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What’s happening, what’s hot and who has the inside track on all forms of liquor, both local and abroad.
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Four part harmony in red
Optima is one of those red blends which has always been around – and it never disappoints. The newly released 2020 is no different.
Four part harmony in red
Optima is one of those red blends which has always been around – and it never disappoints. The newly released 2020 is no different.
Part of the impressive lineup of premium wines in the Anthonij Rupert Wyne portfolio, Optima is a blend of cabernets sauvignon and franc, merlot and a dash of petit verdot – so a Bordeaux-style blend.
Winemaker Vernon van der Hoven has tweaked the blend slightly over the past few years but has always done so in the interests of making the best wine possible. In 2018 cabernet sauvignon took over as the lead component from cabernet franc for the first time, and with the 2020 vintage merlot (34%) formed the largest portion with the other two parts being 32% and 30% respectively with just 4% of petit verdot.
The 2020 vintage was a good one after the extreme drought years which preceded it. Van der Hoven said the wine showed complexity with upfront aromas of dark red fruits, cedar, cocoa and a suggestion of dried lavender. “This carries through to a beautifully soft, rounded, and silky palate that shows cohesion and refinement with impressive density and concentration without being overwhelming."
Smooth as satin
Simonsig is South Africa’s sparkling wine pioneer, having produced the first ever bottle fermented sparkling wine, Kaapse Vonkel, in 1971.
Smooth as satin
Simonsig is South Africa’s sparkling wine pioneer, having produced the first ever bottle fermented sparkling wine, Kaapse Vonkel, in 1971.
Never one to rest on their laurels, the team at the Stellenbosch winery has just come up with a new bubbly: Kaapse Vonkel Satin Royale. They describe it as “the very essence of celebration, vivacity and luxury”.
The first ever production run of this wine has been limited to just 1 500 bottles, so fans of Simonsig’s bubblies had better be quick off the mark to get their hands on it! The wine manages to combine the popularity of the semi-dry Satin Nectar with the prestige bottling of Simonsig Cuvée Royale.
Third generation winemaker Michael Malan said he was delighted by the new bubbly.
“Following the success of our Satin Nectar wines, Satin Royale takes it a step further, offering something truly exceptional. We celebrate the fusion of innovation and heritage that is the very definition of the world of Cap Classique, a heritage we are proud to uphold at Simonsig,” he said.
The person responsible for the new wine was Danna de Jongh, the specialist white wine and Cap Classique maker on the team.
“Satin Royale is a refined indulgence, specially made for those who appreciate life's sweeter moments,” she says. “Classified as a vin sec, it strikes a harmonious balance between sweetness and sophistication.”
De Jongh said the wine slotted in between the dry Kaapse Vonkel Brut and the lusciously sweet Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar. “It’s also a step up from the core Kaapse Vonkel range as it undergoes extended lees ageing in the bottle for at least 36 months, which helps build complexity and depth.”
Fashion and food combine
Massimo Bottura is one of Italy’s most recognised chefs. Together with childhood friend and now Gucci CEO, Marco Bizzarri, he has opened Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura Collection restaurants in four key markets: Florence, Beverly Hills, Seoul and Tokyo.
Fashion and food combine
Massimo Bottura is one of Italy’s most recognised chefs. Together with childhood friend and now Gucci CEO, Marco Bizzarri, he has opened Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura Collection restaurants in four key markets: Florence, Beverly Hills, Seoul and Tokyo.
South African Krone wines is delighted that two of its sparkling wines are on its list: the Krone Amphora Blanc de Blancs and Krone Rosé Cuvée Brut.
Predictably overjoyed at the coup of being included in such an elite list, Abigail Rands, Krone’s marketing director, is raising a toast to this tremendous feat. “Having not one but two of our vintages on the menu of such a world-renowned establishment is cause for celebration,” she said. “We’re beyond thrilled that such an influential global tastemaker has recognised what we’re trying to do here at Krone, which is to create Cap Classiques of distinction.”
Bottura’s first restaurant, Osteria Francescana, which served its first table of diners in the historic centre of Modena, Italy, in 1995, is considered the best of the best, holding three Michelin stars and twice having ranked first on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list, in 2016 and 2018. Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura is just as highly regarded, with its Florence, Beverly Hills and Tokyo outlets each boasting a single Michelin star.
To represent South Africa at the highest level of the global culinary industry is a triumph for both the Krone brand and the country’s wine industry as a whole.
Shaking it up
There are crucial ingredients that no cocktail bar could be without. A variety of different types of alcohol, glasses, shakers, muddlers, stirrers, strainers and ice are among them. Mixers are also non-negotiable.
Shaking it up
There are crucial ingredients that no cocktail bar could be without. A variety of different types of alcohol, glasses, shakers, muddlers, stirrers, strainers and ice are among them. Mixers are also non-negotiable.
Mixers covers everything from soda water and tonic to fruit juices – and it’s in the latter that the Sir Fruit team have created an innovative range. They have designed a range of quality cocktail mixers especially for restaurants and busy bars under the Luckybird range.
“When the pressure is on to get the drinks out, who has time to press limes and chop mint?” was the question they asked themselves. The answer they came up with was Quixology!
“Quixology blends art with science, allowing bartenders to make delicious, premium cocktails at speed,” the media release stated. “It’ll feel like a handmade cocktail, it’ll taste like a handmade cocktail, but it’ll get into your customer's hands a whole lot faster.”
Flavour variants include: mojito, strawberry daiquiri, margarita, cosmopolitan and paloma – with each bottle containing 15 serves. The Quixology equation is super simple: 2x2x2. All you need to do is add two shots of the Luckybird mix, two shots of water, and two shots of the preferred alcoholic spirit and – before you can say ‘hang on, that sounds too easy’ – it’s done.
Smell and sip the roses
Robertson is known as the valley of wine and roses – so Robertson Winery decided to celebrate that in the new packaging on its RW Sparkling wines range. Each wine in the range proudly showcases a rose found in the Robertson valley.
Smell and sip the roses
Robertson is known as the valley of wine and roses – so Robertson Winery decided to celebrate that in the new packaging on its RW Sparkling wines range.
Each wine in the range proudly showcases a rose found in the Robertson valley.
Marketing manager Ankia Niemann says the roses are a much-loved feature of the valley. “What sets this range apart is its remarkable diversity, offering sweet to dry sparkling wine as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic.”
This has allowed the team to craft an entire bouquet of roses which adds vibrancy, beauty and life to any wine shelf.
Niemann said artist Riaan Marais and AdamsRib Design Studio collaborated on the project to capture selected varieties of roses found in the Robertson valley. The sparkling range features the Icebery and Simplicity roses.
“Robertson Winery's sparkling range is a delightful reason to stop, smell the roses and celebrate every occasion,” was Niemann’s advice.
Gin goes coastal
December 16 is when the Wild Coast either becomes a little more rowdy – or it chills out with a civilized gin and tonic. That’s when the Wild Coast Sun Gin festival will be held at the popular coastal resort near Port Edward.
Gin goes coastal
December 16 is when the Wild Coast either becomes a little more rowdy – or it chills out with a civilized gin and tonic.
That’s when the Wild Coast Sun Gin festival will be held at the popular coastal resort near Port Edward.
The gin festival is the final instalment of the 10-city tour which saw the SA Gin Society and Schweppes delight audiences across South Africa during the course of the year.
Guests, who must all be over 18, can expect a wide variety of locally-produced gin products, delicious food and live music performances to jive to.
The headline act is SAMA award winner, Holly Rey, whose energetic performance is guaranteed to get festival goers on their feet. Supporting her will be the ever-popular Russel Zuma as well as local favourite, DJ 101.
Tickets are R220 a head and include a complimentary gin cocktail and are obtainable by booking through Howler . The event starts at noon and ends at 10pm. Should anyone need more information they can email info@saginsociety.co.za or call 031 006 5065.
Porcupine Ridge celebrates winners
Whether individual preference is for a crispy base or a softer, deeper doughy base, pizza is always a winner.
Porcupine Ridge celebrates winners
Whether individual preference is for a crispy base or a softer, deeper doughy base, pizza is always a winner.
Bragging rights in the annual Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge has reverted to Johannesburg restaurant Gino’s in Robertsham, the inaugural winner of the Challenge. Ferdinando’s of Cape Town’s Observatory which took top honours in 2022 was placed fourth.
Porcupine Ridge Wines sales and marketing manager Lynton Kaiser said the brand was delighted that the South African pizza-loving public voted in droves for their favourite establishments.
“Everyone has their favourite pizza spot and this competition gives patrons the chance to make their support known … hopefully with a glass of Porcupine Ridge wine in hand!”
“Congratulations to all the pizzerias who made it into the Top 10 and a huge thank you to all this year’s participants for signing up for the challenge – and for making and serving such delicious pizzas. Our thanks too to all those who supported their favourite eateries and took the time to vote.”
The Top 10 in this year’s Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge are: Gino’s (Robertsham, Johannesburg) with Osteria Rossa (Bedfordview, Johannesburg) second place, Gino’s (Stellenbosch) in third and Ferdinando’s Pizza (Observatory, Cape Town) fourth. Taking fifth spot was new entrant Mooiuitsig Kombuis (Groot Brakrivier). Sixth place went to Piccola Rossa (Edenvale, Johannesburg) and Corlies Italian (Somerset West) was seventh, followed by Julia’s Eatalian (Potchefstroom), Lucio’s Pizzeria (Northcliff, Johannesburg) and KwaZulu-Natal’s sole winner, Enzo Pizzeria Trattoria of Scottburgh.
For their win, Gino’s received a winner’s pizza paddle, Porcupine Ridge wine for a year and R25 000 worth of marketing materials, while the nine runners-up were given a bespoke Top 10 pizza paddle, six cases of Porcupine Ridge wine and marketing materials.
Five Stars for 2024
It’s written in the stars – and the numbers. The 2024 Diners Club Platter’s South African Wine Guide has just released its 44th annual edition, featuring more than 900 producers of wine, brandy, husk spirit and sherry-style wines, and containing ratings for over 8 000 individual products!
Platter's editor Philip van Zyl holding the 2024 Platter's SA Wine Guide
Five Stars for 2024
It’s written in the stars – and the numbers. The 2024 Diners Club Platter’s South African Wine Guide has just released its 44th annual edition, featuring more than 900 producers of wine, brandy, husk spirit and sherry-style wines, and containing ratings for over 8 000 individual products!
At an event held at Mullineux Wines in the Swartland, Guide editor Philip van Zyl announced the 31 individual category winners, those wines considered the best of their type, from cabernet sauvignon, merlot, shiraz to chardonnay, chenin blanc and more. Overall Winery of the Year with the most 5 Star ratings in total with seven wines was Sadie Family Wines, an honour it has won three times previously. Wellington producer Bosman Family Vineyards was recognised with the Editor’s Award for its achievements in wine making as well as its social empowerment, environmental and broader industry contributions. Makings its debut in the Platter Guide, Edouard Labeye was surprised by the Newcomer Winery of the Year for achieving the highest scores of the 31 new entrants to the book.
There were 226 wines and brandies which were awarded the coveted 5 Star ratings after a stringent tasting and assessment process, with a further 424 wines rated 4.5 Stars – “extremely fine and collectible in their own right, earning a rating of 94 on the 100 point scale” as the media release stated. Furthermore there were 192 reds and whites singled out as worthy of special attention under the “buy now, drink later” list with another 104 highlighted as “hidden gems”, wines that the tasting team believed were special enough to warrant a mention for being interesting, unique or attractive.
Finally, the Guide includes a list of 53 Superquaffers, wines that are “exceptionally well-priced and drinkable”.
Platter's 2024 Editor's Award Winery of the Year - Bosman Family Vineyards - left to right - Philip van Zyl and Corlea Fourie
Platter's 2024 Newcomer Winery of the Year Award - Edouard Labeye - left to right - Helanie Olivier, Philip van Zyl and Heather Whitman
Platter's 2024 Top Performing Winery of the Year Award - Sadie Family Wines - left to right - Eben Sadie and Philip van Zyl