired by the seasons; the fynbos of spring, the energy of harvest time in the Winelands, the splendour of the lavender fields in full bloom…

“It is hard not to be charmed by Jan Hendrik. In person, as a chef and as a brand, there is no denying his authenticity and quality focus – values we associate with and aspire to. At La Motte, our focus has always been on exceptional hospitality and with the new edition of JAN Franschhoek, we as a family are excited to welcome guests to another season of sensory inspirations,” says La Motte CEO, Hein Koegelenberg.

“This little house in the Franschhoek Valley has fascinated me from the moment I first laid eyes on it. To turn this tiny piece of history into an intimate dining experience that celebrates our country’s rich culinary heritage has been such a privilege,” says Jan Hendrik of his first season of JAN Franschhoek. “Going back for a second season means we can delve a little deeper into the tradition of gathering, true South African hospitality, and sharing unforgettable memories.”

For JAN Franschhoek Season II, expect a unique dining experience that, upon arrival, immediately transports you to a timeless era. As the evening progresses, each course reveals another layer of nostalgia that conjures fond memories of our most special gatherings while at the same time creating new ones.

JAN Franschhoek will be open for dinner bookings on select dates from Wednesday to Saturday, 1 September 2023 until 30 April 2024. The experience starts with a welcome in the La Motte Manor House (18:30) before dinner begins promptly at 19:00.

Season II also introduces Sunday lunch at JAN Franschhoek! Starting at 12:30, guests are welcomed in the   La Motte   Manor House from 12:00.

Reservations open on Dineplan on 1 August 2023, according to the following schedule:

• 1 August: Reservations open for September and October
• 1 September: Reservations open for November and December
• 1 October: Reservations open for January and February
• 1 November: Reservations open for March and April

Cost: R2850 per person

For more information and reservations:  JAN Franschhoek

Contact us:

E jan.franschhoek@la-motte.co.za

T +27 (0)21 876 9115

GLENWOOD – FRANSCHHOEK’S HOME OF CHARDONNAY

A brand that has stood the test of time, producing world-class Chardonnays, GlenWood Vineyards in Franschhoek is the Home of Chardonnay. Its story began in 1984 when owner Alastair Wood had the vision, building the brand (and land) from scratch, and over the years has established an enviable reputation for the outstanding quality for its wines.

Chardonnay, being the farm’s flagship cultivar, has over the years been recognized both on the local and international front, which includes the prestigious Platter 5-star ratings, and the latest gold medal from the 2023 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge for their GlenWood Chardonnay 2023.

With their attention firmly focused on this varietal, the portfolio comprises the Grand Duc Chardonnay 2021, Vigneron’s Selection Chardonnay 2022 and the GlenWood Chardonnay 2023.

Reflecting their noble heritage and part of the top range is the Grand Duc Chardonnay 2021. Winemaker, Natasha Pretorius, describes this showstopper wine as a yellow straw colour. Butterscotch, yeast and nuances of bottle age characteristics are prominent on the nose, which allow for good integration with oak and fruit. On the palate the secondary characters have rounded this wine to be mouth filling, well-matured with a lingering finish. Available from the Tasting Room at R605 per bottle.

Cellar Master, DP Burger, who has been at GlenWood for more than 30 years was closely involved when it came to only selecting the best grapes for the Vigneron’s Selection Chardonnay 2022. Available through the Tasting Room at R280 per bottle, the wine, which is a beautiful yellow straw colour, has a subdued nose with vanilla and marmalade aromas. On the palate you are met with citrus peel and butter notes, resulting in a crisp and lingering aftertaste. A lengthy and refined wine with a steely minerality on the finish.

Completing the trio is the GlenWood Chardonnay 2023, which showcases elegant orange blossom and lime aromas on the nose, supported by green apple and lime flavours on the palate. This wine’s crisp and refreshing features are perfectly balanced with a lingering finish. Pairs well with Thai or Mediterranean dishes and is a must with Sushi and fresh seafood. Selling for R120 per bottle this makes for the perfect everyday Chardonnay drink.

For more information on these superb wines as well as the rest of GlenWood’s wine offerings, as well as their outstandingly popular sushi restaurant, visit https://www.glenwoodvineyards.co.za/.

ISSUED BY	:	ON THE MARQUE

IT’S TIME TO SHINE IN THE 2023 FNB SAUVIGNON BLANC SA TOP 10 COMPETITION

After a record 152 South African Sauvignon Blanc wines competed in the recent Concours Mondial du Sauvignon, producers can now showcase their best in the annual FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 competition.

The cultivar group Sauvignon Blanc SA is now accepting entries for the 17^th edition of this exclusive competition dedicated to South Africa’s top-selling and most-exported varietal, which sold an impressive 14.3 million litres domestically and exported 67.7 million litres in 2022. The competition owes its success to the valued partnership with title partner FNB and platinum partner EVER SA.

Producers can submit their entries at https://sauvignonblanc.com/top10-entry/. The deadline for entries is Tuesday 15 August 2023, with late entries accepted until Wednesday 23 August 2023.

A distinguished panel of wine specialists, led by Cape Wine Master Dr Winifred Bowman, will assess the contenders from Tuesday 29 August to Thursday 31 August 2023 at Uitkyk Estate in Stellenbosch. Joining Dr Bowman on the panel are wine judge and author Fiona McDonald, Johann Fourie, head winemaker of Benguela Cove, winemaker Morgan Steyn of De Grendel, Greg Mutambe, chief sommelier at The Twelve Apostles Hotel, as well as two protégé judges. In September, the twenty finalists will be announced, while the prestigious FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 Awards ceremony will reveal the winners in October.

SOUTH AFRICA’S CONCOURS PERFORMANCE SETS NEW STANDARDS

Sauvignon Blanc SA Chairperson, RJ Botha, holds high expectations for the 2023 competition. “Our winemakers performed exceptionally well in the recent Concours Mondial du Sauvignon,” says Botha. “Out of the 152 wines entered by South African producers, a third were awarded medals, including 26 gold and 30 silver medals. The Villiera Bush Vine 2022 was honoured with the Tonnellerie Sylvain trophy for the best wooded wine, and Darling Cellars’ Gustus Sauvignon Blanc 2020 secured the Revelation South Africa trophy.”

Botha emphasizes that the world has its eyes on South African Sauvignon Blanc and its remarkable diversity. “Every year, the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 showcases a wide range of origins and styles, offering diverse flavour profiles,” Botha explains. “Both wooded and unwooded wines perform remarkably well. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the vintage on the label is not an expiration date, and Sauvignon Blanc enthusiasts should explore older vintages as well.”

For more information, visit www.sauvignonblanc.com 

ISSUED BY:   YOLANDI DE WET PR

WINTER IS A GOOD TIME TO ENJOY BOPLAAS PORTS

Boplaas port is all the rage, and for good reason too. While this rich and flavoursome fortified style wine is enjoyed throughout the year, the most popular occasion is without doubt when the winter chill sets in.

Achieving the title of South Africa’s best port wine several times over did not however happen overnight. In fact, the category has been troubled by general misunderstanding largely due to European regulations.

After the European Union made the grave mistake to relegate the port name to a single appellation in Portugal (compared to whisky that can be produced worldwide), South Africa adopted the names Cape Ruby, Cape Tawny, Cape Vintage, Cape Vintage Reserve, Cape Pink for the South Africa port style wines.

This did not impact on quality and Boplaas was among those local wineries that set to work even harder to showcase local excellence. “At Boplaas we have a passion for producing world class Cape ports,” says legendary port specialist and Boplaas owner, Carel Nel. 

• Boplaas Cape Ruby

A very popular style, this port is a blend of young, full-bodied and fruity ports aged  in oak barrels for between 18-24 months.  The wine has a vibrant ruby colour, ripe fruit aromatics and flavours. It is best enjoyed in its youth.

• Boplaas Cape Tawny

A classic wood matured wine, Boplaas Cape Tawny is aged in barrels for 10-15 years.  It commonly exhibits a distinct nut-brown, caramel-gold hue. The flavours are associated with fudge, butterscotch, fruitcake, nuts and orange peel. 

• Boplaas Cape Colheita Tawny

This is an extremely rare Cape Tawny, made from a single year. It requires the utmost dedication and is crafted at great cost.  The 2005 Cape Colheita Tawny was rated “Port of the Year” by UK Master of Wine Tim Atkin and awarded five stars by the Platter’s South African wine guide. Other releases of this port were made in 1980, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2005, 2007.  Several of these received Platter’s five-star ratings.

• Boplaas Cape Vintage

This is a full-bodied, structured, aromatic and dark port. It was made from a single vintage and matured in oak cask and tank, for two years. It is produced in a drier style with a profile of red fruit flavours, which includes black berries, raspberries, cherry, plum and liquorice.  The wine may confidently be cellared for a decade or more.

• Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port

The Cape Vintage Reserve ranks as a flagship. It commonly shows inky black colour with hints of purple-black on the rim, and a bouquet red berries.  On the palate, there are powerful flavours with notes of liquorice, red fruit and hints of dark chocolate.  This is another that may be cellared for decades. 

The 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 all received five stars from Platter’s. Earlier vintages that also claimed Veritas Double Gold include 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. 

Alongside the winery’s full portfolio, Boplaas port – including older vintages – is available for purchase from https://boplaas.co.za/shop/ and selected retailers.

THE DELIGHT THAT IS DELHEIM’S WILD FERMENT CHENIN BLANC

I have visited Delheim Wines many times and each visit has left a warm memory of pleasure.  I have run trail runs on the farm, chatted to the late Spatz Sperling, and shared a few laughs with him, tasted and enjoyed many of their fine wines, and on my most recent tasting visit, spent some time with Nora Sperling.

The wine highlight of my latest tasting visit was the Delheim Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc 2021. Chenin Blanc is my favourite white grape and the Delheim chenin’s grapes come from the farm’s official Heritage Vineyard! The bottle sports a special seal acknowledging this status.

Rather than introducing commercial yeast, Delheim allows “wild” strains in the air around the winery and on the grapes to spark fermentation.

As it poured into my glass, the aromas of citrus and stone fruits were immediately evident as well as a hint of something floral. The wine drinks beautifully, with a lively fruitiness that gives a lovely mouthfeel. A really good chenin that drinks so well that one glass soon follows to another.

Delheim Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc 2021 sells at about R170/bottle.

www.delheim.com

EXCLUSIVE BIG EASY SWEET SPOT PORT-STYLE WINE AND NEW MENU AT ERNIE ELS WINES

This winter, Ernie Els Wines invites you to experience the warmth and comfort of our winery which holds a prime position in the renowned Helderberg region of Stellenbosch, known as “The Golden Triangle”. With panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Mountain to the west, and Stellenbosch and the Helderberg mountains to the east, our estate offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Our tasting room, with its modern farmhouse-inspired charm, is open for visitors seeking to indulge in our exceptional wines. You can enjoy a tasting before, after, or instead of lunch, making for a flexible and personalised experience. We offer three wine tasting options: the Players Tasting, the Major Tasting, and the Flagship Tasting; the latter of which is curated seasonally by our winemaker to include exclusive vintage rarities.

Our restaurant, under the expert guidance of Head Chef Wesley Aucamp, has launched a new winter menu featuring a range of delectable dishes, from a specially crafted Soup du Jour to a Braised Karoo Lamb Shank with parsnip puree and butternut fondant. Vegetarian options, including a mouthwatering Butternut and Maple Gnocchi, are also available.

A highlight of our winter offerings is the release of the Ernie Els Big Easy Sweet Spot: a medium-bodied, sweet, fortified wine made in a similar style to ruby port. Comprised of dried, naturally sweet Shiraz grapes, this exclusive wine is only available at our restaurant, and is the perfect companion for this Cape Winter. Its rich, warm palate and long-lengthy finish are sure to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

www.ernieelswines.com