Tariro Masayiti
I recently sampled a range of his wines including the 2010 FIFA World Cup Sauvignon Blanc 2009 and found all of them to be of exceptional high quality.
This is an inspirational story that can motivate all of us.
Well done Tariro!
Read the article here.
![[Muti]](http://www.muti.co.za/static/muti.png){kind=small}
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
Tags: 2010 FIFA World Cup, British Independant, Nederburg, sauvignon blanc, Tariro Masayiti
La Capra wines
That evening we paired our La Capra Shiraz with barbecued ostrich sausage and sirloin steak with delicious results.
Having a chance to review the entire range of La Capra wines at the public launch was a huge bonus which I grabbed with both hands. This gypsy carnival was staged complete with oompah band, gypsy caravan and beautiful fortune teller in the form of Bridget Back, daughter of the renowned wine maker Charles Back, owner of Fairview estate.
Bridget lured us into her caravan with the promise of delightful potions and disappointed we were not.
The Chenin Blanc 2009 is perky and delicious, as are the Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Rose 2009 from Pinotage, and the Chardonnay 2009. A real treat for consumers who want to be more adventurous is that the range includes a Viognier 2009.
My favourite amongst the red wines is the Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 which is amazingly smooth with almost imperceptible oak. This can happily be drunk as an aperitif for those of us who simply can’t get enough red wine. To my mind, the Pinotage 2009, Merlot 2009 and Shiraz 2009 will compliment food really well. Also in the range is Malbec 2009 another more unusual variety wine which I will be scouring the supermarket shelves for.
All of these wines are accessible and perfect for drinking straight away.
Sipping to the sound of the Oompah Band
“What about the name?” I asked the gypsy princess. My Italian being somewhat rusty I had missed the word capra meaning goat, referring of course to the Fairview goat herd from which the very first goat’s milk cheese was produced in South Africa. La rhymes with Ra the Egyptian sun god and Capra also points to the Cape Cap, suggesting a Cape to Cairo connection.
These wines are available at Fairview Estate for the unbelievable price of R200.00 per mixed 6 bottle case. Alternately they can be bought at Pick and Pay supermarkets in the Western Cape for between R35 and R42 per bottle.
Tags: Bridget Back, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, cheese, chenin blanc, Cyril Back, Fairview Estate, goats, La Capra, Malbec, merlot, Paarl, Pick and Pay, Pinotage, Rose, sauvignon blanc, shiraz, South Africa, Viognier, wine
Ilka Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
The Decanter World Wine Awards is the world’s biggest wine competition and it is thrilling to see Cape Town wines holding their own against fierce competition from traditional old world wine producers and emerging countries alike.
Alluvia’s ilka Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 brought home a prestigious medal for the second year in a row. Named after co-owner Delarey Brugman’s twin daughters, Ilse and Karla, this wine scored 18.4/20 – very good to excellent. Andrew Harris, Alluvia’s Wine Business Manager, comments:
All of us at Alluvia are very proud of this achievement. The ilka Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 is an award winning wine with its richness of flavours and velvety elegance. Smart wine buyers and top restaurants will be pleased to know there are still a few cases available before we move on to the next vintage!
Hard to obtain, you may have to take a First or Business Class flight on China Eastern Airlines to sample this winning cab.
Sandy Straw Wine 2009, paying homage to Delarey’s wife, and Ilke Sauvignon Blanc 2009 were commended by the judges.
In total, 9 South African wineries were awarded Regional Trophies and 13 achieved Gold Medals.
For all of the results visit Decanter , select See results here, then Search by location – South Africa.
Tags: Alluvia, cabernet sauvignon, Cape Town, Decanter World Wine Awards, Delarey Brugman, sauvignon blanc, South Africa, Stellenbosch, wine
Nederburg and FIFA have signed an agreement entitling the famous Paarl winery to make and market a range of South African wines for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Cellarmaster Razvan Macici has developed a special edition collection of three South Africa wines for the tournament which are sold locally and internationally. The three limited-edition wines are a Cabernet Sauvignon, a dry rose and a Sauvignon Blanc.
Capitalising on the pre-tournament excitement, the wines have been released worldwide, according to Nederburg marketing manager Rudolph Du Toit. “We have prioritised those markets where there is a strong interest in football but it is possible that distribution could be extended to meet demand.”
The wines are now locally available from selected stockists nationally, as well as from Nederburg itself.
Sold in bottles made from partially recycled glass, they are being marketed until December 2010 and span the 2007 to 2010 vintages. The white and rose are sold under screwcap.
The three wines were selected for their broad appeal, says Macici, but are being made in smaller quantities than the winery’s popular Winemaster’s Reserve Range, as grapes have been sourced from very specific vineyards for this purpose.
“The three wines bearing the 2010 FIFA World Cup emblem carry Nederburg’s hallmark blend of fruit intensity and finesse. They are intense but graceful and are clearly South African in that they have a very clear expression of fruit, but restrained classical styling, making them fresh, approachable and food-friendly. Given our association with such an important sporting initiative, we want them to serve as ambassadors for South African excellence.”
Each of the 2010 FIFA World Cup wines will feature a special facility on the back label that will enable consumers to instantly access information on Nederburg by clicking on an unique QR code with their cellphone cameras. The information will then appear on their cellphone screens.
Tags: 2010 FIFA World Cup, cabernet sauvignon, Cape Town, Nederburg, Paarl, Razvan Macici, Rudolph Du Toit, sauvignon blanc, screwcap, South Africa, wine
La Capra presented by Fairview
We decided to try the La Capra Shiraz 2008 and very easily laid the bottle waste. There is are spice flavours galore on the palate like white pepper, clove and nutmeg, and the fruity yet dry flavours remind of eating pomegranates when I was a child. We think this wine goes very well with itself but it was also great with our sirloin and ostrich sausage braai. It’s beautifully balanced and sits on the palate forever after swallowing.
If I wanted to introduce a first time drinker to a Shiraz varietal wine, La Capra Shiraz is what I would reach for.
The quirky label reminds us that Fairview is home to goat herds and produces award winning cheeses.
These wines are available at the unbelievable price of R200.00 ($28.50) per mixed case from the farm.
La Capra Shiraz
Tags: cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, cheese, chenin blanc, Fairview, goat, La Capra, merlot, Pinotage, sauvignon blanc, Viognier, wine
Zorgvliet Silver Myn Merlot Cabernet Franc 2006
Quaffing this wine as we watched the clouds change colour over the Constantiaberg Mountains we were immediately impressed with the smooth elegance and balance. For me the main flavours were a little spice, sour cherry and mulberry. It is hard to believe that this is a second tier wine of this premium Cape Town producer.
Named Silver Myn because of historical mining that took place in the Banghoek area of Stellenbosch, Zorgvliet aims with this range to pair usual cultivars with unusual ones in high quality blends. Sauvignon Blanc with Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon with Malbec are two more examples.
At R49.60 ($7) a bottle, this is astonishing good value for money.
Tags: Banghoek, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, Cape Town, Constantiaberg, Malbec, merlot, sauvignon blanc, Viognier, wine, Zorvliet
Beating the Australians hands down, South Africa came sixth overall after Chili, earning 80 medals. The winning country was France, followed by Spain, Italy, Portugal and Chili. 7,000 Wines and spirits were judged.
Here are South Africas winners -
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
Engelbrecht Els 2007
Spier Private Collection Chenin Blanc 2008
Almenkerk Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Backsberg Pumphouse Shiraz 2007
Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2009
Boschendal Sauvignon Blanc Grand Cuvee 2009
Douglas Green Chenin Blanc 2009
Drostdy-Hof Chardonnay 2009
Ernie Els 2006
Douglas Green Chardonnay 2009
Drostdy-Hof Chardonnay 2009
Fairhills Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot 2009
Fairview Primo Pinotage 2008
Grande Provence Chardonnay 2008
Grande Provence Shiraz 2007
Guardian Peak Lapa Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Hartenberg Chardonnay 2008
Kaapzicht Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Kaapzicht Steytler Pinotage 2007
KWV 10 Year Old Potstill Brandy
KWV 20 Year Old Potstill Brandy
La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Linton Park Proprietor’s Reserve Shiraz 2007
Mont Rochelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Oude Meester Demant
Ridgeback Journey 2005
Riebeek Cellars Reserve Chenin Blanc 2009
Riebeek Cellars Reserve Shiraz 2007
Rust en Vrede Shiraz 2007
Saronsberg Shiraz 2007
Spice Route Chakalaka 2008
Spice Route Flagship Syrah 2007
Stormhoek Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Leopard Frog Vineyards Tantra 2005
KWV The Mentors Canvas 2008
KWV The Mentors Orchestra 2008
KWV The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009
Distell Three Ships Aged 5 Years
Distell Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish
Distell Three Ships Select
Van Ryn’s 15 Year Old Fine Cask Reserve
Van Ryn’s 20 Year Old Collectors Reserve
Villiera Traditional Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2009
Fairview Shiraz 2008
Hartenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009
La Motte Chardonnay 2008
Lourensford Winemaker’s Selection Chardonnay 2009
Naledi Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Nederburg Viognier Chardonnay 2009
Remhoogte Estate Wine 2006
Ridgeback Shiraz 2007
Rust en Vrede 1694
Rust en Vrede Single Vineyard Syrah 2007
Saronsberg Chardonnay 2008
Saronsberg Provenance Shiraz 2007
Spice Route Malabar 2006
Spier Creative Block 2009
Spier Private Collection Chardonnay 2008
Spier Private Collection Pinotage 2007
Spier Private Collection Syrah 2007
Stormhoek Pinotage 2009
KWV The Mentors Petit Verdot 2008
KWV The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Read more of South African wines shine at Concours Mondial 2010
Tags: Almenkerk, Backsberg, Boschendal, Brandy, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, chenin blanc, Chili, Concours Mondial 2010, Distell, Douglas Green, Drostdy-Hof, Engelebrecht Els, Fairhill, Fairview, France, Grande Provence, Hartenberg, Italy, Kaapzicht, KWV, La Motte, Leopard Frog Vineyards, Linton Park, Mont Rochelle, Oude Meester, petit verdot, Pinotage, Portugal, Ridgeback, Riebeek Cellars, Rust en Vrede, Saronsberg, sauvignon blanc, shiraz, South Africa, Spain, Spice Route, Spier, Stormhoek, Syrah, Viognier, World Cup
Western Leopard Toad visiting our garden
Seriously though, Splattered Toad Sauvignon blanc 2009 from Cape Point Vineyards is a favourite quay-side, refreshing aperitif. There are notes of asparagus, lemon and yellow apple and the palate is austere yet approachable with a long, finish of lime.
Named for the beautiful Western Leopard Toad which is endemic to South Africa but threatened by loss of habitat and urban encroachment, they are regular visitors to our garden. Cape Point Vineyards is donating R1.00 for every bottle of Splattered Toad sold to the Cape Point Vineyards sustainability fund to help protect these amphibians.
Tags: amphibians, Cape Point Vineyards, sauvignon blanc, Splattered Toad, Western Leopard Toad
Under the heading “17 Impressive White Wines”, James Molesworth, the senior editor and South African wine expert of Wine Spectator magazine, raves about the consistency, diversity and value delivered by Cape Town Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Chenin blanc based wines. Eben Sadie’s delicious chenin-driven blend Palladuis is one of the applauded wines and his comments are,
Local Chenin blancs are finally coming into their own and it is definitely encouraging to see so many Chenins and Chenin-driven blends making a top listing such as this one in Wine Spectator. I think wine lovers are becoming more adventurous by trying lesser known varietals and eventually enjoying the complexity of flavours offered by a great Chenin blanc.
The wines are here listed together with the wine district or ward where they are produced.
SADIE FAMILY Palladius Swartland 2008
Wine Spectator
KEN FORRESTER Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch The FMC 2008
BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Chardonnay Overberg Crocodile’s Lair 2008
DE MORGENZON Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2008
BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Chardonnay Walker Bay Sans Barrique 2008
BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Chardonnay Walker Bay Missionvale 2008
HARTENBERG The Eleanor Stellenbosch 2006 •
HARTENBERG Chardonnay Stellenbosch 2007
RAATS FAMILY Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2008
BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Sauvignon Blanc Walker Bay Reserve 2009
KEN FORRESTER Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2009
BACKSBERG Chardonnay Western Cape 2007
BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Sauvignon Blanc Walker Bay 2009
MAN VINTNERS Chardonnay Coastal Region 2009
BACKSBERG Chenin Blanc Western Cape 2009
BACKSBERG Sauvignon Blanc Western Cape 2009
KEN FORRESTER Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 2009
Tags: Backsberg, Bouchard Finlayson, Cape Town, chardonnay, chenin blanc, De Morgenzon, Eben Sadie, Hartonberg, James Molesworth, Ken Forrester, MAN Vintners, Palladuis, Raats Family, sauvignon blanc, South Africa, The Eleanor 2006, The FMC 2008, wine, Wine Spectator, Wlaker Bay Sans Barrique 2008
South African high end retailer can barely do a thing wrong with Alan Mullins heading up the company’s wine division. The Longmarket range continues to delight with quality wines at everyday prices like the Wet Rocks Sauvignon Blanc 2009 selling for only R34.95 ($4.5).
Wet Rocks Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Notes of granadilla, peach and pineapple tantalize and on the palate, the perky lime refreshes.
For sultry, summer Cape Town nights this is a lovely thirst quencher.
Tags: Alan Mullins, Cape Town, sauvignon blanc, Woolworths
One of the first South African wine festivals to feature sauvignon blanc of the Constantia Valley, regional and international producers, will celebrate the distinctive freshness of the “wild white” grape and it’s compatibility with food. The festival features four palate stimulating events which are supported by the participating producers – Constantia Uitsig, Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, Steenberg Vineyards, Eagles Nest, Buitenverwachting and Constantia Glen. The program consists of:
Constantia Fresh 2010
INTERNATIONAL SAUVIGNON BLANC TASTING Date: Friday 26th February 2010
Time: 14h00 – 19h00
Cost: R1,500 per person
Venue: Buitenverwachting old cellar
Taste over 40 local and international wines from some of the best producers in the world, including wines from the Loire Valley in France and Marlborough in New Zealand. The tasting will be conducted by representatives from the regions and hosted by Master of Wine, Cathy van Zyl.
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Date: 26th February 2010
Time: 19h30
Cost: R1,500 per person
Venue: La Colombe Restaurant, Constantia Uitsig
Experience matured sauvignon blanc and classic red wines from Constantia Valley and the Loire Valley, matched perfectly with dishes from award-winning chef, Luke Dale-Roberts.
INTERNATIONAL FRESHNESS IN RED WINES TASTING
Date: Saturday 27th February 2010
Time: 11h00 – 13h30
Cost: R700 per person
Venue: Groot Constantia Production Cellar
This international tasting has the objective of exploring and showcasing the freshness found in red wines, including wines from the Constantia Valley, France and Australia.
SAUVIGNON BLANC AND FOOD PAIRING EXHIBITION
Date: Saturday 27th February 2010
Time: 15h00 – 20h00
Cost: R400 per person
Venue: Lawns of Buitenverwachting Wine Estate
30 Local and regional sauvignon blanc producers will showcase their wines alongside canapes from the top chefs of the Cape. The walk around tasting will be followed by a picnic with live entertainment rounding off the event. Expect to find producers’ wines from all of the main sauvignon blanc districts in South Africa – taste, sample and compare.
Tickets for the event can be obtained from the tasting room at Steenberg Vineyards or from Lida Van Heerden.
Tel: (27) 21 7132211
Email: lida@steenberg.co.za
Tags: Buitenverwachting, Constantia Fresh, Constantia Valley, Groot Constantia, La Colombe Restaurant, Loire, Marborough, sauvignon blanc, Steenberg Vineyards
In the long, dry days of Cape Town summer, a well chilled, crispy white wine is to me the perfect drink.
Groote Post Vineyards sauvignon blanc 2008
Sauvignon blanc can never be a great South African variety except for when it is blended with semillon, Bordeaux style. Local varietal wines vary from ripe fruit, easy drinking wines to more austere, flinty styles with green apple and lime on the palate, often made from grapes at high altitude and close to maritime winds.
Groote Post sauvignon blanc falls into the latter category. It’s well balanced and great as an aperitif because of the palate cleansing lime flavour. Selling from the farm at around R62.00 which is rather more than we would spend on an everyday wine, it is well worth the splurge.
Tags: Bordeaux, Cape Town, Groote Post, sauvignon blanc, South Africa, wine
Whats what? No, I don’t mean “Hows it going”, I mean what is What?
Ok I’ll tell you – What? is a Woolworths varietal wine brand and we tried the sauvignon blanc. The label on the back of the bottle clears up some of the mystery by informing us that this sauvignon blanc is in fact a wine produced by Bergsig Estate.
What? sauvignon blanc
We paired it with pan-fried angel fish and a splash of lemon with baby potatoes and steamed vegetables on the side. Couldn’t imagine another matching wine for the menu with it’s crispy, grass and gooseberry notes on the nose and juicy pineapple, green pepper and lime on the palate.
Pretty typical, we think of a well crafted sauvignon blanc.
Tags: Bergsig, sauvignon blanc
Constantia Valley Golden Oldies tasting was presented by Karl Lambour, winemaker at Constantia Glen since November 2006 and producer of a top notch Sauvignon Blanc with a Bordeaux style blend waiting in the wings. Dominique Hebrard of Chateaux Cheval Blanc is the winery advisor.
Constantia Valley white wines have fantastic ageing potential and Karl mentioned as an example, a Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc being rated 5 stars in Wine Magazine 18 years after release!
The wines tasted are listed below with brief notes gathered from the comments of the wine aficionados at our table.
Steenberg Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 1996
Not a reserve wine, it presents an aromatic, floral, fragrant bouquet. On the palate there is a crisp acidity and a finish that goes on forever.
Constantia Uitsig Semillon Reserve 2003
Two different bottles were poured at our table, one screwcap and the other closed with cork. An interesting comparison revealed that the wine with a cork had aged prematurely but the wine in the screwcap bottle kept a clean freshness. The nose was forthcoming with woody cigar box notes.
Constantia Uitsig Blend 2003 – Semillon/Sauvignon
A typical Bordeaux style blend but with less oak treatment. The nose is fairly shy. A balanced wine with good aftertaste, very drinkable and a favourite at our table.
Klein Constantia Rhine Riesling 1994
This king of white grapes presented with concentrated diesel notes at first, typical of Rhine Riesling grown in a warmer environment. On the palate it is smooth, sweetish becoming dryer but retaining its fruitiness. It can easily go on for another six years.
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 1992
A magnificent descendant of “Constantia” which was revered by dignitaries and aristocracy in the 18th century. Beautifully balanced and complex it is able to last a hundred years under the right conditions …… but then who wants to keep it?
Steenberg Nebbiolo 1999
The wine has a pale pinot noir like appearance with lovely cherry notes. It bursts onto the palate but with tannins which are subtle and silky and linger for ages.
Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve 2001
This is big, spicy, food wine produced from 18 – 20 year old vines. Its beautifully integrated with soft tannins and a old aftertaste.
Steenberg Vineyards Catharina 2001
A favourite amongst the red wines tasted. It is fresh and smooth showing the Steenberg eucalyptus characteristic.
Karl’s harvest 2009 prediction is that because there was very little rain during harvest, we can expect outstanding whites and reds which are beyond reproach. This vintage is producing wines to buy and keep.
Tags: Chateauz Cheval Blanc, Constantia Glen, Constantia Uitsig Semillon Reserve 2003, Constantia Valley, Dominique Hebrard, Klein Constantia, Klein Constantia Rhine Riesling 1994, sauvignon blanc, Steenberg Vineyards
