Vinimark's annual Sparkling Wine tasting is always a treat. This year it was held at the NASDAK again (I love the play of words there) on the top of the MEDIA24 building with 360degree views of our stunning Cape Town, with the most delicous canapes being served to match the delicious bubbles.
From Robertson's new non-alcoholic bubblies in pink and white which are relatively inexpensive, to the real Italian Prosecco (gorgeous bright colourful labels from Valdo) to South African Methode Cap Classique to French Champagne with top brands like Bollinger, Armand de Brignac and others represented at well over R4000 a bottle!
Something for everyone.
Vinimark represents a number of South African wine brands, but also extended to a few top end bubblies, like Bollinger and others.
Good to see who is doing what as I attended their trade fair a few weeks back at the CTICC.
Good old favourites Muratie, Spier, Robertson Winery, Flagstone, Van Loveren, Edgebaston, Klawer, Darling Cellars, Reyneke and Krone showcasing their wares.
The Old Vines Project is going from strength to strength, and judging by the buzz at the tasting held on Tuesday 13 August at the Volkskombuis, there is no stopping this train.
If your vineyards are older than 35 years old, then I urge you to register with the project as there are plenty of marketing opportunities and I think the project is going a long way to assisting the prices of wines in South Africa to be raised.
This is what cellar master Pieter- Niel Rossouw has to say about the harvest:
“Our harvest started about a week later than last year. Some young Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc vines with low yields were harvested first. During the ripening stage and the first two weeks of harvest, the conditions were almost perfect.
OUR BUSH VINES GROW UP TOUGH, THAT'S WHAT GIVES THEM CHARACTER
This is our less is more philosophy - the less fruit we get from each hand-harvested vine the better the quality of our wines.