Nederburg's
2011Winemaster's Reserve Noble Late Harvest has won an International Wine
Challenge trophy in London.
ISSUED
BY
DKC (DE KOCK COMMUNICATIONS)
FOR
NEDERBURG WINES
The 2011 Nederburg
Noble Late Harvest is made from grapes attacked by noble rot (botrytis
cinerea), an ugly-looking fungus that occurs under very specific climatic
conditions. It can appear in vineyards where early morning mists create an
environment of humidity, followed by dry, warm afternoons.
Grapes affected by the
noble rot fungus become dehydrated, losing more than half their moisture
content, resulting in an intense concentration of flavours. The berries first
turn golden and then pink or purple, eventually browning and shrivelling. The
rot consumes some of the sugar and the acid present in the grapes but their
nectar-like intensity and zesty acidity remain.
This is not the first
time a Nederburg noble late harvest wine has been acclaimed. The richly
aromatic wine, with delicious tastes of honey, apricots and ginger, is
regularly lauded on international and local forums.
The 2012 vintage was
also South Africa's only trophy winner at the International Sweet Challenge in
Australia and a gold medallist at the 2013 International Wine & Spirit
Competition (IWSC).
Nederburg pioneered
noble late harvest wines in South Africa with the 1969 Edelkeur, sold on the
Nederburg Auction in 1975. Prized buy connoisseurs, Edelkeur is still available
exclusively via this channel.
The more accessible
Winemaster's Reserve wine, however, is available from specialty wine shops, selected
grocers and from the Nederburg farm. It retails for around just R82 a 375ml
bottle.
Cellar master Razvan
Macici, who has earned many leading awards for his dessert and other wines,
including the title of Diners Club Winemaker of the Year, suggests serving it
with fruit-based desserts, liver patés and blue cheeses. "It's terrific on
its own and even makes a delicious substitute for dessert."
