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

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

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’!

LET LOVE SPARKLE THIS VALENTINES WITH FOOTHILL MONOGRAM MCC

If bubbly is your wine of choice to woo that someone special this Valentine’s Day then the 2019 Monogram Collection Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) from Foothills Vineyards is the perfect choice.

Made in the traditional sparkling wine process where the second fermentation take place in bottle, and the wine is left on its lees until disgorgement, in this case 15 months. According to winemaker Bennie Booysen the MCC, which is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, is a beautiful pale gold hue, with very fine bubbles. A prominent chalky top note is thanks to the dominance of the Chardonnay (65%), perfectly blended with the Pinot Noir (35%) to make up the balance of this popular wine in their collection. On the palate the flavours showcase fresh citrus, and together with the lees contact results in a bubbly with a satisfying fullness and lingering finish.

In keeping with the style of a boutique wine estate, only 1 600 bottles of this vintage have been made, and at a cost of only R200 per bottle, is guaranteed to sell out quickly.

For more information or to purchase the 2019 Monogram, which is only available off the farm, visit www.kleinwelmoed.co.za.

ISSUED BY: ON THE MARQUE PR & COMMUNICATIONS

CHRISTIENA’S TROUSSEAU IN A BOTTLE IS DELICIOUS

One of the lingering memories of my most recent visit to Van Loveren Family Vineyards in Robertson was not directly wine related….in their foyer stands a large impressive wooden chest and I was intrigued to know the story behind it….

Christiena van Loveren was married to Willem van Zyl and together they started the Van Zyl lineage in South Africa. With her, Christiena brought her beautiful bridal ‘trousseau’ chest – made of Phillipine mahogany. This chest was passed down from generation to generation and Jean bought it from her aunt for 45 pounds. This trousseau chest was the reason why Jean wanted to rename the farm Van Loveren.

Of course, the wines also left their mark in my memory, and I have just re-visited two of them from their flagship, Christiena Trousseau range – their chardonnay and their syrah.

The Christiena Trousseau Chardonnay 2021, I shared with two chardonnay-loving friends.

A single vineyard wine. We found its gentle citrus nose very appealing and there was a lovely creamy acidity on the palate. A really impressive Roberston chardonnay and the wine has garnered  41/2 stars for Platters 2023 as well as a Platinum from the 2022 Michelangelos. My friends said they would buy a few bottles to enjoy at home. The Chardonnay sells for about R170 a bottle.

Next for us to savour was the Christiena Trousseau Syrah 2019 (yay!) The Roberston Wine Valley is not short of top rate shirazes and we thought it right up there with the region’s very best.

Full-bodied, with spice and dark berries on the nose, and the berries and some gentle pepperiness gave this relatively young wine the prospect of good aging. It too got 4 ½ stars in the 2023 Platters. The shiraz sells for about R240 a bottle.

Two really impressive wines from Van Loveren.

TOKARA STEERS TOWARDS A GREENER MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN 2023

At Tokara the quality of its wines is just one facet of a long-term commitment to its people, the environment, and leaving a legacy for future generations.

A successful composting and recycling program that has been in place for the past decade, further demonstrates the farm’s dedication to sustainability.

Constantly evolving and looking ahead in terms of responsible wine production in step with international market expectations, Tokara has raised the bar with new standout vintages, from its major focus varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon blanc.

Tokara winemaker Stuart Botha describes the newly released 2020 vintage wines as having irresistible energy and concentration, which will make them age-worthy gems.

The new Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is yet another classic expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon capturing the true Tokara terroir on the mid-slopes of the Simonsberg. Sumptuous and full, the flavour profile of classic graphite notes, black cherry and briary fruits interwoven with cassis and five spice, follow through onto the palate ending with a multi-layered, persistent finish. Hints of ripe tomato skin and fynbos scrub add deft freshness to the wine.

At the pinnacle of the farm’s original focus variety, Tokara has just released TELOS 2017, the third vintage of this ultimate expression of Tokara excellence. This limited release thoroughbred Cabernet Sauvignon is praised internationally for its complexity and sheer class from a harvest widely considered as one of the best the Cape has ever produced. UK wine commentator Tim Atkin awarded the 2017 vintage 97 points while fellow UK wine critic Neil Martin describes the wine as harmonious with a creamy Margaux-like finish, seductive in its youth with the potential to evolve over the next 20-30 years.

The Director’s Reserve Red 2020 is a consummate blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec in a supportive role, is its absolute fruit purity and focus. Complex aromas of dried tobacco leaf, subtle violets, dried currants, five spice and graphite prevail on the nose of this vibrant, richly textured wine. Sumptuous and full, it enters the palate with incredible clarity and focus leaving a mouthful of dark cherries, blackberries and ripe plum skin and a lengthy finish.

Tokara’s flagship white wine, the Director’s Reserve White 2020 is a classic Sauvignon blanc/Semillon. It has amazing clarity and depth. Passionfruit and pink grapefruit intermingle with hints of cassis and freshly toasted brioche.

Tokara Elgin Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2022 is from Tokara’s cool climate Elgin vineyards. An array of typical cooler climate aromas of passionfruit, Cape with vibrant freshness gooseberry, lemongrass and a signature wisp of blackcurrant leaf align on the palate ending with a lingering saline finish.

The Tokara Reserve Collection Syrah 2019 is a classically styled wine that melds the best of old and new world attributes. The nose leads with notes of ripe plum, violets and baking spice all continuing to a classy, refined silky palate with rich dark fruit and an appealing chalky finish with a hint of pepper.

www.tokara.com

Issued by:     GC Communications                  

STARTING 2023 WITH A LOVELY PINOT NOIR FROM PAUL CLUVER

For no particular reason at all, I have tasted very few Pinot Noirs. Having just enjoyed an excellent one from Paul Cluver Estate, I want to set about remedying that imbalance.

With the summer weather with us, it is a lovely time to be enjoying the outdoors and sharing wine with friends.

That pleasure kicked off with the Paul Cluver Pinot Noir 2021. The early evening was comfortable warm and I had kept the wine in the fridge for about 30 minutes, before we opened it.

The three of us each enjoyed an initial sniff and sip and the aroma was that of dark berries and that was matched by the taste. I also picked up that same earthiness I had got (and enjoyed) from my first taste of a Petit Verdot, loved that.

An interesting thing about our session, we are all happy to drink a good red whatever the weather and other than me, the other two had never tasted a pinot noir before.

We all agreed that the Paul Cluver Pinot Noir 2021 was a lovely wine, one we’d be happy to drink again. The wine sells for about R280.00 a bottle and is worth every sip.

www.cluver.com