Get Ready For A Jam Packed June At Perdeberg Cellar

10:37:00

June is here, which not only brings with it the cold weather, but school holidays are around the corner, and it’s Father’s Day on the 18th June.

Perderberg extremely proud to be the first producer to offer you 12 unique Chenin Blancs from a single winery.

However, an even more important date on the Perdeberg calendar is Chenin Blanc Day, celebrated on the 16th of June, and it’s a day we get to shine as South Africa’s Home of Chenin Blanc™.

A snapshot of what to expect but let’s go into more detail:

Although Chenin Blanc Day falls on 16 June, Perdeberg Cellar has dedicated the whole of June to this stunning varietal. Explore South Africa’s Home of Chenin Blanc™ by means of a special tasting during this month whereby your senses will be treated to the diversity of this multi-layered wine. For cycling enthusiasts Perdeberg Cellar has joined forces with other Chenin Blanc producers in the region where they will be hosting tastings on 10 June. Cycle from farm to farm, enjoying a glass of Chenin before heading to the next stop. Plan your route so that. Perdeberg is your final destination where you’ll not only get to enjoy superb Chenins but also a hearty meal at Eat @ Perdeberg. Contact the Tasting Room for more information.

Embrace the wintry weather with our Venison and Red Wine Pairing, available from June to September, exclusively at the Tasting Room. Available Monday to Sunday, between 9am and 4pm, the pairing includes four different bite size venison inspired canape paired with a red wine from our relevant ranges. For example, we’ve paired The Dry Land Tenacious Shiraz with a venison meatball. The cost per person is R150 and booking via 021 869 8244 or tasting@perdeberg.co.za is recommended.

Let’s not forget Father’s Day on 18 June, and what better excuse than a trip to Eat @ Perdeberg for a delicious soul comforting lunch. Choose between a two-course (R315 per person) or three-course (R385 per person) plated lunch, which include hearty dishes such as braised lamb shoulder served with roast potatoes and Cape brandy pudding for dessert. Booking via Dineplan, email dine@perdeberg.co.za or phone 021 869 8244 is essential.

Pensioners can take advantage of Eat @ Perdeberg’s discounted meal on the last Thursday of the month. On Thursday, 29 June we invite our senior citizens to visit the farm for our Pensioner’s Special. For only R120 per person you get to enjoy the Dish Of The Day served with a glass of wine.

Issued by: ON THE MARQUE PR & COMMUNICATIONS
Pictures: SUPPLIED

© 2023 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA

The Legacy Of Cabernet Sauvignon Excellence Continues At Le Riche

09:10:00

Stellar Performance at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards

The Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 has been awarded a prestigious ‘Best in Show’ (97 points), the ultimate accolade attributed to the 50 best wines at the esteemed Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) in London, reaffirming Le Riche’s reputation as a producer of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.

Now in its 20th year, the DWWA is the world's largest and most influential wine competition, breaking records this year with 18 250 wines evaluated from 57 countries. Judged by 236 top wine experts from around the globe, the DWWA is trusted internationally for its world-class judging panel and its rigorous judging process.

“This exceptional recognition for our Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (set to be released on the 3rd of July) in this distinguished global benchmarking competition, highlights our unwavering commitment to producing the finest expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon,” says a very proud Christo Le Riche.

For 27 years, since the esteemed maiden 1997 vintage, Le Riche have been inextricably associated with Cabernet excellence, consistently producing some of the finest and most noteworthy Cabernet Sauvignons in the Cape.

“Focus on one thing and do it to the best of your ability” has always been Le Riche’s winemaking philosophy. From the very beginning, Le Riche have pursued a steadfast dedication to Cabernet Sauvignon, the veritable ‘King of Grapes’. Based in Stellenbosch, the ‘Kingdom of Cabernet’ — South Africa’s prime Cabernet territory — this commitment was optimal, with Cabernet Sauvignon being the backbone on which the famous wine region was built. Stellenbosch’s splendid geographical attributes with an array of elevation, aspects and ancient soils and a Mediterranean climate with maritime influences lie at the core of the excellent quality of Stellenbosch Cabernet.

Christo, Etienne and Yvonne Le Riche

Vintage after vintage, the Le Riche family — first Etienne on his own, later together with his children Christo and Yvonne who have now capably taken over the reins — have made it their business to produce the definitive expression of a Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, to great acclaim. Combining decades of experience and knowledge, they meticulously select and source only the highest-quality fruit from the best possible terroirs Stellenbosch has to offer. They work with a close network of trusted long-term, established wine farmers with unique vineyards based in the Stellenbosch wards of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg, along with the upper and lower foothills of the Helderberg Mountain. Every ward or region showcases vastly different terroir characteristics, adding compelling complexity to the wine.

Following their ethos of quality, elegance and consistency, their winemaking style is orientated around crafting the best Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignons, with minimal interference, letting the exceptional terroir speak for itself. The resulting wines show great elegance and class, consistently proving to be of superb quality and maturation potential.

LE RICHE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON – A STELLAR WINE WITH AN ENVIABLE PEDIGREE

The coveted Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, the flagship of the range, is a statuesque expression of the very best Le Riche can make. Uncompromising vineyard selection and grape sourcing from Le Riche’s best performing vineyard blocks from Stellenbosch, the team dedicate the same level of scrupulous care to working with the grapes in the winery. The wine is opulent and generous, bold yet elegant, complex and layered with powerful yet refined tannins, a core of classic cassis fruit, subtle oak integration, a great freshness and excellent ageing ability. It is a wine where Le Riche spares no effort or cost to ensure a wine of outstanding quality and consistency. This is a wine made to age, a true investment. Reserve status is only endowed if the grapes and resulting wine measure up to an exceptional standard.

Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Over 23 vintages, the lauded Le Riche Reserve Cabernet has garnered massive reviews, high scores and ongoing international acclaim. In amongst many local and international accolades, including 95+ scores from Tim Atkin MW, Greg Sherwood MW and South African wine judge and critic Christian Eedes, this wine has received Platter’s pinnacle five-star rating ten times: for the 1997 (maiden vintage) 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007 Le Riche CWG Auction Reserve, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019 (current vintage). In addition, the Platter’s 2010 Guide named the 2005 Reserve Cabernet their Red Wine of the Year, and both the 2015 and 2019 vintages were awarded ‘Cabernet of the Year’ in the Platter’s 2019 and 2023 wine guides respectively.

Le Riche’s tradition of Cabernet excellence was also reaffirmed when the Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 was awarded the Trophy for Cabernet Sauvignon in 2021’s Global Fine Wine Challenge for New World Wine Countries. In addition, the runner up prize also went to Le Riche for their Reserve 2017, breaking a record as the first producer to be awarded both accolades in the same year.

Continuing the Le Riche legacy of Cabernet prestige, the Reserve 2020 vintage was honoured with a splendid ‘Best in Class’ accolade at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards, cementing its status as a world-class Cabernet, one of the 50 best wines in the world.

LE RICHE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020

Enter the highly anticipated new vintage Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 set to be released on 3rd July, another outstanding flagship Cabernet, a masterclass in the art of blending special Stellenbosch terroirs.

Vineyards and Winemaking: The Cabernet grapes were scrupulously selected from best performing vineyard parcels sourced from the Stellenbosch wards of Helderberg Coastal, Simonsberg and Helderberg Mountain. The vineyard blocks are micro-vinified separately up until final blending. Fermentation in open-top concrete fermenters, manual plunging to ensure optimal colour extraction, extended maceration to increase age-ability and the use of high-quality French oak (76% New French Oak for 24 months) ensure the pedigree of this distinguished wine. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, the wine matures in bottle for one year before release.

Tasting Notes: A wine in classic Cabernet style, the vibrant nose displays blackcurrant, cassis, black cherry and cedar notes, which are mirrored on the palate. The wine is brooding and dense yet sophisticated and elegant. The palate is rich, velvety and opulent yet remarkably fresh and linear showcasing black fruit, a creamy mouthfeel and dark chocolate finish. The structure is powerfully firm with round, structured tannins. A wine with a wonderfully long, complex finish showcasing great potential for maturation; A true investment. One of le Riche’s best vintages yet.

Food Pairing: The Le Riche family best enjoy their flagship Cabernet with a great steak, especially fillet or rump, on the coals or grilled.

Awards: ‘Best in Class’ at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards

Purchase: The Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 will be available for purchase, in the first week of July, at the Le Riche Cellar, at specialist wine stores nationally and online at www.leriche.co.za for R950 per bottle.

MORE ABOUT LE RICHE WINES

Etienne Le Riche, often referred to as the ‘King of South African Cabernet Sauvignon’, has been pivotal in the story of Cape Cabernet, consistently making some of South Africa’s best Cabernet Sauvignon for over 35 years. During a glorious 20-vintage winemaking era at Rustenberg Wines, he made the first certified Cabernet in South Africa — a 1971 Rustenberg Cabernet — was a founder member of the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) and, amongst many prestigious accolades, was heralded as John Platter’s SA Wine Guide 1990 Wine Man of the Year.

His dream to own his own winery led him to establish Le Riche in 1996, initially operating from Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch, with the Le Riche business model of sourcing the highest quality fruit from a select group of trusted Stellenbosch grape growers with exceptional vineyards.

By 2010, Etienne had been joined by his children, Yvonne and Christo, to assist in the growing business. One of their first tasks was identifying a new home for Le Riche wines. In 2013, the Le Riche family built a new winery in Raithby on the lower slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. With traditional open-top concrete fermentation tanks mixed with a modern minimum intervention winemaking approach, the winery provides a platform to create ultra-premium wines with Le Riche’s trademark elegance and finesse. The first vintage in the new cellar was released in 2014.

Today Le Riche is under the stewardship of Christo and Yvonne. While founder Etienne le Riche is now retired, he still acts in an advisory role, ensuring the winery continues the pursuit of expressing the finest Cabernet possible.

Christo Le Riche studied winemaking and viticulture, and after a handful of years gaining international and local experience with the very best in the industry, he joined Le Riche as winemaker in 2010. Now Director and Cellarmaster, Christo has rapidly gained a reputation as a Cabernet Sauvignon pioneer in his own right, with five Platter’s 5-Stars under his belt, Platter’s Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year in 2019 and 2023, the Global Fine Wine Challenge Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy and Runner-up in 2021, excellent ratings from local and international wine critics and, hot-off-the-press a coveted ‘Best in Class’ for the 2020 Reserve at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards. Christo’s passion for Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon drives Le Riche Wines’ search to better understand its region. He is also a founder and current chairman of the Stellenbosch Cabernet Collective, an organisation promoting the merits of the region’s Cabernets on a local and global stage. Following in his father’s footsteps, Christo also recently welcomed as a new member of The Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG).

Director & Cellarmaster Christo Le Riche

Yvonne Le Riche, a Cape Wine Master and graduate in politics and economics, looks after exports and logistics, and is always ready with an opinion on wine style and direction.

Christo and Yvonne are ably assisted by two other core team members, Francois le Riche, Commercial Manager and Mark Daniels, Assistant Winemaker who has been with Le Riche Wines since the very beginning.

THE OTHER WINES IN THE LE RICHE RANGE

LE RICHE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021

The backbone of the range, it is a wine that delivers all the qualities that a Le Riche Cabernet should. Supple, elegant and rich with layers of fruit, this is Le Riche’s expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit for this wine is sourced from selected vineyard sites in the Stellenbosch wards of Jonkershoek, Simonsberg, Helderberg Mountain and Helderberg Coastal. The conscientiously considered mix of cool gravelly slopes facing False Bay and rich red granitic sols around Stellenbosch ensure complexity and a beautiful balance of aromas and flavours in the final wine. This wine spent 22 months in 225L French oak barrels, 18% new oak.

Tasting Notes: The bouquet displays inviting aromas of plum, cherry and blackcurrant with hints of violet and cedar. On the palate the wine is fruit forward showing delicious fresh black fruits and a juicy entry. Firm tannins assist in creating a voluptuous, creamy mouthfeel which is balanced by a long, appetising finish. A classic Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon that can be enjoyed young or will benefit beautifully from cellaring.

Retail Price: R330

LE RICHE RICHESSE 2021

As advocates of Stellenbosch, the Richesse is a nod to the blending heritage of the region. 'Richesse' meaning 'wealth' in French, refers to the wealth of winemaking history the Stellenbosch region has to its name. This wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend, incorporating Cinsaut and smaller amounts of Bordeaux cultivars Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. It represents a time-honoured tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon production within the Stellenbosch region, where blending with Cinsaut was prevalent pre-1980 and blending with Bordeaux varieties became popular post-1980. The fruit, sourced from select vineyards in the Stellenbosch wards of Firgrove, Jonkershoek, Helderberg, Bottelary and Raithby, spent 18 months in older French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: The final blend rests on the structure of the Cabernet Sauvignon and is complemented by a perfumed nose, fruit-forwardness and accessibility thanks to the Cinsaut, while the other varieties add to the complexity and texture of this versatile wine. Forthcoming aromas of sweet cherries, raspberries and fresh black berries are supported by hints of cedar. The aromas are mirrored on the palate with a succulent, juicy entry and mouth- filling flavours of red and black berries. Balanced chalky tannins enhance the silky mouthfeel and long delicate finish.

Retail Price: R210

LE RICHE CHARDONNAY 2021

As the only white wine in the Le Riche portfolio, Chardonnay is often referred to as the 'Queen of the Grape Kingdom', making it the perfect match to the 'King of the Grapes', Cabernet Sauvignon. Stellenbosch terroir is ideal for producing excellent offerings of Chardonnay, making a fitting white pairing to Le Riche’s red wine focus.

The Le Riche Chardonnay grapes are sourced from two separate vineyards from the southern area of Stellenbosch. Here, the vines face the cooling winds from False Bay, resulting in fruit that has a delicate structure and a slight minerality. With subtle oaking in order to highlight the inherent fruit freshness and citrus zest naturally present in the wine. Aged for 11 months in a combination of clay amphorae and French oak barrels, the final result shows a fresh acidity and fruit-forwardness while remaining dynamic in complexity.

Tasting Notes: Inviting aromas of fresh peach and apricot are complemented by a hint of blossoms and mandarin. A crisp entry is followed by stoned fruit flavours and balanced with a butterscotch creaminess on the palate. A flinty edge complements the vibrant acidity. A well-rounded, appetising wine showcasing a long, yet refined finish.

Retail price: R295

LE RICHE WINES
Address: 8 Raithby-Annandale Road, Raithby, Stellenbosch
Email: wine@leriche.co.za
Tel: 021 842 3472
Open for wine sales: Monday to Friday: 9:00 – 16:00
Tastings by appointment only
Closed: Weekends and public holidays

Website: https://www.leriche.co.za/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Le.Riche.Wines/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lerichewines/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lerichewines

Issued by: POSY & JEREMY HAZELL - PR & WINE CONSULTANT5S
Pictures: SUPPLIED

Simonsig's Chenin Blanc Legacy to Endure With A New Look and Status

15:34:00

Celebrated Stellenbosch wine estate Simonsig has unveiled the latest vintage of its award-winning barrel-fermented Chenin Blanc.

Simonsig Langbult Steen 2022

The 2022 vintage of this wine has ushered in a new era for Chenin Blanc at Simonsig as their first wine to gain official Old Vine status.

Formerly known as Simonsig Chenin Avec Chêne, this single vineyard Chenin Blanc has been renamed Langbult Steen and given a refreshed look to commemorate this historic milestone in the wine’s evolution. Staying true to terroir, it takes its name from the vineyard site tended to by three generations of the Malan family.

“Langbult translates to ‘long hill’ and literally describes the vineyard’s layout,” says Michael Malan, Simonsig cellarmaster and third-generation winemaker. “The vines grow there in ancient, weathered shale soils and are robust and resilient. Time has made it one with the elements, and all of this is gloriously expressed through the fruit.”

As was the case with the Chenin Avec Chêne, the Langbult Steen is part of Simonsig’s Stellenbosch Terroir Selection range that includes The Tiara, Frans Malan Cape Blend, Redhill Pinotage and Merindol Syrah. “This collection truly reflects the essence of Stellenbosch’s terroir, each wine meticulously handcrafted with the utmost care and attention to detail,” adds Michael.

The maiden vintage of Langbult Steen was characterised by healthy grapes and an outstanding growing season. The cellarmaster describes the wine as having complex aromas of orange blossom, melon and dried apricot complemented by a hint of ginger spice. It has a complex palate with tangy acidity that carries the flavours of white pear, lime and green apple. The wine has a beautiful minerality, but not without a light creamy texture from the lees contact in barrel.

This highly lauded wine has repeatedly impressed judges at leading wine shows in South Africa and abroad. Among its top achievements, the Chenin Blanc from the Langbult Steen vineyard received 91 points from UK Master of Wine Tim Atkin, 4½ stars from Platter’s South African Wine Guide, Double Gold from the Veritas Awards as well as being one of the winners in the prestigious Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge.

Simonsig cellarmaster Michael Malan

This wine is a testament to decades of hands-on experience, an intimate understanding of the land, and a long history with Chenin Blanc. This year marks the estate’s 55th consecutive vintage with this iconic cultivar. In fact, the first wine ever to be bottled under the Simonsig label by founder Frans Malan in 1968 was a Chenin Blanc – known and labelled as “Steen” at the time.

Frans went on to become the pioneer of South African Cap Classique when, soon after his success with Chenin Blanc, he produced the first wine of this style – the iconic Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel – in 1971. Michael now continues this legacy of innovation and excellence at Simonsig, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father Johan Malan.

This exceptional wine is the result of the perfect balance between place, passion and heritage. An intimate knowledge of this remarkable terroir and artisanal winemaking philosophy are embodied as the true spirit of Stellenbosch Steen.

The Langbult Steen old vine Chenin Blanc sells for R235/bottle through Simonsig’s online shop and cellar door. The wine is also available at specialised wine retailers and select restaurants.

To learn more about this fine wine visit www.simonsig.co.za/langbultsteen/ and join the conversation at @SimonsigWines on Facebook and Instagram.

For media enquiries, contact Marketing Co-ordinator Catherine Leigh Yorke-Hart via email at cyorkehart@simonsig.co.za.

Issued by: ROUX REKLAME
Pictures: SUPPLIED

© 2023 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA

Van Loveren Wine Farm Celebrates Multiple Wins at National Wine Challenge Awards

10:00:00

Van Loveren Wine Farm, South Africa's leading family-owned winery, is delighted to announce its outstanding success at the prestigious National Wine Challenge Awards for 2023.

The National Wine Challenge, incorporating Top 100 SA Wines, is renowned as a premier fine-wine-only wine competition in South Africa, recognizing excellence in the industry.

With a long-standing reputation for consistency and award-winning wines, Van Loveren has once again proven its commitment to producing exceptional vintages. Building upon its previous successes, this year’s National Wine Challenge Awards showcased the winery’s brands in the spotlight, garnering several notable accolades, including a coveted Grand Cru, Top 100 & Double Platinum categories.

The Grand Cru Award, the highest honour bestowed by the National Wine Challenge, recognizes the singular, finest example of its cultivar or blend category.
Van Loveren's “Retief Reserve Cape White Blend” has proven its excellence in this esteemed competition not just once but twice. Having secured the Grand Cru in 2021 and now again in 2023, the remarkable blend predominately made up of Chenin Blanc, with carefully selected additions of Chardonnay and Colombar, continues to charm judges with its beguiling features. This wine stands as a captivating expression that truly stands out in its category.

Van Loveren winemaker, Chris Ctafford

In addition to the Grand Cru, Van Loveren also secured four Top 100 & Double Platinum awards, further exemplifying their dedication to producing outstanding expressions. The Top 100 winning wines are all exceptional and fall definitively into the instantly recognizable fine-wine category. Wines in this award category boast remarkable layers of flavour, texture, and breadth, showcasing complexity, nuance, and length.

The awards didn't stop there, as Van Loveren received eight Double Gold, solidifying its position as a leader in the South African wine industry. These accolades reflect the winery's commitment to quality, excellence, and its ongoing pursuit of creating remarkable wines that delight wine enthusiasts worldwide.

Reflecting on the achievements, Phillip Retief, CEO of Van Loveren Wine Farm, expressed his gratitude, saying, "These awards represent a culmination of our long-term vision and strategy, which we embarked on a few years ago. We invested in new vineyard plantings, expanded our quality capacity, and built stronger viticulture and winemaking teams along the way.

We are extremely proud and humbled by these awards, as they validate our vision and strategy towards premiumization. We look forward to continuing our journey toward greater heights and maintaining consistency”.

Van Loveren Wine Farm's recent triumphs at the National Wine Challenge Awards highlight their commitment to producing exceptional wines.

With their long-standing heritage and dedication to quality, Van Loveren remains a benchmark for excellence and a testament to the country's winemaking prowess.

Van Loveren CEO, Phillip Retief

The deserving wines were the following:

Grand Cru National Champion Best in Class
Retief Reserve Cape White 2021

Top 100 & Double Platinum awards
Retief Reserve Cape White 2021
Christiena Trousseau Cap Classique Brut NV
Christiena Trousseau Sauvignon blanc 2022
Zandvliet Estate Shiraz 2020

Double Gold awards
Van Loveren Red Muscadel 2022
Van Loveren Chardonnay 2022
Van Loveren Chenin No 5 2023
Van Loveren Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Four Cousins Director's Reserve Luxury Red 2021
Van Loveren Daydream 2023
Christiena Trousseau Cap Classique Brut rosé NV
Van Loveren Sauvignon blanc 2023

Double Silver awards
Zandvliet Kalkveld Shiraz 2019
Van Loveren Blue Velvet Pinot noir 2022
Van Loveren Neil's Pick Colombar 2023
Christiena Trousseau Syrah 2020
Christiena Trousseau Chardonnay 2022
Zandvliet Hill of Enon Small berry pick 2020
Christiena Trousseau Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Van Loveren Merlot 2022
Retief Reserve Cape Blend 2021
Van Loveren Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2021

For more information on these award-winning wines visit www.vanloveren.co.za/.

Issued by: ON THE MARQUE PR & COMMUNICATIONS
Pictures: SUPPLIED

© 2023 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA

Journey's End Vineyards Launch Wine Range In Sustainable Paperboard Bottles

09:24:00

Journey’s End Vineyards, the award-winning boutique estate situated on the mountain slopes above Sir Lowry’s Pass Village in the Helderberg basin, and new wine brand Interpunkt, founded by Andrew Ingham...

...have teamed up to launch a pioneering range of wines in sustainable paperboard bottes – the first in South Africa.

Launching exclusively, on 31st May 2023, in select Checkers, Checkers Hyper supermarkets, as well as in Checkers LiquorShop stores (RRP 119.99), the W.O. Western Cape Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, produced by Journey’s End, is packaged in paperboard bottles, highlighting to consumers that great wine can be enjoyed whilst reducing the impact on the environment. The bottles, made from 100% recyclable paperboard outers, are five times lighter than a normal glass bottle alternative, with a lower carbon footprint.

As well as the evident sustainability benefits, Interpunkt also aims to make wine more engaging, accessible and inclusive, particularly for new and occasional wine drinkers, by removing the specialist and potentially intimidating language often used on labels. The South African Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz varietals, both IPW certified, are described simply as ‘fresh and zesty’ and ‘juicy and easy drinking’ respectively.

Andrew Ingham, an international wine buyer with 20 years’ experience in both the on and off-trade in Australia, UK, Germany, North America and Asia, firmly believes that the consumer should be put first, and offered delicious, sustainable wines without the fuss. Ingham says, ‘All too often wine brands are talking and selling to one group only; the wine engaged. Yet the biggest group of wine drinkers (68%) are new to wine, occasional wine drinkers or unengaged. By introducing wine drinkers to a new accessible brand in forward-thinking packaging, which also prioritises trusted, ethically and sustainably sourced grapes, I believe we can show people that good wine is for everyone.’

Finding dynamic and like-minded partners for this project was always integral to Ingham and the Interpunkt brand, and Journey’s End was approached not only for its excellent wines and acclaimed winemakers Leon Esterhuizen and Mike Dawson, but also for its own sustainable and ethical accreditations. The vineyard has twice won the Ethical Company of the Year award in 2020 and 2021 at The Drinks Business Green Awards convened by the UK liquor trade magazine, as well as the Water Management Award in 2021. Journey’s End is also a WWF Conservation Champion, carbon negative and a founding member of Sustainable Wine Roundtable. In addition, the winery was the second in South Africa to convert to solar power in 2014.

Managing Director of Journey’s End, Rollo Gabb, adds: ‘Sustainable wine production is at the very heart of what we do at Journey’s End. As such, we are hugely excited to be working with Andrew producing wines in a paperboard bottle for the first time in South Africa. After 2 years of trying to find a bottler who was prepared to take the challenge, slow the lines down and adapt their equipment for the paperboard bottle, we are excited to have finally found the right partner for the job in South Africa, and we are all raring to go.’

Put simply, the Journey’s End x Interpunkt collaboration aims to create high-quality, sustainable, easy-drinking wines for casual wine drinkers, whether knowledgeable about wine or not.

Journey’s End x Interpunkt wines will be available, from 31st May 2023, in select Checkers, Checkers Hyper and Checkers LiquorShop stores

About Journey’s End Vineyards

Journey’s End Vineyards is an award-winning South African winery, situated in the Stellenbosch winelands. Founded in 1996 by the Gabb family, it has always been wholly committed to sustainably and ethically producing excellent wines for all occasions. Dynamic winemakers Leon Esterhuizen and Mike Dawson use progressive methods both in the cellar and vineyards. These include a minimal intervention philosophy, carbonic maceration, and fermentation and ageing in amphorae and concrete eggs.

As the most southerly estate in the wider Stellenbosch wine region, the Journey’s End team make use of their exceptional terroir and unique microclimate. Vines are planted on the Schapenberg hills, blessed with decomposed granite soils that are 350 million years old, creating one of the most prestigious terroirs in South Africa.

In 2021 Journey’s End joined the list of just 45 South African wine farms to attain WWF Conservation Champion status, became a founding member of the Sustainable Wine Roundtable and achieved carbon negative status. In 2020 and 2021 Journey’s End was named Ethical Company of the Year by The Drinks Business Green Awards, in recognition for the Journey’s End Foundation’s work, which helps tackle poverty and hunger in the local community. The Foundation has so far provided over 2,000,000 meals to those in need since August 2020. It also received the Water Management Award in The Drinks Business Green Awards 2021.

www.journeysend.co.za

@JourneysEndWines

About Andrew Ingham and Interpunkt

Andrew Ingham, originally from Manchester, has over 20 years’ international experience in the wine industry. He has spent his career building and growing brands at some of the most respected companies in the world in branded FMCG with ABI (Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Budweiser) as well as grocery and on-premise retailers such as Metro Germany, Coles Australia, Morrison’s UK, Greene King UK and DFI Retail Group Hong Kong China. Andrew has created Interpunkt as a fun and engaging wine brand for new and occasional wine drinkers. Inspired by his trips to incredible wineries and vineyards around the world, making lasting friendships along the way, Ingham believes in creating an accessible wine to be shared and enjoyed in the now.

@we.are.interpunkt

andrew@interpunktwines.com

Issued by: POSY & JEREMY HAZELL - PR & WINE CONSULTANT5S
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KWV Brandy Triumphs with Four Double-Gold Medals

07:29:00

Intercontinental Double Gold for Tokara XO Potstill Brandy

18:00:00

Tokora’s masterly crafted XO Potstill Brandy excelled as a Cape Brandy of distinction earning Double Gold at the Intercontinental Spirits Challenge 2023.

The luxurious Tokara XO Potstill Brandy was singled out among the best of the best Cap Brandies for its depth of flavour, complexity and unparalleled quality at the African leg of this Intercontinental competition.

Crafted from Stellenbosch Chenin blanc grapes, the brandy is double distilled in the age-old Cognac tradition and matured in individual French Limousin oak casks for a minimum of ten and up to 17 years.

The aromas are beautifully complex with notes of caramel, cinnamon and nutmeg amplified by dried fig, apricot and a signature hint of raspberry. Floral aromas flourish with jasmine and orange blossom. Unctuous and complex with great depth of character, the palate delivers rich flavours that are expertly balanced and carried by a silky texture.

“As a result of slow, prolonged barrel ageing in predominantly older Limousin barrels, the aromas and flavours are more concentrated allowing the brandy to develop its distinctive character, fine length and depth of aftertaste,” explains Tokara winemaker Stuart Botha.

Producing a refined brandy of this calibre in the age-old Cognac tradition has been the intention of GT and Anne-Marie Ferreira ever since they set their sights on making world class wines at Tokara over two decades ago.

The ultimate choice of aficionados, Tokara XO Potstill Brandy comes in an elegant decanter presented in a beautifully designed case. This world class XO brandy is available at the Tokara Tasting Lounge and selected purveyors of fine wines at a cellar door price of R1 100. For online purchases visit www.tokara.com.

Issued by: GC COMMUNICATIONS

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Roodeberg narrative reimagined with striking new gift pack

17:52:00

The art of storytelling is synonymous with Roodeberg, the iconic red blend that continues to conjure up cherished memories in the hearts and minds of wine lovers across the globe after more than seven decades.

In celebration of Father’s Day on Sunday, 18 June, Roodeberg has released an eye-catching, limited edition gift pack festooned with striking snapshots that visually bring the wine’s rich storytelling legacy to life.

The Roodeberg story is the stuff of legends ever evolving since the first release in 1949 of the master’s secret blend. The progeny of two existing red wines, Rodeberg One and the more full-bodied Rodeberg Two, Roodeberg’s Classic Red blend was the brainchild of Dr Charles Niehaus, a renowned pioneer of South African wines. His inspiration for the name came from watching an incredible sunset cast over the mountains while sitting at his desk in Paarl harking back to the beautiful vineyards of Rothenberg during his studies in Geisenheim, Germany. Dr Niehaus insisted the name, Roodeberg, should be written with two Os so as not to confuse this distinctly South African wine with the town in Germany.

Produced exclusively for export and only released onto the South African market in 2004, no red wine was harder to come by, weaving the beginnings of Roodeberg’s colourful tapestry of wine folklore. The wine’s scarcity gave rise to countless under-the-table exchanges of Roodeberg for sought after rugby tickets, Kruger Park bookings, weekend get-aways and the like. An article in the January 1986 issue of Wynboer magazine explains: “For its lucky owner, a bottle of Roodeberg can procure test tickets, biltong, the use of a beach cottage … name it!”

A true South African original, Roodeberg has been bringing friends and families together and creating memories of people, places and occasions, and sharing special life-changing moments over many generations, often with rare vintages squirreled away.

The evolution of Roodeberg continues today in step with changing times, yet the wine remains a timeless classic firmly rooted in history with a story in every bottle.

The beautifully nuanced Roodeberg Classic Red blend erupts in your glass with aromatic layers of fresh red and dark fruit, cassis and hints of spice and dark chocolate. The texture is elegant and soft with notes of cedar oak and dark plums, supported by silky tannins that linger long after the last sip.

The Roodeberg Classic Red blend with gift pack is available at leading stores countrywide at a suggested price of R109,99.

Issued by: GC COMMUNICATIONS

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Muskadel SA Bestows Its Highest Honours Upon Four Outstanding Achievers

13:23:00

The Muskadel SA Awards celebrated its return after three years with no less than four platinum winners and a new sponsor.

Front: Henri Swiegers (Muskadel SA chairperson), Marlee Malan (Vinochem)
Back: Shaun Thomson (DTK Wines), Tiaan Loubser (DTK Wines), Hermias Vollgraaff (Montagu Wines), Raymond Kirby (Mont Blois), Fred Viljoen (Viljoensdrift), Louis Martin (Nuy Winery), Lara Prins (Wagenboom) and Philip Viljoen (Bon Courage).

This good news was announced during the 18th Muskadel SA Awards, sponsored by Vinochem, which was presented on Wednesday 24 May 2023 at Noop Restaurant in Paarl.

This year, Montagu Winery, Mont Blois Wine Estate, Nuy Winery, and Viljoensdrift Fine Wines were recognised for their older vintage muscadel, and received the highest prize, a platinum award. At the same time, five gold awards were given to three producers whose muscadel from younger vintages performed well, namely two gold prizes each to Bon Courage Estate and Du Toitskloof Wines, as well as one to Waboomsrivier Winery.

Platinum performers

Three producers kept Robertson Wine Valley's name high, with three wines receiving a platinum award:

Mont Blois Wine Estate's Mont Blois Pomphuis White Muscadel 2017, which comes from a 32-year-old vineyard,
Montagu Winery's Muscat de Frontignan Single Vineyard (Red) 2016 in its distinctive, stylish jacket, and
Viljoensdrift Fine Wines' Moscato Blanco 2016, a white muscadel which comes from a 60-year-old vineyard.

Located in the Nuy Valley near Worcester, Nuy Winery won a platinum award for its Barbieri Idro Rooi Muskadel 2015, a fortified Muscat de Frontignan matured for five years in oak barrels.

Gold awards

Young muscat wines compared well against the older generation, with five gold awards awarded to newer vintages. Bon Courage Estate, another performer from the Robertson Wine Valley, received two gold medals, for their White Muskadel 2022 and their Red Muskadel 2022.

The Breedekloof Valley lived up to its reputation as a muscadel region by winning three gold medals:

Du Toitskloof Wines, a consistent performer over many years, received two gold medals, for their Red Muscadel 2020 as well as their Hanepoot Jerepigo 2021.
The white Wagenboom Muskadel 2021 from Waboomsrivier Winery, located on the R43 between Worcester and Ceres, was also awarded gold.

2023 Muskadel SA Awards Platinum Winners

Judging process

This year's judging panel, chaired by Cape Wine Master Bennie Howard, comprised wine consultant Altus le Roux, Cape Wine Master Raymond Noppé, wine expert Jaco Potgieter of Douglas Green Wines, and Melissa Rhode, wine sourcing manager of Heineken Beverages.

The wines are evaluated blind and scored using a tried-and-trusted point system. The distinctiveness of packaging is also considered when awarding points; it could be the difference between a gold or platinum award. Muscadel lovers can identify the winning wines in-store by looking for the Muskadel SA sticker on the bottle.

From the Muskadel SA headquarters

"We are grateful to be able to host the competition again, thanks to the industry that values the awards and ensures its continued existence," says Henri Swiegers, Chairman of Muskadel SA.

"Harvests are decreasing, but we hope that if the economy improves and producers can plant more muscadel, they will increase again. The fact that both our older and newer vintages performed well is encouraging; it provides a solid foundation for us in the future. The quality of South African muscadel remains excellent, and we were pleased with the entries we received this year," Swiegers says.

Sponsor

This year, Vinochem came on board as the sponsor to give back to the industry and support their customers.

"South African muscadel is of very high quality and has the potential to reach a larger market," says Marlee Malan of Vinochem. "Congratulations to all of the producers on their excellent performance."

For more information, contact Henri Swiegers on 082 829 6010 or henri@badsberg.co.za.

Join the chat on social media with the hashtag #MuskadelSAAwards – Twitter & Instagram @yolandidewetpr Facebook www.facebook.com/yolandidewetpr/

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Roodeberg narrative reimagined with striking new gift pack

The art of storytelling is synonymous with Roodeberg, the iconic red blend that continues to conjure up cherished memories in the hearts and minds of wine lovers across the globe after more than seven decades.

Muskadel SA Bestows Its Highest Honours Upon Four Outstanding Achievers

The Muskadel SA Awards celebrated its return after three years with no less than four platinum winners and a new sponsor.

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June is here, which not only brings with it the cold weather, but school holidays are around the corner, and it’s Father’s Day on the 18th June.

Stellar Performance at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards

Celebrated Stellenbosch wine estate Simonsig has unveiled the latest vintage of its award-winning barrel-fermented Chenin Blanc.

Van Loveren Wine Farm, South Africa's leading family-owned winery, is delighted to announce its outstanding success at the prestigious National Wine Challenge Awards for 2023.

Journey’s End Vineyards, the award-winning boutique estate situated on the mountain slopes above Sir Lowry’s Pass Village in the Helderberg basin, and new wine brand Interpunkt, founded by Andrew Ingham...

KWV Brandy Triumphs with Four Double-Gold Medals at the International Spirits Challenge 2023

Tokora’s masterly crafted XO Potstill Brandy excelled as a Cape Brandy of distinction earning Double Gold at the Intercontinental Spirits Challenge 2023.

The art of storytelling is synonymous with Roodeberg, the iconic red blend that continues to conjure up cherished memories in the hearts and minds of wine lovers across the globe after more than seven decades.

The Muskadel SA Awards celebrated its return after three years with no less than four platinum winners and a new sponsor.

About me

Google Maps

Email

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Popular Posts

Free PDF Download

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