Allesverloren:
As of this year, port-style producers may not call their products as such outside of Portugal, according to new EU regulations.
For the local market, Allesverloren has renamed its fortified wine Fine Old Cape Vintage.
The Riebeek West producer’s Danie Malan reasons: “I have always considered what we make here a unique product and could see no reason why it should have, through the name, an association with a product from another country. The name change means we are actually bringing the local name in line with the one we’ve been using in overseas markets since the late 1970s.” They have also shunned approved descriptives “Cape Ruby”, “Cape Tawny” and “Cape Vintage” as consumers look for the Allesverloren name.
Bacardi
Internationally, Bacardi is the white rum of choice for cocktails and makes a superb mixer too. Now they have released a ready-to-serve mojito that’s a mix of Bacardi, natural lime and mint flavour.
It takes the guesswork out of preparation and it’s particularly handy if you can’t source fresh limes.
Kevin Snyman, brand ambas-sador for Bacardi, explains: “The mojito is one of the most legendary cocktails from Bacardi, with a history dating back to the 1800s… Now you can add your own special touch by topping up with a splash of soda or garnishing with mint.”
The ready-made cocktail is great for taking along on a picnic and is sold in a 750ml bottle. You might want to add an extra dash of lime and plenty of crushed ice. Bacardi celebrates 150 years in the premium white rum industry this year so look out for in-store promotions and nationwide events. Retails: R99.
Journey’s End
Boutique winery Journey’s End, located on the slopes of the Schaapenberg above Sir Lowry’s, was bought in 1995 by the Gabbs as |a run-down grape farm near Somerset West in the Helderberg basin. The family are behind the Kumala success story, which became SA’s largest export brand in the 1990s. Their work has paid off – Journey’s End is a recognised estate that rakes in awards and this year it won for Top Producer, Best Wine on Show and Best White Wine on Show as well as double gold and gold medals.
Their maiden release of The Cape Doctor Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 has just become available, having already won a gold Michelangelo and being awarded four and a half stars in the 2012 Platter Guide.
Rollo Gabb from Journey’s End says: “These latest achievements also confirm the success we have had for both our white and red wines in the past, especially our chardonnay, which first came to prominence in 2004 when our maiden 2002 vintage received five stars in Platter’s South African Wines guide, the first white wine new to Platter ever to receive their highest star rating.
“Our chardonnays have enjoyed many accolades since then, and what is most noteworthy this year is that our chardonnays in all three of our wine ranges have triumphed.”
The Journey’s End chardonnay retails at about R125 and the new cabernet about R350. The estate’s wines are available in Joburg at select specialist wine shops and leading restaurants.
Rickety Bridge
Franschhoek estate Rickety Bridge has just launched its maiden vintage cap classique, a blend of 55 percent chardonnay and 45 percent pinot noir.
Winemaker Wynand Grobler says being in the MCC (méthode cap classique) capital of SA, they are pleased with their wine of origin Franschhoek bubbly.
This pale salmon pink brut rosé displays citrus notes and hints of red berries (particularly ripe strawberries) on the nose.
The cap classique has a long elegant finish.
Sparkling wine’s one of the most versatile wines and this one’s no different so enjoy it with everything from oysters and shellfish to fresh steamed crayfish, sushi and duck.
Price about R115.
The Wolftrap
Another Franschhoek winery, Boekenhoutskloof, was given both the Platter’s Estate of the Year and Superquaffer of the Year awards for its Wolftrap White 2010.
The estate is also behind the big expressive Chocolate Block red blend and accessible Porcupine Ridge labels.
The Wolftrap viognier-grenache-chenin blend is sourced from grapes from Malmesbury (viognier), Stellenbosch (chenin) and Piekenierskloof (grenache).
It’s slightly wooded and easy drinking – a great anytime wine and nothing to be shy about in company. Very pocket-friendly at just under R40.
Also look out for the syrah-mourvedre-viognier red blend. Both are exceptional wines – especially for the price.