SAVOUR THE HUES AND TASTES OF AUTUMN WITH STEENBERG NEBIOLO

Discover the rich autumn flavours of Steenberg Nebbiolo, the Italian grape variety that thrives in the granite soils of the farm’s phenomenal cool climate terroir in the Constantia Wine Valley.

Originating in the Piedmont region on Northern Italy, Nebbiolo is considered one of the great Italian grape varieties. Made in different styles from the formidable full-bodied Barolo to the more elegant and less austere Barbaresco, all Nebbiolo wines share the common thread of natural tartness and grippy tannins. Rooted in the heart of truffle and porcini country, Nebbiolo is fruit forward, yet earthy and fits like a glove with flavourful culinary gems foraged on the forest floor during autumn.

Steenberg Nebbiolo from the standout 2017 vintage is especially delicious. Ruby red with a typically bright hue, the wine’s autumn palette is underpinned by notes of strawberry, dried cranberry and cherry juxtaposed with the earthiness of truffles and mountain fynbos. The well-rounded, fuller mouthfeel sets the wine apart as a smooth and palate warming wine.

“Returning to this wine years after bottling proves yet again what a great vintage 2017 was for reds in Constantia,” says Steenberg Cellarmaster Elunda Basson who enjoys Nebbiolo most in typical Italian fashion with artisanal charcuterie, parmigiana and risotto as well as spicy Asian food.

Steenberg Nebbiolo 2017 is available at a cellar door price of R285 at the Steenberg Tasting Room. For online purchases, visit https://www.steenbergfarm.com/buy-wine-online/.

Issued by:     GC Communications                  

FOUR COUSINS LAUNCHES DIRECTORS RESERVE PREMIUM MERLOT

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Four Cousins has introduced a premium, single-variety red wine that invites exploration of some of the celebrated winery’s best vineyards through this outstanding wine. Called the Directors Reserve, the Merlot is an ambassador of Four Cousins quality.

Four Cousins is the much-loved story of the four Retief cousins in Robertson Valley who combined their friendship and talents to make delicious, unpretentious wine. The cousins’ deep appreciation of family values inspired their vision of a wine that delivers on character, style and generosity of flavour and makes Four Cousins the wine to celebrate bonds of friendship.

“The combination of Merlot – South Africa’s favourite red variety – and an ideal terroir made it perfect for the Four Cousins Directors Reserve,” says Phillip Retief, one of the brand’s cousins along with Bussell, Neil and Hennie.

“The four cousins have never shied away from an opportunity and the making of this wine represented just such a chance for us. We wanted to showcase particular vineyards and create a premium offering for fans of the Four Cousins brand.”

Specific blocks of Merlot vineyards were personally selected by the cousins – the directors from whom the wine takes its name. As the creators of Four Cousins Directors Reserve, they are also its final quality gatekeepers.

Grapes used in crafting the Four Cousins Directors Reserve Merlot 2021 hail from top-quality vineyards in the Robertson Valley. In addition to the region having optimal growing conditions to produce high-quality grapes, the vineyards themselves are situated on a slope of weathered shale soil, which offers good nutrient reserves and water retention. A mountain ridge directs coastal breezes inland and towards the vineyard, cooling the grapes at night and ensuring complex flavours in the fruit are maintained.

In glass, the deep, ruby-coloured wine unleashes a rich aroma with notes of ripe plums, cherries and dark chocolate. The palate is balanced and intense with dark berry fruit and an overlay of exotic spice. Smooth tannins ensure a soft, lingering and unforgettable finish.

The suggested retail price is R120/bottle and is available from selected retailers as well as from Four Cousins online store at https://www.fourcousins.co.za/online-store.

ISSUED BY

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ON THE MARQUE

SOUTH AFRICA MAKES SIGNIFICANT HEADWAY AT THE 2023 CONCOURS MONIDIAL DE SAUVIGNON

South African Sauvignon Blancs are among the best in the world, as judged by the 2023 Concours Mondial du Sauvignon, the biggest international Sauvignon Blanc competition. A record number of 1,210 Sauvignon wines across the globe this year competed for the highly coveted Concours Mondial du Sauvignon medals. Fifty international judges awarded silver and gold medals to wines from 20 countries, announced on Monday 20 March at ProWein in Düsseldorf, Germany.

South Africa ratified its ranking as a major Sauvignon Blanc producer country, winning 56 medals – 26 gold medals (see list below) and 30 silver medals – along with an international trophy. The Villiera Bush Vine 2022 by Villiera Wines was awarded the Tonnellerie Sylvain trophy which rewards the best wine matured in oak casks. Darling Cellars’ Gustus Sauvignon Blanc 2020 received the Revelation South Africa trophy for the best performing South African wine at the show.

South Africa was well represented with a record number of nearly 13% of entries. France continues to dominate with 40% of wines entered, also winning the International Trophy for the Best Blend of Gascon wine for the Saint-Lannes Sauvignon Chardonnay by Duffour Père & Fils. It is followed by Austria with 225 wines entered (18.6%), with the Dubourdieu Trophy for the top Sauvignon in the competition coming from Steiermark, awarded to Sauvignon Blanc Sieme Eichberg by the Adam-Lieleg winery. Italy and New Zealand complete the top five line-up of participating countries.

From RJ Botha, Chairman of Sauvignon Blanc SA:  

“Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone for their support in hosting the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon in South Africa, including our platinum partners, Vinventions, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, the National Convention Bureau and WESGRO, our bronze partners Boutes, Tonnellerie Garonnaise, Tonnellerie Sylvain, Enartis, Beveratech, FNB, Porex, Hillebrand GORI, and Anchor Oenology, as well as Wines of South Africa (WoSA) and all other partners.”

South African gold medal winners are:

• Almenkerk Sauvignon Blanc 2021
• Blaauwklippen Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Rustenberg Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Rustenberg Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Alvi’s Drift Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Groot Phesantekraal Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Maastricht Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Vrede en Lust Artisan Blanc Fumé 2020
• Vrede en Lust Artisan Blanc Fumé 2021
• Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2020
• Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2022
• Lomond 7Rows Ben Nevis Sauvignon Blanc 2021
• Darling Cellars Gustus Sauvignon Blanc 2020 (Revelation South Africa)
• Darling Cellars Lady Ann Darling 2021
• Du Toitskloof Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Cape Garden Cape Town Sauvignon Blanc 2021
• Durbanville Hills The Tangram White Blend 2020
• Durbanville Hills Cool Climate Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Spier Seaward Sauvignon Blanc  2022
• Spier Good Natured Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Spier Signature Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Grand Vin De Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• The Pledge Our Origin Sauvignon Blanc 2021
• Zorgvliet Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Villiera Bush Vine Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Tonnellerie Sylvain Trophy – Revelation Oaked Sauvignon)
• Vergelegen Schaapenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Issued by                            Yolandi de Wet PR

BOPLAAS STRIKES A COUP WITH LAUNCH OF PEDIGREED SINGLE MALT

The award-winning distillery at Boplaas celebrates a milestone in April with the launch of its first single malt whisky, a spirit of remarkable historic pedigree. With a distilling heritage that dates to 1880, Boplaas’s latest limited-edition release is arguably the first of its kind to emerge from the Karoo.

Just 500 bottles of this true collector’s whisky have been produced.

“The single malt is the culmination of a dream we’ve held for a long time,” says Daniel Nel, sixth generation distiller at Boplaas. “To be able to release it during the 10^th anniversary year of our whisky journey makes this release extra special for us.”

The single malt was made using peated malt from Scotland and double-distilled in a copper potstill. It was then matured for five years in ex-Bourbon barrels before being finished in casks previously used in the making Constantia’s famed Noble Late Harvest wine.

It was bottled, non chill-filtered and with its natural colour, at 46% ABV.

“Every step of the process involved the finest attention to detail to allow this whisky to express its character in the purest form,” says Daniel. “Using casks that previously held Contantia Noble Late Harvest was a real coup for us. This wine is renowned for having been enjoyed by Frederick the Great, Queen Victoria and Napoleon. We’re sure they would have approved of our Boplaas Single Malt too!”

This historic association represents a full circle for Boplaas. From its earliest days, the farm had a standing order for its brandies in London, which required casks to be transported by oxwagon from Calitzdorp to the Cape and then shipped to Europe.

Its new single malt builds on this tradition, which includes a diverse range of award-winning grain whiskies. In glass, the new single malt whisky expresses aromas of sweet peat-smoke and flavours of white peach, citrus and dried, candied fruits. The long finish carries with the taste of oak spiciness.

The flavour profile is particularly impacted by Boplaas’s location in the Little Karoo. “Low humidity and extreme variance in day/night temperatures steps up interaction between the spirit and the wood of the casks,” explains Daniel. “This means our evaporation rate – the so-called Angel’s Share – is relatively high at 6% per year. But what we receive in return is a high concentration of flavours and aromas in a spirit that appears far older than it is.”

The exterior of every bottle also reflects the fine craft of whisky-making. A slick black label displays etch-style sketch of a distillery scene – Daniel filling barrels with his loyal Ridgeback, called Whisky, beside him. “He’s my right-hand in the distillery,” Daniel declares.

Boplaas Single Malt is exclusively available from the Boplaas online shop at www.boplaas.co.za and the farm’s various tasting outlets. These are located at Boplaas in Calitzdorp, at Red Berry Farm outside George and at Old Nick Village in Plettenberg Bay.

The whisky retails for R1 200/bottle.

THE ART OF DUPLICITY ANNOUNCES A CULINARY ADDITION

The Art of Duplicity is ecstatic to announce that your favourite secret Cape Town speakeasy is set to serve culinary exceptionalism alongside its already renowned cocktails. Under the skillful leadership of the new ‘Sovereign of Flavour’, Serushia ‘Sush’ Naidoo, this gastronomic experience promises to be an adventure. 

“What’s inspired me is that I finally got the chance to put my personality into my food creation,” says Sush. “A lot of tongue in cheek and just a little bit of sass! Coming from the bush and being able to have my hands on the best seafood and produce the country has to offer has allowed me to create this inventive, fun menu.”

Familiar favourites like the Niwatori Tea and the True Grit will now live alongside future staples like the delectable Caviar & Cauli and the exquisite Lobster Rolls. This fun-loving yet carefully curated menu is designed to complement the extensive range of cocktails, incorporating unconventional yet fresh flavours and cooking techniques to create a memorable dining experience. 

For the patron positioned in a wingback with a hankering for exquisite food and food experiences, what was owner David Donde to do? Enlist the help of a rising star in the business, of course. “Sush brings a talent for culinary creativity to a place that Capetonians and guests from around the world have come to rely on to satisfy their tastes for delicious, unexpected flavours,” says Donde. The Art of Duplicity has also enlisted the services of the esteemed Dale Parker as Operations Manager, whose experience in running and launching some of the city’s most famous clubs ensures the speakeasy maintains its award-winning blend of prohibition-era glamour and modern sophistication. After all, The Art of Duplicity prides itself on offering unique experiences to satisfied patrons with full hearts and glasses, while remaining Cape Town’s best-kept secret.

So, why don’t you find out what all the fuss is about for yourself? As you may or may not know, the Art of Duplicity is stowed away in the back of a renovated Victorian warehouse and is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 18:00. Book a table, obtain the password and address, follow the prompts, and transport yourself to a bygone era of clandestine drinking and dining with the bewitching, newly-added meals. 

To make your booking, find The Art of Duplicity at: https://170120.co.za

ISSUED BY: KIRSTEN HOPWOOD

DGB AWARDED BEST SOUTH AFRICAN PRODUCER AT PROWEIN

For the second consecutive year and third time overall, DGB – South Africa’s largest independent wine and spirit company – has received the acclaimed title of Best South African Producer from the Grand International Wine Award MUNDUS VINI.

The awards, now on their 32^nd iteration, were presented at the ProWein – International Trade Fair for Wines and Spirits, in Düsseldorf, Germany on Sunday, 19 March 2023.

The company – which boasts a portfolio of enviable South African wine brands including Boschendal, Bellingham, Brampton, Backsberg, Franschhoek Cellar, Fryer’s Cove and the Old Road Wine Co – previously took home this coveted award in 2017 and 2022 (the show returning after a two-year hiatus).

In addition DGB were also awarded the title of Best of Show South African Red Wine for the Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage 2019. An award given exclusively to the wines that have received the highest rating in their respective category.

The two awards cap off a fantastic show for DGB’s portfolio which performed remarkably well across all categories. In addition to the Grand Gold, the company were awarded a further 20 Gold medals and 15 Silver medals by MUNDUS VINI. An impressive scoreboard which builds on the 11 Golds and eight Silvers received at last year’s show.

Andrew Harris, Marketing Director for Wine at DGB, sees the results received at ProWein as further proof of DGB’s success in establishing and building world-class South African wine brands.

Of the medals received, Boschendal and Bellingham take top spots with six and five Golds respectively – both awarded across a range of styles and varietals. The former showing magnificent range with medals for their Cap Classiques, Red Blends and single varietal Pinotage and Chenin Blanc.

Rounding out DGB’s line-up of Golds are Brampton with three, Backsberg with two and Douglas Green, Franschhoek Cellar, Fryer’s Cove, Old Road Wine Co and Vineyard Friends with a medal each.

www.dgb.co.za

ISSUED BY:   PILLAR9

ALAS POOR PRINCE

Much has already been said and written about Prince Harry’s book Spare and as a result when my review copy arrived, I sat staring at it with a strong sense of trepidation.

I have found almost all of the post-Royal Harry and Meg. starting with their Oprah interview, to be ill-advised, would Spare fall into this category? I am afraid the answer is a resounding yes.

A book that should not have been written, a book whose narrative should rather have been then fodder for lengthy sessions with a psychotherapist rather than being aired in the public domain.

The books flyleaf says: “For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw unflinching honesty. It is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the power of love over grief.”

In the book, Harry expresses a dislike for almost everybody he encounters, even Princess Margaret is in his target range.

Yes, the book is well ghost-written making it easy to read.  However, as the more controversial content has received much exposure, what is left borders on the banal.

Although I am sure there will be many who read Spare and will find it interesting. I found it rather boring, trivial and on the whole rather sad.

Prince Harry (in his own ‘write’) besides having something negative to say about all, even has no qualms about sharing anecdotes about his penis. (Really, Your Highness, your penis should not be of public interest). He comes across as an extremely tortured soul, so troubled that he doesn’t seem to even like himself and that is an all-encompassing and serious problem.

And if you will allow me this misquote from Hamlet: Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince…..may your future be filled with better judgement and much happiness.

2023 WINE TOURISM CONFERENCE TO MOTIVATE AND EXPAND CURRENT THINKING

“Brands, brand building and brand distinction” is the theme for the 2023 Wine Tourism Conference, sponsored by Wesgro, Delta Air Lines and WWF, that takes place on 17 May at Lanzerac, Stellenbosch.

Margi Biggs, convenor of the annual event, now in its seventh year, has marshalled an impressive list of international and local marketing, branding and tourism experts and innovators as speakers for the event.  

“On the whole, local wine tourism is doing well and is approaching recovery to 2019 levels,” says Biggs. “If we are to continue to attract long-haul international visitors as well as those closer to home, including domestically, we are going to have to be that much smarter, nimbler, and more compelling in our offerings and the way we deliver them.” 

The keynote address on brand building and brand distinction will be delivered by Pepe Marais, co-founder and group chief creative officer of Joe Public United, one of the country’s foremost branding and communication agencies. A leadership and self-development mentor, he is also the author of Growing Greatness: A Journey Towards Personal and Business Mastery. 

A much-in-demand Australian to take the podium will be Peter McAtamney, who heads Wine Business Solutions (Australia), global specialists in wine market research, wine education and direct to consumer (DTC) wine business. He works actively in the South African, Australian, New Zealand and Spanish markets. 

Another major drawcard will be Australian wine tourism suprema Robin Shaw. Founder of the celebrated consultancy Wine Tourism Australia, she is a popular speaker on the global wine tourism circuit and the brains behind Wine Australia’s newest Growing Wine Tourism programme.

Mike Ratcliffe, CEO of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, has been a leading player in re-establishing the pre-eminence of Stellenbosch as a centre of excellence, will be addressing ways in which to build collective brand identities Stellenbosch Wine Route is also a sponsor of this event.  

The day-long event will feature several other prominent tourism and branding specialists. They include Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa; Katlego Flocart Ditlhokwe, founder of brand strategist agency The Hyphen; Chantel Botha, MD of Brandlove Training, who will discuss cultivating brand warriors; and Hardy McQueen, executive producer, The CyberCellar Wineshow, who will be talking about diversity and inclusion of audiences. 

Wesgro will open the conference.  Delta Air Lines will talk about changing trends in air travel. 

While Paul Siguqa, CEO of Klein Goederust in Franschhoek, will be looking at building a new South African brand; DTC futurist Andrew Douglas will be moderating a discussion on rebuilding established brands. Panellists to appear will be wine personalities Hein Koegelenberg, Kevin Arnold and Pieter Cronjé. 

A panel discussion on how eco-conservation can impact brand building will be moderated by André Morgenthal, project manager of the Old Vine Project. Panellists will include Shelly Fuller of WWF South Africa, Jeremy Borg of Painted Wolf Wines and Kathryn Cilliers of Spier. 

The early-bird rate to attend the conference is R2 500 (plus VAT). After 7 April, the cost per person escalates to R3 450 (plus VAT).  Go to https://winetourism.co.za/register/ to reserve your seat.

https://winetourism.co.za/.

ISSUED BY               AUGUST COLLECTIVE

INTRODUCING DE TOREN EDITION Z: THE SAME BLEND OF Z WITH A STRIKING NEW LOOK

Award-winning De Toren Private Cellar has revealed the new packaging of its 2018 right-bank Bordeaux style vintage: De Toren Edition Z.  Affectionately known as ‘Z’ by wine aficionados across the world, the symphonic blend of five Bordeaux varietals has a slightly modified name and a stunning new label that showcases the progress of the vintage while retaining the essence of its 15-year legacy and the recent brand relaunch.

This meticulous approach to progress prompted the label’s evolution, giving the ruby-red Z with its soft, approachable notes and luscious palate a subtle and respected new identity. The new packaging of the Z has a sophisticated yet almost earthy feel, with intricate diamond-shaped impressions. The metallic silver typography is a shimmery remnant of the previous label. The stately and instantly recognisable De Toren logo – the essence of a lion – still dominates against an intense maroon backdrop. The final touch is the winemaker’s signature and, fittingly enough, the brand tagline, ‘Experience Exceptional’.

The new label of the Z is as powerful and layered as its flavour. One of the most popular wines in the cellar’s premium range, the 2018 vintage from which the Z originates was one of the most multi-layered and complex in the history of the vineyard. It was at the peak of the extreme drought that started in 2014 and the crop yielded limited produce due to water restrictions, making it a rare and unique vintage. This was combined with fluctuations in temperatures, which ranged from prolonged cool spells to periods of balmy weather. The harvest was one that persisted and intensified in the consistent seasonal challenges of four years, combined with a drought strategy and careful consideration of the delicate circumstances, the quality of the grapes was truly exceptional.

By the time the grapes were harvested in March, most of them were rather cold, which allowed for the final phase of phenolic ripening to occur at a slow, steady pace. This in turn made it possible for the cellar to define its harvest dates to perfection for each of its lots, mastering this vintage’s complexity with complete precision.

De Toren’s expert fusion of the art and science of handcrafting wine has earned the cellar a sterling reputation. Twice nominated as New World Winery of the Year by USA-based Wine Enthusiast magazine, the luxurious boutique winery deploys some of the best techniques in the world.

Be among the first in the world to purchase the De Toren Edition Z 2018 vintage, showcasing the brand-new label – the very last edition of Z as a five-varietal blend. Inspired by the famed Right Bank of Bordeaux’s Garonne River, the Z is a collectors’ item for wine lovers everywhere.

www.de-toren.com

ISSUED BY:  SCOUT PR

EXCELLENT TABLE WINE FROM BOPLAAS

 

 

With a global reputation for her splendid ‘Cape Ports’, Boplaas winemaker Margaux Nel also makes some excellent table wines.

My Summer pleasure of tasting wine with a couple of friends went red this week with something special from Boplaas – the wine was their Family Reserve Gamka Red.

I said it out aloud, and just loved the sound of the word ‘Gamka’.

Gamka is the name of a river that flows through the Swartberg and it irrigates the vineyards of Calitzdorp. It is also the name given to a mighty fine wine from Boplaas Family Vineyards.

That wine is an unusual and delicious red blend, the Boplaas Family Reserve Gamka 2020. It has Touriga Nacional (60%), Shiraz (20%), Tinta Barocca (10%) and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Its nose is intoxicating with spice, plum, and slightly sour berries. To drink it was equally captivating and had my umami palate smiling with its savoury flavours of charcuterie.

The Portuguese grapes added an appealing complexity and we agreed that the Gamka was an absolutely delicious conversation starting wine, one whose difference we are sure would impress our friends at a dinner party at home.

We all agreed that the Gamka Red was a really good ‘wine find’!