Heritage Day braai feast at Grande Provence

Enjoy a truly South African braai inspired harvest table for a laid-back Heritage Day at Grande Provence in Franchhoek on Tuesday 24 September.

 

The Heritage Day Braai will be held under the oaks on the stretched out lawns in front of the new Bistro and is perfect for the whole family. Children can look forward to plenty of action including a jumping castle and a variety of lawn games.

Meat lovers can delight in a variety of braai specialities such as artisanal boerewors, rump steak and chicken sosaties prepared on the coals in traditional half drums. The Bistro’s harvest table, laden with fresh salads, home-baked breads and sweet treats, completes this easy-going lunch experience. Wine is as important as the food at a braai and with the wide selection of Grande Provence wines; you will be spoilt for choice. This is authentic South African heritage at its best for family and friends.

The Heritage Day Braai is available at R300 per person for adults and R180 per child under 12. The braai starts at 12h00 and pre-paid booking is essential. Call Tel: (021) 876 8600 or email reservations@grandeprovence.co.za.

The Bistro at Grande Provence is a relaxed alternative to more formal Franschhoek dining and offers daily specials such as quiches, soups, salads and the most glorious cakes. Platters of local artisanal cheeses and fresh west coast oysters can be ordered separately.

ISSUED BY:    GC Comunications

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Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc – a dryland vineyard triumph

Constantia Glen’s new Sauvignon Blanc vintage is a wonderfully complex wine with ample personality and an unfettered expression of its Constantia roots.

 

The Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2019 is a multi-layered wine with complex flavours from dryland vineyards grown on the upper reaches of the Constantiaberg.

“The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc offers impeccable balance. The classic varietal aromatics on the nose are supported by flavour concentration on the palate. It shows good balance of acidity and body resulting in a deliciously refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with a dry finish that lingers,” is how winemaker Justin van Wyk describes this wine.

Exemplifying elegance, the captivating 2019 Sauvignon Blanc intrigues with lingering upfront notes of lemongrass and lime, before exposing its many alluring layers. Expect bold tropical whiffs of grapefruit and white peach, before delving into delicate hints of blackcurrant, star anise and elderflower.

The 2019 vintage has big shoes to fill after the Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2018 walked away as best white wine overall and top Sauvignon Blanc clinching two trophies earlier this year at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London.

The Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2019 is available directly from the estate, as well as at fine dining restaurants and boutique wine shops. It sells at the cellar door for R195 per bottle.

ISSUED BY:   GC Communications

Van Loveren continues its fight against poaching with its latest release Rhino Run wines

Van Loveren Family Vineyards has continued its contribution to nature conservation in South Africa with the release of the latest vintage Rhino Run wines. The range of superb quality wines celebrates this magnificent animal of the African plains and the efforts being made to save it.

The Rhino Run range comprises five wines:
The Rhino Run Chardonnay 2017, a slightly wooded, medium-bodied wine created in honour of the white rhino. The wine has aromas of mandarin and grapefruit that linger on the palate. It is ideal with creamy pasta dishes, roast pork, veal, risotto, grilled sole, cape salmon, crayfish, prawns, cream cheese or chicken dishes.

The Rhino Run Chenin Blanc 2018, also pays tribute to the white rhino. The wine has aromas of peaches and floral notes that linger gently on the palate. The perfect partner to herbed mussels, grilled chicken or pork, seafood dishes and even sushi.

The Rhino Run Ian Player 2016 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, vinified with minimal intervention to allow each cultivar the best opportunity to express its individual characteristics. The result is a wine with rich almond, plum and mint on the nose. There’s ripe berry, cassis and redcurrant on the palate. Judicious oaking has ensured a soft, toasty finish.

The Rhino Run Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 has ripe berries, cassis and redcurrants on the palate with good oak maturation realising a soft, toasty finish. Enjoy with rich meat dishes, pork or venison.

The Rhino Run Pinotage 2017 has a complex nose of banana, cassis and strawberry followed by layers of fruit, vanilla and spice on the palate. The wine can be savoured with red meat, rich stews, curries and smoked foods.
The Rhino Run white wines are priced at around R60 a bottle, while the three red wines sell for around R71 a bottle.

A sixth wine completes the range: A limited release collector’s item, The Last One Shiraz 2013 joins the line-up, and what makes this Shiraz extra special is that only 1 215 bottles, selling at R1 215 each, are released. The significance of this number represents the total number of rhinos poached in 2014. This limited-edition wine is hand bottled, waxed and labelled, featuring the signature of Cellar Master, Bussell Retief, on the label. The perfect collector’s item the wine is beautifully presented in a rhino inspired box.

Rhino Run makes a contribution to the esteemed Player Ntombela Foundation as well as other foundations that have all lost rhinos through poaching, with every bottle sold.
Visit http://www.rhinorunwine.co.za for more information.

ISSUED BY: ON THE MARQUE PR & COMMUNICATIONS

Boschendal Museum Class Wine Takes Top-honours at 2019 Amorim Cap Classique Challenge

A Museum Class Cap Classique was crowned overall winner at this year’s Amorim Cap Classique Challenge.

The winning wine is Boschendal’s Jean le Long Prestige Cuvée 2008. Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from high-altitude, cool climate vineyards, the wine spent 60 months on the lees in bottle, and another 72 months on the cork.

Heidi Duminy, Cape Wine Master and chair of the panel of judges says, “We are delighted that the top wines in this class now qualify for the overall trophy. During this year’s judging the class really showed exceptionally well, proving that time on the lees does play a very significant role in search of the ultimate expression of quality and character.”
Some 134 entries were received for this year’s Amorim Cap Classique Challenge, the most in its 18 year history.

In the category for Brut Cap Classique, Pongrácz Desiderius 2011 was awarded the class winner trophy. Now under Oude Libertas Vineyards, Pongrácz Desiderius has been a regular winner in this competition over the past years.

Colmant Blanc de Blancs, a non-vintage wine from the eponymous Franschhoek producer, took the Blanc de Blancs Trophy, with the Steenberg Pinot Noir Rosé MCC winning the Rosé category.

Since last year the competition has included the growing category of Demi-Sec Cap Classiques, and this year saw Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Rosé 2017 as the first wine to win a trophy in the Demi-Sec category.

Heidi Duminy said her panel relished the number of wines scrutinised over the two-day judging period. “This year was very exciting along the length and breadth of styles and quality. There is a tangible sense of intentional decision and stylistic direction amongst the classes with an outstanding average quality that can proudly call itself Cap Classique. The benefit of experience is obvious, and the patience that rewards the richness of expression based on time on the lees is undisputed. Cap Classique is alive and well.”

This year’s judges under Duminy’s chair were Spencer Fondaumiere, Sommelier and SA Sommeliers Association Vice Chair, Cathy Marson, wine educator and journalist, Elunda Basson, winemaker at Steenberg, Paul Gerber, winemaker at Colmant and Sydney Mello, CWG Protégé (associate judge).

Charl Schoeman (Simonsig: Best Demi-Sec), Andiswa Mapheleba (Pongrácz: Best Brut), Danielle Jacobs (Boschendal: Best Museum Class and Overall Winner), Joaquim Sá (MD of Amorim SA), Elunda Basson (Steenberg: Best Rosé), JP Colmant (Colmant: Best Blanc de Blancs)

The full list of Trophy, Double Gold and Gold medal winners is as follows:
Blanc de Blancs: Colmant Blanc de Blanc NV (Trophy and Double Gold), L’Ormarins Blanc de Blancs 2013 (Double Gold). Gold medals went to Durbanville Hills Blanc de Blancs 2016; Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2015; Tokara MCC 2012, Noble Hill Blanc de Blancs 2016.
Brut: Pongrácz Desiderius 2011 (Trophy and Double Gold). Gold Medal: Krone Borealis Brut 2018; Boschendal Grande Cuveé Brut 2014; Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut 2015; JC Le Roux Scintilla 2014.
Rosé: Steenberg 1682 Pinot Noir MCC N/V (Trophy and Double Gold). Gold Medal: Groot Constantia Brut Rosé MCC 2017; L’Ormarins Brut Rosé N/V; Domaine Des Dieux Rose of Sharon Rosé MCC 2011.
Demi-Sec: Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Rosé 2017. (Trophy and Gold)
Museum Class: Boschendal Jean Le Long Prestige Cuveé 2008 (Trophy and Double Gold). Gold Medals: Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2009; Spier Signature MCC 2009; Lourensford MCC Cuvée 108 2008.

Amorim Cork, the world’s leading supplier of cork stoppers to the international wine industry has been the sponsor of this competition since the start. Amorim South Africa MD Joaquim Sá said this competition aims to recognise the world-class wines made in the Cap Classique category.
“As an international company partnering itself to the South African wine industry through the supply of cork stoppers, Amorim’s values are founded on excellence, quality and superior service,” he said. “We believe that these ideals are shared by those who since 1971 have been making Cap Classique, the bottle-fermented sparkling wine that has become a recognisable and valuable part of this country’s incredible wine industry.”
Sá said the world’s eyes are looking at Cap Classique. “Through this Amorim Challenge and due to our company’s global activities in the international wine industry, wine people the world over are talking about and recognising Cap Classique,” he said.

“This is due to a number of factors: ideal wine regions with terroir-expression suited to creating wines of complexity and individuality. Then there are the brilliant winemakers – some of them here today – who are consumed with a vision to make the finest sparkling wine possible. They have embarked on this life-long quest, and year-by-year they are getting closer by giving everything. There might be 50 million bubbles in one bottle of Cap Classique, but there is only one soul, and that is that of the man or woman who has made it.”

 

ISSUED BY: Emile Joubert, Media Vision

WHAT A MAGNIFICENT SURPRISE FROM ROODEBERG

Roodeberg, the South African original, celebrates its 70th anniversary this year and I recently attended a sumptuous, commemorative celebration at the revered KWV Cathedral Cellar in Paarl.

For the first 55 years, Roodeberg was exclusively made for export after Canada paved the way in the 1950s. Although not readily available locally until 2004 without an acquaintance with a KWV quota, and that is/was my endearing memory of the brand.

Until recently, my Roodeberg knowledge was limited to remembering tasting the wine during its quota exclusivity era.

How out of touch I have been with Roodeberg’s journey since then…..

The current livery of that original Roodeberg wine is called Roodeberg Classic Red Blend – a decent enough wine, but for me, overshadowed by the other Roodeberg reds: Roodeberg Dr Charles Niehaus and Roodeberg Reserve, and (drum roll!!!):

The newly launched Roodeberg 1949, a meticulously crafted, limited edition commemorative blend.

 

“Roodeberg 1949 is a dedicated collaborative effort harnessing some of the finest plant material along with our combined viticultural and winemaking expertise,” says winemaker Louwritz Louw, who worked closely with viticulturist Marco Ventrella and former KWV Cellarmaster and renowned wine educator Prof. Charl Theron in seeing this exclusive commemorative blend come to life.

Showing excellent structure, supple tannins and fleshy fruit with outstanding purity and balance, Roodeberg 1949 embraces the revival of exciting French and Spanish varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon (38%) forms the foundation of the blend, complemented by Tempranillo (29%), Carignan (20%) and Carménère (13%).

This concentrated, deep ruby red blend has generous aromas of dark cherry, blackcurrant and vanilla, followed by a mouthful of cinnamon, sweet spice and ripe, juicy dark berry fruit. Firm tannins lend structure and an enduring finish.

Roodeberg 1949 will be released annually in limited quantities and the blend may vary from year to year. The wine sells for R249 at the KWV Emporium.

The Roodeberg 1949 is my personal favourite wine for 2019, it is everything I enjoy in a red blend, the glass and a half I enjoyed at the celebration had my palate yelling for more. Wow, what a wine – congratulations to the Roodeberg team.

The celebratory lunch was magnificent. The creative excellence of Chef Mynhardt Joubert provided a fitting and delicious tribute to Roodeberg’s 70 year heritage as a South African wine icon.

“I could have danced all night and still have begged for more.”

Happy happy 70th Anniversary, Roodeberg

BACCHUS FORGIVE ME, FOR I HAVE DONE WRONG

At a wine trade show last year, I overheard someone saying: “I prefer to drink wine rather than just taste it.”

 

That quote resounded in my memory when I recently visited renowned wine estate Kanonkop for a private tasting of their wines. I wished I could have just drunk a glass of each instead of tasting and sipping. I’m sorry Bacchus, but I had no choice, taste and spit prevailed.

 

The tasting was led by Kanonkop’s long-time cellarmaster, Abrie Beeslaar. And if anyone lives and breathes his craft and his working environment, its Abrie.

The Estate is regarded as one of the pioneers of pinotage and they continue to lead the way. We tasted three of their variations – Kanonkop Pinotage, Kadette Pinotage and the Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage. Each quite different and each totally delicious.

Two of their wines demanded my special attention though – the Paul Sauer and the Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

The Kanonkop Paul Sauer, their acclaimed, revered, accoladed and awarded Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend. If I was totally unaware of its pedigree, I would have still been rendered speechless by its excellence – and it is modestly priced for a wine of this calibre, in my opinion.

 

Now the Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon got my full attention in quite a different way…I have a magnum of its 1999 vintage lurking in my wine collection. The magnum and I chat regularly every time I have been tempted to open it. It demands a special occasion, that occasion will be in September 2020. Save the date….

So, when I tasted the current vintage, 2015, I did so to get a feel of what its ‘grandparent’ might deliver. My magnum’s offspring told me that I had something excellent to look forward to and Abrie confirmed that. Roll on 9/20!

Each of the wines we tasted was special and afterwards it was nigh impossible for me to single any particular wine as a particular favourite. All excellent and regrettably, all sipped and spat.

The climax to my visit was also something that I have long hoped to savour – the traditional Krige Family snoek braai. My favourite fish, braid and paired with the superb Kanonkop range of wines.

Snoek and pinotage, snoek and cabernet sauvignon, snoek and red blends – all worked magnificently. No sipping and spitting for me at lunch, but modest imbibing in anticipation of the return drive home.

Thank you Krige family, thank you Abrie, thank you Kanonkop!

Sigh…….

UNCORKING THE KRONE KAAIMANSGAT BLANC DE BLANCS 2016

 

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 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.

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.

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.

 

 

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

Pulling out all the stops at this year’s Franschhoek Uncorked Festival – 14 & 15 September 2019

 

Bid farewell to the Winter blues and swing into Spring by heading off to the picture perfect Franschhoek Wine Valley over the weekend of 14 and 15 September for this year’s Franschhoek Uncorked Festival. What better excuse to explore one of South Africa’s premier wine destinations, whilst uncovering a fine selection of wine gems from the Franschhoek Vignerons.

Wineries in and around the valley welcome the fresh, new season, using the opportunity to showcase their exciting new vintages and releases, as well as putting on a string of special events for visitors. New release line-ups range from MCC’s, white wines and rosés to red varietals. Noble Hill, Holden Manz Wine Estate, Rickety Bridge Winery, Dieu Donné Vineyards, Topiary Wines and Black Elephant Vintners, amongst others, are some of the producers participating in this year’s not to be missed Franschhoek Uncorked Festival.

Be sure not to miss some of the live entertainment on offer as you plan your voyage of discovery of the region’s great wines and delectable culinary treats. With most of the Franschhoek wineries participating in this fun two-day festival, there promises to be something for everyone, which includes cellar and vineyard tours, barrel tastings, food and wine pairings, old school lawn games, to name but a few.

With so much on offer be sure to make a weekend of your Uncorked experience. Book into one of Franschhoek’s luxurious accommodation establishments, which range from quaint B&B’s and guest houses to 5-star boutique hotels. This will allow you ample time for a leisurely stroll down the main road, uncovering world-class shops, art galleries and boutiques during your Franschhoek Uncorked weekend.
Avoid the queues and pre-book your Uncorked Weekend Pass through http://www.webtickets.co.za. Pre-booked tickets cost R180 per person. Tickets purchased on the day, at the participating wine farms, will cost R200 each. Your Uncorked Weekend Pass (valid for both days) allows you access to all of the participating wine farms as well as a complimentary tasting glass and free wine tastings.

For more info and accommodation availability contact the Franschhoek Wine Valley offices on 021 876 2861, visit http://www.franschhoekuncorked.co.za or follow us on Twitter @Franschhoek_SA, for regular updates.

 

ISSUED BY : ON THE MARQUE PR & COMMUNICATIONS

2019 STANDARD BANK CHENIN BLANC TOP TEN CHALLENGE WINNERS

“The growing focus on Chenin by international tastemakers has undoubtedly raised the quality benchmark,” says the Chenin Blanc Association’s chairman, Ken Forrester. “It’s fair to say that the recent international Chenin Blanc congress, held in Angers, France, demonstrated to delegates just how far South African producers have succeeded with the variety, in terms of both quality and stylistic range. We think you will find convincing expression of this in the 2019 Challenge line-up, chosen from 150 entries submitted by 87 producers.”

Forrester said a key takeout from the congress in Angers, the home of Chenin Blanc in France, was that the Chenin excellence attained by many South African winemakers in recent years had prompted the French to give more serious attention to the grape. He highlighted a recent comment by British critic, Tim Atkin MW, writing for Harpers, that: “The French may be reluctant to admit it, yet I think that South Africa’s achievements with Chenin have influenced winemakers in Anjou and Touraine, the way that Argentinian Malbec has inspired Cahors and promoted links between the two”.

“What’s important,” added Forrester, “is that increasing critical and academic attention is good for Chenin wherever it is produced.”

While previously grown almost exclusively by South Africa and France, it is now cultivated in 23 countries and has become the world’s 26th most planted variety, covering somewhere between 33 000 hectares and 36 000 ha. South Africa accounts for most plantings, totalling just over 17 000 ha.

The winners, in alphabetical order, were:

• Cederberg Cellars Five Generations Chenin Blanc 2017
• DeMorgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc 2018
• Durbanville Hills Collector’s Reserve The Cape Garden Chenin Blanc 2018 (new)
• Flagstone Winery Tributary Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2018 (new)
• Ken Forrester Wines The FMC 2018 (new)
• Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Chenin Blanc 2018
• Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc 2018
• Rijk’s Cellar Touch of Oak Chenin Blanc 2017
• Slanghoek Wynkelder Legends Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2017
• Stellenrust The Mothership Chenin Blanc 2018

 

ISSUED BY AUGUST COLLECTIVE

Flagstone Sauvignon Blanc Crowned As Best SA Young Wine!

The South African Young Wine Show gives winemakers the opportunity to showcase the best wines of the current vintage.

This year Flagstone’s un-wooded Sauvignon Blanc claimed the competition’s most coveted General Smuts Trophy as 2019’s Best SA Young Wine. This is the second time Flagstone has achieved top honours as overall champion at the SA Young Wine Show following 2010’s triumph with a Sémillon. In addition to the General Smuts Trophy, Flagstone’s 2019 Sauvignon Blanc also won the Best White Wine of the Region. This Sauvignon Blanc will be used to make Treaty Tree, which will be bottled at the end of September.

This year’s show drew 115 Sauvignon Blanc entries from a total 1 455 wines judged. This is the fifth time in the competition’s 187-year existence that a Sauvignon Blanc has won the Best Young Wine and Flagstone’s 2019 triumph makes it the 68th winner of the General Smuts Trophy.

The SA Young Wine Show is the showpiece of quality new made wines each year. Participating regions include Robertson, Worcester/Breedekloof, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Oranje-Vaal, Olifants River, Swartland and the Little Karoo.

ISSUED BY; Kirsten Reynecke