Wine Diva

I visited the CTICC on 8 October for the Veritas Wine Awards sponsored by Agri-Expo, and it was indeed a fancy and fun evening out. My friend Delise and I enjoyed an evening of great food, wines, awards, beautifully decorated tables and some equally smart-looking winemakers in their “black tie ” ensembles. I am far more familiar with the sight of winemakers in their “punchdown” attire, but I dare say they clean up real nice.

KWV was crowned as the king of Veritas 2011, receiving a remarkable five double gold and nine gold medals at the award ceremony – the most double gold and gold medals ever won by one cellar.  Other top achievers include: Boplaas Family Vineyards, Nederburg Wines, Nuy Wine Cellar, Distell Brandy, Bon Courage, Spier, Flagstone and Kanonkop Wine Estate. 

So if you live in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Knysna and Port Elizabeth then you can taste top wines from the Veritas awards – without having to purchase the lot.

Cape Town, Joburg, Durban Tastings:

• Capetonians can taste the Veritas achievers at the VOC Room (Southern Sun Cape Sun, Strand Street) on 18 October from 5pm to 8pm with tickets at R130 pp.
• The Johannesburg tasting takes place on 26 October from 5pm to 8pm at the Bill Gallagher Room of the Sandton Convention Centre – tickets cost R140. 
• Wine lovers in Durban will get their chance on 3 November from 5pm to 8pm at the Function Room, Deloitte Head Office in Umhlanga – tickets are R100 each.
• Tasters can also enjoy this year’s Qualité cheese champions during these sessions too.

Tickets for Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban tastings are available at Computicket. 

Port Elizabeth and Knysna Tastings:

• Squires Legendary Grill in the Boardwalk centre in Beach Road will host wine lovers on 15 November in Port Elizabeth for a sit-down tasting event of 16 wines including light refreshments, starting at 6pm (R100 pp).
• In Knysna, the Veritas victors can be tasted during a dinner hosted at Kilzers Kitchen on 16 November from 7pm – tickets cost R240.
• There will also be a sit-down tasting session with selected wines and snacks on 17 November from 6pm to 8pm at R85 per person at Kilzers.  

 Bookings for the Port Elizabeth and Knysna events must be made with the various venues and organisers directly – or see contact details below.

  For the latest news about Veritas, as well as interesting interviews with the organisers, international judges and top achievers, visit the online Veritas press office at www.winenews.co.za. Contact Elsabé Ferreira at tel (021) 807 3104, email to information@veritas.co.za or visit www.veritas.co.za for more information.

Perdeberg Winery has released a special edition charity wine range for the Cape Town Carnival, which will take place from the 18th to the 20th of March 2010.

The Cape Town Carnival is a community project. They aim to connect the diverse cultures that make up the Cape Town community through music, art, dance – any form of self expression, really! The Cape Town Carnival will also host the highly anticipated parade on Saturday, the 20th of March 2010.

The Cape Town Carnival Parade is a free-access event taking place in the heart of the CBD. With a mass of over 2000 cross-genre, cross-cultural performers partaking in the event, six original Carnival songs that will get the people dancing and a spectacular float and elaborate costumes as draw cards, there should be something to suit just about anyone’s taste.

One vibrant group of over 2000 participants from many of the performing genres across Cape Town will strut their stuff in the parade inspired by this year’s theme, “Rhythm, Roots and Boots”. Audiences can expect to see imagery from Cape Town’s rich heritage and culture as well hear original music composed specifically for the Parade. In addition to the festivities of the main parade, spectators can also look forward to celebrations after the event. A range of other fringe events can also be expected.

To join in the festive spirit, Perdeberg Winery is releasing a special edition charity wine range for the Cape Town Carnival. This wine range will consist of:

Chenin Blanc/Sauvignon Blanc (From R23)
On the nose: dusty nettles, limes with a spritz of lemon.  Zingy, zippy and zaftig which is Noo Yawk Tawk for juicy, but then… you probably already knew that!  On the palate: boiled pear-drop sweets with a sherbet bite.  As Oliver Twist said, “please sir, may I have some more?”

Shiraz/Pinotage/Viogner (From R27)
On the nose: strawberry milkshake with a dusting of cocoa.  On the palate: crushed rose petals as smooth as cashmere with sour cherry/tangerine Lifesaver flavours without the hole in the middle for your tongue to play with.

Sparkling Rosé (From R39)
On the nose: Turkish Delight and ripe, jammy plums (black and red).  On the palate: rich, ripe watermelon with a splash of lime.

With this special range of charity wines, Perdeberg has decided to give back a little more. The proceeds will be donated directly to charity. So, by celebrating together at the Cape Town Carnival, Perdeberg will also be giving something back to the communities in need.

*The above tasting notes and wine blends were compiled by Neil Pendock.

Perdeberg Winery is situated in the Agter Paarl, in the triangle between Malmesbury, Paarl and Durbanville, in the Western Cape. www.perdeberg.co.za, tel: 021 869 8244 or email:  info@perdeberg.co.za

It’s 100% Pinot Noir and 3 times a lady. It’s so smooth and special. Belle Rose has the faintest tinge of salmon pink, a lively presentation of Pinot Noir flavours, a pleasing fine mousse and it reveals an elegant dry finish.

The discreet blush of Belle Rose, achieved by carbonic maceration (internal berry fermentation), is emphasized in the name the “beautiful rose”, which is perfect symmetry with it’s “beautiful nose”.

This process extracts the elegant colour and the flavours of the Pinot Noir grape, but not the harsh tannins, maintaining a distinguished dry elegance, I call it fabulicious.

Belle Rose is also the ultimate party accessory for a Wine Diva ladies luncheon.

Belle Rose is the special guest at the next Wine Diva JHB ladies luncheon happening on Saturday 13 March 2010 in Sandton at Allora Restaurant, the luncheon is nearly full booked, but you can email Caroline on wineclub@winediva.co.za for more details.