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Lianda Beyers-Cronje, world traveller,
passionate wine lover
and wine columnist on Nosy Rosy.
Parlez-vous Vino?
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Overberg wines continue to soar
Don’t you love it that we are living in what is fast becoming one of
the most significant wine areas in the country?
Recent press releases that landed on my desk just underline the fact
that some of our Overberg wines are rated among the world’s best.
At the 2009 Santam Classic Wine Trophy Awards at the beginning of
March, the Platter 4½ star 2008 Southern Right Sauvignon blanc
won the only gold medal awarded to a Sauvignon blanc. Only five gold
medals were awarded to white wines.
The Classic Wine Trophy focus on wines with classic styling and the
potential to age – attributes that are being taken seriously by
Hamilton Russell Vineyards, producers of Southern Right. The judges
in this competition are all wine professionals from France.
This accolade follows on from the success of the 2007 Southern Right
Sauvignon blanc, which was selected as best South African Sauvignon
blanc in the Wall Street Journal, achieved two scores of 90/100 and
was rated as one of the top wine values of 2008 in the Wine
Spectator.
The Southern Right 2008 Sauvignon blanc was made in the Hemel-en-Aarde
Valley Ward from Hemel-en-Aarde valley grown grapes as well as
grapes grown in other parts of the Walker Bay District. It is
currently on tight allocation awaiting the release of the 2009 in
July.
Currently 410 bottles of the 2004 Southern Right Sauvignon blanc (10th
anniversary vintage of this delectable wine) are ageing under
approximately 9 meters of cold seawater in the walker Bay for
release when they are ten years old. The control bottles which are
ageing in the Southern Right cellar are tasting beautiful at 5 years
old.
Still talking white wine, the Ataraxia Chardonnay 2008 seems
set to continue to build on Ataraxia’s growing reputation of
producing some of the finest Chardonnays in South Africa.
Kevin Grant with a
bottle of the Ataraxia Chardonnay 2007 - Tri-Nations Competition
2008 Chardonnay Trophy winner and Platter Wine Guide 2009 Five Star
wine.
Following up on the Ataraxia Chardonnay 2007 (Tri-Nations
Competition 2008 Chardonnay Trophy winner and Platter wine guide
2009 five star wine) was never going to be easy.
After capturing one of the five Santam Classic Wine Trophy
Competition gold medals on offer for white wines, wine maker Kevin
Grant is convinced that the 2008 Chardonnay has all the potential of
its predecessor.
Wines of Hermanus and Overberg Region Wine
Festival
One can hardly believe that it is Easter holiday time already and as
always there are heaps to do and see for holidaymakers at our
shores.
Don’t miss the sixth Wines of Hermanus and Overberg Region Wine
Festival that is once again taking place at the
Hermanuspietersfontein wine cellar on Saturday 4 April. With 20
cellars participating wine lovers can taste more than 100 wines
being produced from Elgin to Elim.
Whilst celebrating a comparatively young wine region, this Festival
also commemorates 350 years of winemaking in South Africa.
Winemakers here build on this proud tradition in an area, which,
given its cool climate, is being recognised as South Africa’s
premium wine-growing region. Not only do the country’s most famous
Chardonnays and Pinot noirs come from the area, it has also received
the Terroir Award for best Cabernet franc growing conditions.
Since the launch of the first Wines of Hermanus and Overberg wine
festival, these festivals have been growing in popularity as it
offer holiday-makers and tourists the opportunity to taste of the
best the region has to offer in the comfort of one destination.
One of the great features of the Festival is that parents do not
have to worry about children as they are entertained with free
movies, hot dogs and sugar-free juice in a totally safe environment.
This gives serious wine lovers the opportunity to chill, meet new
friends, taste wine and enjoy a casual dinner from a wine and food
paired menu.
Throughout the evening, lucky draws will allow tasters to take home
wine prizes from participating cellars. Live music by popular Reini
Adelbert just adds to the festive atmosphere!
Among the participating cellars are Benguela Cove, Boschrivier,
Catherine Marshall Wines, Feiteras, Hermanuspietersfontein,
Highlands Road Wines, Hornbill, Keisieskraal, Land’s End, Lismore,
Oak Valley, Pearly Gates, Quoin Rock, Raka, Strandveld Vineyards,
Wildekrans, William Everson and Witklip.
Come around 17:00 and stay until 21:00. Admission is R50 per adult
tasting and includes the tasting glass. Wine can be purchased at the
Festival at cellar door prices. Call Anuta for further enquiries at
083 388 8239. |
