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Bon Courage Estate Family Reserve White 2008

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This is a gloriously fresh white from Bon Courage, one of the finest estates in Robertson. It’s made purely from Colombard, a variety that is still used in Cognac and Armagnac but is better-known worldwide today for its crisp, dry whites.

South Africa has long been a Colombard specialist – it was the country’s second most important grape until the late 1990s. The Bon Courage Estate was founded in 1927 by Willie Bruwer, who bought the beautiful 19th century Cape Dutch homestead at auction from the Dutch Reform Church; they were running it as a pig farm at the time. His son Andre took the helm in 1965 and started winning many awards (he can still be found on his tractor in the vineyard).

Andre’s son Jacques is now in charge of running the estate and he too can boast many accolades since his first vintage, when he precociously managed to sweep the board at the South African Young Wine Show. Most recently he was awarded the General Smuts Trophy as overall winner of the South African National Wine Show. This is the most prized trophy on the South African competition circuit.

Jacques is very modern in his approach and shows great attention to detail. The grapes reserved for this wine were taken from mature, 20-year-old vines, which adds to the concentration.

Colour – Pale straw with youthful greenish glints.
Aroma – Leafy, gooseberry and lemon hints.
Taste – Very fresh and lively grassy, lemony and gooseberry,character. Elegant with nice intensity.

Serving suggestions
Pale gold with a fresh, crisp aroma of gooseberries and lemon grass. Enjoy this delicious white on its own, with prawn stir-fry or grilled goat’s cheese and rocket salad.

Type:Still White Wine Country:South Africa Appellation:Robertson WO
Grape Type:Colombard Drink Before:End of July 2010 Style:Dry
Alcohol:12% Bottle Size:75cl Bottle Bottle Code:27004
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Bergsig Sauvignon Blanc

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”One grape variety that has really found its feet in recent years is Sauvignon Blanc” writes Will Lyons of The Scotsman, especially from the 2008 vintage which ”will be remembered as a low-sugar year with premium quality fruit and lower yields than ususal … it’s the Sauvignon Blanc that really excites” he adds.

This fine example of Sauvignon Blanc, is the work of the well-established Bergsig estate. This medal-winning winery has been in the same family for the last 150 years. Today, sixth-generation De Wet Lategan, who has been honoured with South Africa’s prestigious ‘Young Winemaker of the Year’ award, is at its helm. The estate lies in the beautiful Breede River Valley in Worcester, with the Du Toitskloof mountains dominating the views and forming a spectacular backdrop to the vineyards, over which flocks of white egrets and ibis fly.

This area is ideal for growing vines which benefit from a dry, warm microclimate with cooling coastal breezes, ensuring the grapes achieve maximum ripeness and richness. De Wet has used pure Sauvignon Blanc, cool fermented in stainless steel to produce a crisp white with plenty of zip and ripe, zesty-fresh fruit.

Colour – Pale lemon with youthful greenish glints.
Aroma – Vibrant lemon, lime, white flower and freshly-cut grass aromas .
Taste – Citrus-fresh and zingy with an underlying herbaceous character.

Serving suggestions
 This refreshing wine will be delicious with a large plate of seafood, crab and chilli pasta, a fennel and orange salad or a lightly creamy carrot and coriander soup.

Type:Still White Wine Country:South Africa Appellation:Breede River Valley WO
Grape Type:Sauvignon Blanc Drink Before:End of 2009 Style:Dry
Alcohol:12% Bottle Size:75cl Bottle Bottle Code:27071
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Bergsig Estate Shiraz Rose

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One of the first 2008’s to hit our shores, Lategan’s Bergsig Estate Shiraz rose is at its freshest peak! Situated alongside the du Toitskloof mountains, the Lategan estate benefits from its own micro-climate. The drier and warmer conditions ensure that the grapes achieve maximum ripeness and richness. These are then handpicked in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. Pink’s still a relatively rare hue in the Cape, but it won’t be for long if the Lategan family keep making wines as good as this! Ripe strawberry laced with creamy raspberry undertones and subtle white pepper spice. Cheers!

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White River Chenin Blanc

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The Lategan family have been crafting breathtakingly fresh Chenin at their stunning Bergsig estate for more than 150 years. They’ve got just about the finest vineyard spot in all of The Cape – beneath snow-capped mountains on the banks of the mighty White River where pure snowmelt, bright sunshine and cool breezes make for the most vivacious Chenin on the planet!

This fresh-off-the boat 2008 is made by Chenin master De Wet Lategan, former Cape Winemaker of the Year and winner of more than 100 awards in the last decade. De Wet works with the ripe fruit of vines planted by his grandfather. Grapes are picked by hand in the cool morning air to preserve the bright flavours all the way to your glass.

Enticing aromas of fresh lemons with a lively, fruit-packed mouthful of passion fruit, guava and quince. Crisp, zingy, perfect on its own or with smoked salmon blinis.

Colour – Pale gold
Aroma – Apple and citrus aromas
Taste – Crisp green apple and lemon with a hint of honey

Serving suggestions
This refreshing white is delicious on its own or with salads, grilled white fish, chicken dishes, or pork medallions

Type:Still White Wine Country:South Africa Appellation:Breede River Valley WO
Grape Type:Chenin Blanc Drink Before:End of 2009 Style:Dry
Alcohol:12% Bottle Size:75cl Bottle Bottle Code:26996
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Victoria Peak Chardonnay Viognier

Enjoy the smooth ripe fruit of New World Chardonnay, lifted by a portion of blossom-scented Viognier in this luscious white from the Cape.

It is the work of the Groot Eiland cellar, which was delighted to have been honoured in 2006 with the most coveted award on the South African competition circuit, the General Smuts Trophy. Placed at the foot of the majestic Du Toitskloof and Bossieveld mountain ranges, in view of the many cascading Winter waterfalls, this area of the Cape is well known for its extraordinary scenery, excellent wines, and friendly and hospitable people.

The unusual name Groot Eiland (big island) comes from the fact that the cellar and its vineyards are literally surrounded by the water of the great Breede and Molenaars rivers. Victoria Peak is an unusual combination of Burgundy’s smooth creamy Chardonnay (75%) with a portion of the Rhone’s top white grape, Viognier.

A small amount of the wine was aged for three months in oak barrels to lend a gentle edge of toasty vanilla to the well-ripened fruit, without overwhelming it. Quality was particularly high in 2007 as slightly cooler temperatures led to whites with brilliant freshness and character.

Decanter World Wine Awards 2008, United Kingdom

Colour – Medium greenish gold.
Aroma – Forward aromas of creamy mango and peach.
Taste – Ripe, creamy mango and peach zipped through by zesty citrus acidity and a hint of spice.

Serving suggestions
Victoria Peak makes both a satisfying glass on its own, and also a good food partner. Cold ham would make an excellent match, as would chicken or creamy pasta.