With their new brand identity revealed in 2022, Morgenster Estate has come full circle with the brand evolution of its Single Cultivar range. 

"The range expresses the enthusiast’s appreciation for everyday life."

When redesigning the single cultivar range, the primary objective was to highlight the individuality of each varietal and ensure that consistency was maintained. With this in mind, the design team turned to typography as the primary tool for expression for this range. Typography has been a cornerstone of Morgenster's recent brand evolution, making it a natural choice for this range. The colour palette draws from the rich hues present in Morgenster's existing wine ranges, ensuring visual continuity across the brand while allowing each wine to shine.

The lively 2023 Sauvignon Blanc showcases typical tropical flavours, with nuances of minerality and a fresh, zesty finish. Everyday elegance in each drop, this classic Sauvignon Blanc is perfect on its own, served chilled. For that perfect food pairing it partners well with summer foods and salads, as well as white meat dishes and fresh seafood.

When it comes to classical elegance look no further than the 2022 Cabernet Franc, with its iconic rich red fruit flavours and velvety smooth tannins. Aromas of bright red fruit with black pepper spice and hints of cloves are prominent on the nose, while the palate is sumptuously smooth with fine tannins. With the colder weather around the corner, the Cabernet Franc’s liveliness makes it the perfect food partner, pairing beautifully with red meat dishes, roasted lamb cutlets, or a lemon and herb chicken. The spiciness of the wine allows for it to pair perfectly with dark chocolate desserts.

Morgenster Estate's tasting room

Available directly from the estate, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc sells for R150 per bottle and the 2022 Cabernet Franc sells for R180 per bottle.

For more information visit www.morgenster.co.za

Issued by: ON THE MARQUE PR & COMMUNICATIONS
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© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA

The Manor restaurant, situated in the historic manor house at Nederburg in Paarl, has been highlighted as the best restaurant in South Africa... 

A global culinary concept that enables foodies to discover and dine at top restaurants at discounted rates, Restaurant Week South Africa takes place twice a year, in autumn and spring. The most recent edition involved no less than 150 eateries nationwide, offering three-course meals from only R245 per head, and two courses from R145 per person.

“The nation spoke, the scores were tallied, and The Manor at Nederburg emerged as diners’ most highly rated eatery of Restaurant Week South Africa’s autumn run - the largest one to date. This achievement puts us in the company of impressive dining establishments like Marble in Johannesburg and The Chef’s Table in Durban,” says Nederburg’s general manager, Kate Jackson. The other restaurants she refers to, took top spots in their respective cities.

“It’s incredibly encouraging to know that The Manor at Nederburg is so well regarded and appreciated by the public for our warm hospitality; our deliciously flavourful food prepared by talented chef Linda Trautmann and her team; our excellent wines; our beautiful setting; and of course, our passionate staff members who tend to our guests’ every whim so effortlessly. Proud of the team is an understatement. I’m absolutely thrilled!”

Head chef Linda Trautmann is absolutely thrilled with her passionate staff

Gesellig at its tastiest

The Manor at Nederburg is a comfortable family-friendly eatery set in an historic, yet inviting atmosphere. It has a lovely stoep with stunning views of the farm’s sprawling gardens and the vineyards, all framed by breathtaking mountainscapes.

With the whole family in mind, the fresh, seasonal and full-flavoured dishes come with an extra dollop of South African warmth and hospitality.

Nederburg’s entire range of wines is available to order to enjoy with your meal.

“Given our very successful participation in Restaurant Week South Africa XXL, we’re delighted to invite guests to sample The Manor’s winter à la carte lunch menu, featuring some of the very same dishes! This is your chance to come find out why The Manor received such generous ratings.

“Favourites include smoked hake and cheese croquettes with black garlic aioli and pea purée (starter); confit pork belly roulade and Savanna mustard sauce served with apple, butterbean mash, candied bacon and seasonal vegetables (main); and Amarula and tonka bean crème brûlée (dessert). The other options are equally delicious!” Jackson explains.

A new weekend breakfast menu for winter is also on offer, perfect for lazy weekend brunches!

Nederburg’s entire range of wines - familiar favourites, new and exciting options as well as limited editions and fine vintages not readily accessible in the trade - is available to order to enjoy with your meal.

Nederburg is delighted to invite guests to sample The Manor’s winter à la carte lunch menu.

The Manor is child-friendly, offering a lovely kids’ menu, a kids’ pairing and cookie decorating, as well as an awesome jungle gym and play area.

It’s also accessible for differently-abled guests and pet-friendly.

Booking is always advised, but essential in some instances.

Contact the team on ZA3info_nederburg@heineken.com or 021 862 3104 or 021 827 5155 to make your reservation.

The Manor is open from 09:00 to 16:00, with lunch served from 12:00 daily.

Physical address: Nederburg Wines, Sonstraal Road, Dal Josafat, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa

DON’T MISS ACCLAIMED JAZZ MUSICIAN LIONEL BEUKES PERFORMING LIVE AT MURATIE ESTATE SATURDAY 25 MAY 2024 @ 12:30 – 4.30 PM

SIP ON MURATIE WINES AND TASTE HISTORY FOR YOURSELF

This year marks a major milestone for GlenWood Vineyards, as 40 years ago owner Alastair Wood, purchased the land, with a vision to produce world-class Chardonnays. 

Twenty-four years later his vision is still as bright, as not only has GlenWood earned global recognition, but has become known as the Home of Chardonnay in Franschhoek.

A haven for Chardonnay enthusiasts the current portfolio comprises the Grand Duc Chardonnay 2022, Vigneron’s Selection Chardonnay 2023 and the GlenWood Chardonnay 2024.

GlernWood cellar

Reflecting their noble heritage the Grand Duc Chardonnay 2022 scored 93 points at the 2023 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge. Previous vintages were awarded a 5-star rating in the 2022 and 2023 editions of the Platter Wine Guide, 91 points in the Tim Atkins Special Report on South African Wines, as well as a Gold medal at the 2020 Michelangelo Wine Awards. Without a doubt, an investment wine, winemaker, Natasha Pretorius, describes the wine as a yellow straw colour, with rich vanilla and ripe pineapple aromas. The gentle use of oak results in a palate with toasty vanilla notes, carrying through to citrus and marmalade flavour on the aftertaste. Available from the Tasting Room at R740 per bottle.

Grand Duc Chardonnay 2022

Cellar Master, DP Burger, who has been at GlenWood for more than 30 years was closely involved when it came to only selecting the best grapes for the Vigneron’s Selection Chardonnay 2023, which is currently available from the Tasting Room at R350 per bottle. A magnificent yellow straw colour with subdued aromas of tropical fruits and vanilla. A creamy palate with prominent citrus flavours and dried orange peel on the aftertaste, results in a full, rich and nutty wine. 

Vigneron’s Selection Chardonnay 2023

Truly a handcrafted work of ‘art’ this vintage scored an impressive 92 points at the 2023 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge, as well as a 5-star rating in the 2023 Platter Wine Guide for a previous vintage.

For more information, visit: www.glenwoodvineyards.co.za/

Issued by: ON THE MARQUE PR & COMMUNICATIONS

Pictures: SUPPLIED




© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA

FAIRVIEW EXCELS AT THE 2024 SA DAIRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

With Eleven SA Champions and Six Qualité Awards

Fairview Cheese, one of the most recognisable dairy brands in South Africa and currently the largest producer of specialty cheeses in the country, proudly took the stage at the 2024 SA Dairy Championships to receive a total of 11 SA Champion titles for category winners and six prestigious Qualité Awards — the competition’s exclusive mark of excellence.
This year’s event marked the 191st edition of the SA Dairy Championships, the largest and oldest dairy competition in Africa, which celebrates the excellence, diversity and economic significance of South Africa's dairy sector. With over 1 000 dairy products from 78 producers, the event showcased the finest in dairy craftsmanship. Fairview took top honours with the highest number of Qualité Awards, the esteemed emblem of distinction.

These six Fairview cheeses will soon be proudly sporting the much-desired Qualité black and gold badge of honour:

• Woolworths Cambozola (A high fat semi-soft white mould cheese with blue veins adding a subtle pungent, classic flavour — made from Jersey cow milk)
• Woolworths Medium Fat Cream Cheese (A plain medium fat cream cheese — delicious as a spread or dip or use it for baking — made with Jersey cow milk)
• Woolworths Raspberry Roulade with Pink Peppercorns (A medium fat raspberry cream cheese roulade dusted with pink peppercorns — made with Jersey cow milk)
• Woolworths Cream Cheese Tomato & Herb (A medium fat tomato and herb cream cheese made from Jersey cow milk)
• Woolworths Brie de Roche (A creamy rustic flavoured Brie made with a blend of Jersey cow and goat’s milk — ripened for a minimum of five weeks)
• Woolworths Roydon (A creamy rustic flavoured Camembert made with a blend of Jersey cow and goat’s milk)

Charles Back, third-generation owner of Fairview

Charles Back, third-generation owner of Fairview, expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishment, “Congratulations for continuing to the do the Fairview name proud! While our journey began way back with my humble attempts to produce goat’s cheese, our commitment to quality and our unique philosophy have remained unwavering. We combine traditional European recipes with a distinct South African flair, using only the finest sustainably sourced ingredients. This meticulous approach ensures that our products consistently meet a very high standard. As evidence of this, we are proud to be the leading supplier of Woolworths's specialty cheeses, six of which clinched us top Qualité Award honours at the 2024 SA Dairy Championships.”

Charles concludes, “On your next trip to the winelands, be sure to visit us at Fairview in Paarl. Pop into our tasting room and deli where all our cheeses are available for purchase. And look out for our award-winning cheeses at Woolworths — and also at Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers, Spar and other independent stores nationwide. To LIFE… and cheese and wine!”

On your next trip to the winelands, be sure to visit us at Fairview in Paarl

THE FAIRVIEW CHEESE STORY

It all began in the late 1970s when Cyril and Beryl Back, the late parents of Charles, went on a trip to France and fell in love with the richly flavoured goat’s milk cheeses produced on a number of the wine farms they visited. Upon returning to Paarl, they began investigating the possibility of starting South Africa’s first goat’s milk cheesery. After much investigation and a few fortunate coincidences, the first Saanen goats arrived at the farm in 1980. Charles was tasked with producing Fairview’s first few batches of cheese, however, the skill of producing delicious goat’s cheese was not easily learned. Over time both the size of the herd and the range of cheeses grew. Things began to improve when Fairview enlisted the assistance of Michel Agostinelli, a passionate Italian who had settled in South Africa after arriving as a POW during World War Two. Together with Agostinelli, Charles began to develop the cheesery and the processes and disciplines involved. Cyril Back was soon satisfied that the quality of the Fairview cheeses was good enough to serve and they were offered along with wine tastings in the tasting room. Goat’s milk cheese, however, was a tough sell in South Africa in the 1980s as it was not a product that consumers were familiar with at the time.

One thing about goats is that they really like to climb. Inspired by the first known original goat tower Charles saw while visiting Portugal in the early 1980s, he had the genius idea to build a climbing tower at Fairview for his goats. The rest is history. Today Fairview’s Goat Tower is a Cape Winelands icon, adored by children and adults alike.

One thing about goats is that they really like to climb

In 1990 the cheesery took a significant step forward. Louis Lourens joined Fairview as head cheesemaker and Jersey cows’ milk cheese production was introduced. Fairview has always focussed on innovation within the dairy industry, with a keen interest in sustainability and specifically renewable energy. In 2019, as part of Fairview’s responsible approach to business and the preservation of natural resources, the cheese factory partnered with Emergent Energy and Absa Bank to provide a comprehensive solar solution for the factory. With 924 solar panels installed on the factory roof and a 305kWp system, Fairview is able to produce around 430 000kWh of clean energy annually. Solar energy presently accounts for close to 30% of Fairview’s energy needs.

Fairview processes thousands of litres of both Jersey cows’ milk and Sannes goats’ milk daily, seven days a week. As the cheesery has expanded to facilitate efficient production, it has maintained the hygiene and control standards required from a world class facility. Access is strictly controlled and the cheesery is not open to the public. The Fairview Cheesery has full Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC22000) with audits taking place annually. The factory also has Kosher and Halaal certification and all Fairview Cheese is made with non-animal rennet.

From humble beginnings, the Fairview Cheese Company experienced an extraordinary development from a family cheesery to an award-winning industry leader. Today, creating over 50 different cow and goat's milk artisanal cheeses — including white mould, blue mould, feta, cream cheese styles and a plant-based range — Fairview is South Africa's leading producer of artisanal cheeses.

Fairview is one of the most popular destinations in the Cape Winelands

A VISIT TO FAIRVIEW

Situated on the slopes of the Paarl Mountain offering ever-growing visitor experiences and eponymous vistas over fields and vines to Table Mountain in the distance, Fairview is one of the most popular destinations in the Cape Winelands internationally known for its wine, cheese and tourism. Fairview is a working farm, housing a collection of micro-businesses all sharing a common goal — to create artisanal and sustainable produce, with a focus on fine wine, artisanal cheese, free range meat, baked goods and plant-based products.

Stop by the Fairview Tasting Room on your next visit to the Cape Winelands

Stop by the Fairview Tasting Room on your next visit to the Cape Winelands. Specially curated cheese and wine tastings are on offer seven days a week, 363 days of the year (closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day). Pop into the ever-popular Deli which brims with a diverse selection of home-made local products and sustainably farmed foods. End with lunch at the Goatshed, a country-style eatery where fresh and homemade is always better, and of course, don’t forget to say hello to Fairview’s furry mascots at the Goat Tower.

The Goatshed, a country-style eatery where fresh and homemade is always better

One of the most popular autumnal events in the Western Cape calendar is the annual Shiraz & Charcuterie Festival.

Enthusiasts of the varietal can indulge in wines from some of the country's top Shiraz and Syrah producers, while also enjoying platters of charcuterie and listening to laid back live music.

This year, organiser Darielle Robertson has added an extra element to the proceedings, with a range of artisanal cheeses from leading Cape Town producer Puglia Cheese as well as cheese and charcuterie from Wild Peacock, and more charcuterie from Joostenberg Bistro & Butchery and Richard Bosman. Robertson is also planning to have a bounty of olives and all things Tapas which, she explains is “small bites of big flavours, pickled, dried and fresh”.

The live music this year is courtesy the always popular Newton & Co.

Hence the updated moniker – the Shiraz, Charcuterie & Cheese Festival – which takes place on Saturday 25 May at Anthonij Rupert Wyne from 11h00 to 16h00.

Tickets, available from Webtickets, cost R350pp and include a branded glass and a taste of all the wines on offer from the likes of Holden Manz, Stellenzicht Wines, Tokara, La Motte, Bon Courage Estate, The Stellenbosch Collection (Rust-en-Vrede, Stellenbosch Reserve), Anthonij Rupert Wyne, Hartenberg Wine Estate and more.

Several producers will also have special offers on the day for those festivalgoers wanting to buy wine.

• The Shiraz, Charcuterie & Cheese Festival
• Anthonij Rupert Wyne, Franschhoek
• 11h00 to 16h00 (Tastings: 11h00-14h00. Sales & live music 14h00-16h00)
• Tickets from: www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1546311776

Issued by: JAG COMMUNICATIONS
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© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA

THE LE RICHE FAMILY CELEBRATES THE 25TH VINTAGE OF THEIR ESTEEMED FLAGSHIP LE RICHE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

The 2021 Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon alongside Three Single Vineyard Cabernets will be launched on 3rd June 2024

Ever since the esteemed maiden 1997 vintage, the Le Riche family has been inextricably associated with Cabernet excellence. Internationally acclaimed as a leading ultra-premium producer of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, they have made it their business to craft the ultimate expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stellenbosch Winelands of South Africa. The coveted Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, the flagship of the range, is a statuesque expression of the very best Le Riche can produce. The soon-to-be released Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from the celebrated 2021 vintage, is proving to be another benchmark of excellence.

“This highly anticipated 2021 release, ‘a sensational benchmark’ comes hard on the heels of the highly rated 2020 and 2019 from Christo le Riche, and the impressive 2021 completes the trilogy of block buster vintages from this Cabernet specialist… Simply sublime, awesome even, and most definitely a vintage that will come to define premium quality Cabernet for years to come. A true classic that will richly reward bottle ageing,” says Master of Wine Greg Sherwood on Wine Safari, who scored the 2021 Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon a mighty 98+/100 at a pre-release tasting.

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

Over 25 vintages, the lauded Le Riche Reserve Cabernet has garnered widespread acclaim, including ten Platter’s pinnacle five-star ratings (for the 1997 maiden vintage, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007 Le Riche CWG Auction Reserve, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019 vintages), Platter’s Red Wine of the Year award for the 2005 vintage and Platter’s Cabernet of the Year awards for the 2015 and 2019 vintages. Le Riche’s Cabernet stardom was also manifest 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 hosted in Australia. In addition, the runner-up prize also went to Le Riche for the Reserve 2017, breaking a record as the first producer to be awarded both accolades in the same year.

The 2020 Le Riche Reserve Cabernet proudly continued this legacy of excellence, winning a splendid ‘Best in Class’ accolade at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards in 2023, cementing its status as a world-class Cabernet and one of the 50 best wines in the world. Le Riche’s distinguished stature was further endorsed by renowned UK wine critic Tim Atkin in his South Africa 2023 Special Report, where he awarded the 2020 Reserve a whopping 99 points, describing it as “the Latour of South Africa”; honoured Le Riche as one of the 25 First Growths in his ‘Cape Classification’ for the first time; and named founder Etienne le Riche his ‘Winemaking Legend’ of the year. Further affirmation for the 2020 Le Riche Reserve Cabernet unfolded across the Atlantic with an exceptional 98-point rating in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

Enter the 2021 vintage of the Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon. Christo le Riche, who has successfully taken over the reins of the multi-generational Le Riche winery from his legendary father Etienne, is all praise for the soon-to-be released 2021 vintage. “In his acclaimed South Africa 2023 Special Report, Tim Atkin contended the 2021 vintage could rank as one of the Cape’s best-ever vintages to date. I believe our 2021 Reserve will compete as one of the greatest. It is a tannic vintage with elegant fruit and great aging potential and will be a stellar investment in satisfaction for any Cabernet enthusiast. I like to describe it as ‘an iron fist in a velvet glove’, a delicate tight-rope of muscle and power, precision, balance and seductive elegance.”

Christo continues, “For 28 years we have made it our business to produce the definitive expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, pursuing a steadfast dedication to the veritable ‘King of Grapes’ and the ‘Crown Jewell’ of the Stellenbosch wine region. Combining decades of experience and knowledge, we meticulously select and source only the highest-quality fruit from the best possible terroirs Stellenbosch has to offer. We 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 our wines. Following our ethos of quality, elegance and consistency, our 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, consistent superb quality and maturation potential.

For our Reserve, final blending by our team forms the key step in determining the style and character of our flagship wine. Reserve status is only endowed if the grapes and resulting wine measure up to our exceptional standard. This year we are also releasing three Single Vineyard Cabernets, (only 300 bottles of each) to help tell the story of Stellenbosch and the amazing diversity this region offers."

LE RICHE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021

The new vintage Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, to be released on 3rd June, is 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 (67%) Simonsberg (22%) and Jonkershoek Valley (11%). The vineyard blocks were micro-vinified separately 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 (70% new) ensure the pedigree of this distinguished wine. After a year in barrel, the individual batches were blended to form the final wine and returned to barrel for another year before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The wine matured in bottle for another year before release.

Tasting Notes: A wine in true Cabernet style, it is massively expressive with fresh plums and blackberries, cherry, violet and cassis grounded in classic cedar and graphite notes, which are mirrored on the palate. The wine is brooding and dense yet sophisticated and elegant. The structure is powerfully firm with polished, fine-grained tannins and a remarkable acid/fruit balance. The palate is rich, velvety and opulent yet remarkably fresh with a lively purity and a creamy mouthfeel. The wonderfully long, complex finish showcases the great potential for maturation.

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

Purchase: The Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 will be available for purchase, from the first week of June, at the Le Riche Cellar, specialist wine stores nationally and online at www.leriche.co.za for R1050 per bottle.

LE RICHE 2021 SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNONS

Le Riche Simonsberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

This trellised single Simonsberg vineyard was planted in 2004 in deep red decomposed granite soils. After fermentation for 21 days in concrete open top fermenters, spontaneous malolactic followed in 225L French oak barrels, after which the wine was transferred to 50% new French oak barrels for 12 months, followed by another 12 months in a single new barrel. The wine was then racked and bottled. Inviting aromas of blackberry, cassis and brambles jump out of the glass followed by hints of spice and black pepper. The palate showcases red and black pastilles coupled with fresh black fruits, a vibrant acidity, a fine yet gripping tannin structure, a creamy mouthfeel and a long and rich finish.

Le Riche Steynsrust Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

This trellised Firgrove single vineyard was planted in 1997 in deep red decomposed granite soils. After fermentation for 17 days in an unlined concrete tank, spontaneous malolactic followed in 225L French oak barrels, after which the wine was transferred to 50% new French oak barrels for 12 months, followed by another 12 months in a second-fill barrel, after which the wine was bottled unfiltered. Fresh cherry aromas and spearmint play alongside a mint chocolate complexity on the nose. The aromas are mirrored on the palate with overall elegance exuded throughout. A chalky tannin coupled with balanced acidity ensure an appetising, juicy edge. A Cabernet Sauvignon brimming with flavour yet with a delicate underlying elegance and a refined, long finish.

Le Riche Bosstok Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

This Helderberg coastal single bush vine vineyard was planted in 2008 in duplex sandy gravel soils with a deep clay layer. After fermentation for 10 days in a concrete open top fermenter, spontaneous malolactic fermentation took place in barrel, followed by ageing in 225L French oak barrels (75% new) for 24 months. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Densely dark purple in the glass, this brooding wine displays intense black fruit aromas and savoury all spice notes. A full flavoured black fruit palate showcases blackberries, cassis, all spice and some liquorice. Big and bold on the palate yet with a striking overall lightness. Gripping tannins are softened by a creamy mouthfeel promising maturation potential. A showcase Cabernet!

Purchase the 2021 Le Riche Single Vineyard Cabernets: A three-bottle pack of the Le Riche 2021 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, showcasing the diversity of Stellenbosch terroir, will be available for purchase, from the first week of June, at the Le Riche Cellar and online at www.leriche.co.za for R1050 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. “From the very beginning we have pursued a steadfast dedication to Cabernet Sauvignon. Focus on one thing and do it to the best of your ability is our winemaking philosophy,” says Etienne. During a glorious 20-vintage winemaking era at Rustenberg Wines, Etienne made the first certified Cabernet in South Africa, a 1971 Rustenberg Cabernet. He was also a founder member of the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) and, amongst many prestigious accolades at the time, 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 a 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 and a minimal 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.

Le Riche Wines has journeyed from a solo venture by Etienne to a highly-reputed family business. Now a multi-generational venture, including Etienne’s children and extended family, the winery is looking to the future with creativity and vision to continue the legacy. Today, Le Riche is managed by four core members, comprising Director and Cellarmaster Christo le Riche, Cape Wine Master and Export and Logistics Manager Yvonne le Riche, Commercial and Marketing Manager Francois le Riche and Assistant Winemaker Mark Daniels who has been with Le Riche Wines since the very beginning. While founder Etienne is now retired, he still acts in an advisory role, ensuring the winery continues the pursuit of the finest Cabernet.

The Le Riche Wines' A Team

MORE ABOUT CHRISTO LE RICHE

Since his first vintage in 2011, Christo has rapidly gained a reputation as a Cabernet Sauvignon pioneer in his own right, garnering a long line of prestigious awards for his wines. His passion for Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon drives Le Riche Wines’ search to better understand its region. He is 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 is also a member of The Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG). Looking ahead to the future, Christo states, "We will always stick to Stellenbosch when it comes to Cabernet. It is South Africa’s prime Cabernet territory and one of the great Cabernet regions of the world. 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. At the moment we are securing and planting new vineyards that will be able to carry us for the next 30 years. I am really looking forward to working with this fruit, and some new wards like Polkadraai and Bottelary.”

Christo Le Riche

THE OTHER WINES IN THE LE RICHE RANGE

LE RICHE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022

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, 12% new oak.

Tasting Notes: The bouquet displays vibrant aromas of blackberry, plums and fresh cherry with hints of cassis and spice. The palate shows sweet fruit on entry followed by a delicious red and black fruit pastilles complexity. Firm tannins and balanced acidity assist in creating a voluptuous mid-bodied mouthfeel. A long finish is complemented with hints of dark chocolate, black cherry and cedar. A classic Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon.

Retail Price: R390

LE RICHE RICHESSE 2022

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 (57%), incorporating Cinsaut (19%) and smaller amounts of Bordeaux cultivars Cabernet Franc (9%), Petit Verdot (8%) and Merlot (7%). 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 Helderberg Coastal, Helderberg North, Simonsberg and Bottelary, spent 12 months in older 225L French oak barrels, whereafter the components were blended and further matured in 225L barrels, 5000L oak foudres and concrete tanks for a further eight months.

Tasting Notes: Forthcoming aromas of sweet cherries, fresh raspberries and blackberries are supported by a captivating perfume of violets. A crisp entry is followed by a summer fruit explosion of red berries and a hint of cedar. On the palate chalky tannins and an appetising acidity elevate the delicate, yet lingering finish. A harmonious blend, where the Cabernet Sauvignon imparts body and complexity while the Cinsaut contributes enchanting perfume and approachability, creating a truly versatile wine.

Retail Price: R230

LE RICHE CHARDONNAY 2022

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 with the 'King of the Grapes', Cabernet Sauvignon. The Le Riche Chardonnay grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Helderberg Coastal and Polkadraai wards. Hand selected grapes were delicately pressed as whole bunches and fermented with wild yeasts. After fermentation, the wine was allowed to age on its gross lees for 11 months before bottling. This aging occurred in a mixture of new (25%) and older French oak barrels, as well as ceramic clay pots.

Tasting Notes: Delicate aromas of brioche and fresh stone fruit are complemented by a lemony tang. The entry is crisp, with white peach and fresh apricot flavours enhanced by a balanced creaminess, vibrant acidity and a flinty edge. This Chardonnay is a well-rounded, appetising wine showcasing a long, yet refined finish.

Retail price: R350

Purchase: The Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon (R390), Richesse (R230) and Chardonnay (R350) are available for purchase at the Le Riche Cellar, at specialist wine stores nationally and online at www.leriche.co.za.

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: www.leriche.co.za/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Le.Riche.Wines/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lerichewines/
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/lerichewines

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

©2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA 

The apex, limited edition series of wines by KWV The Mentors has a new addition. 

The Mentors Limited Edition Tempranillo 2021 is the fifth expression to be included in this outstanding collection in as many years.

Limited Edition wines were born from The Mentors cellar’s desire to showcase unique wines, made to the highest standards. They comprise exclusively of single variety expressions, giving wine lovers the opportunity to emulate the cellar’s experimental journey by sampling wines from different terroirs.

The Limited Edition Tempranillo 2021 follows earlier releases – to great acclaim - of The Mentors Carménère 2017, Petite Sirah 2018, Malbec 2019, Nebbiolo 2017. It is the second wine bottled with labelling introduced last year that highlights its super-premium status and allure.

The Tempranillo hails from a small vineyard selected for its production – only 1000 litres of this wine were made. The block is situated in the premier wine-growing region of Wellington, and has shown over time, to produce world-class quality wine.

“I’ve worked with the Limited Edition blocks for over 15 years and come to know each one intimately,” says The Mentors winemaker Izele van Blerk. “As far as the new Tempranillo is concerned, the grapes have been on an upward trajectory for some time. When the fruit emerged ahead of the 2021 vintage, I knew it had found its stride to make a blockbuster. It was the time to act.

“It just had to be included in the Limited Edition series,” she says.

The Mentors winemaker Izele van Blerk

The Mentors range was established in 2006 and without exception, rapidly became one of South Africa’s most accomplished wine ranges. Its consistent quality has come from a focus on the crafting of small batch wines in a cellar dedicated to experimentation and innovation, backed by a pioneering legacy dating to 1918 – the year KWV was founded.

As an extension of this heritage, The Mentors Tempranillo 2021 showed the first glimmers of excellence in the vineyard. KWV chief viticulturist Marco Ventrello noted that the preceding growing season influencing this wine was characterised by a cooler summer, with “particularly cooler nights”.

“This is per se a very good indicator of a quality vintage,” he declares.

Every step of the wine’s production involved separating out the best, starting immediately post-harvest with sorting of the grapes. Once vinified, the wine spent 18 months maturing slowly in 70% new barrels, with an even split between American and French oak. Another selection then saw only the best barrels identified for the final blend.

This whittling down from harvest to bottling is a mark of The Mentors, entrenched in its pursuit of getting to the best of the very best.

The Mentors Tempranillo 2021 showed the first glimmers of excellence in the vineyard

The Tempranillo 2021 has emerged a full-bodied wine, opening with a fanfare of strawberries, red cherries, raspberries and hints of tobacco on the nose. The palate reveals undertones of cloves, dried fig and leather, supported by a firm tannin backbone and zippy acidity. Its development in bottle has brought integration to the wine, which delivers an intense and satisfying finish.

“By its very nature, this wine meets our philosophy of honouring the diversity of terroir,” says Izele.

“Tempranillo is such a diverse variety and is mostly used in blends with Shiraz, but in Spain and especially Rioja, it plays an integral part in winemaking.”

In Wellington, the local expression rose to full splendour and is set to be welcomed with as much excitement as its predecessors.

The Mentors Limited Edition Tempranillo 2021 is available worldwide in selected markets, and in South Africa exclusively from the KWV Wine Emporium. It sells for R799/bottle.

For more information, visit www.kwv.co.za.

Issued by: ROUX REKLAME
Pictures: SUPPLIED 



© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA