Iconic South African wine Roodeberg has revealed the next exciting
step in its stylistic evolution with the unfurling of its latest vintage.
The 2011 vintage emerged from a challenging growing and harvest
season. The grape quality in general however, was superb. The wine spent 12
months in oak, mainly French, before being bottled.
The blend comprises 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the remainder
occupied chiefly by Shiraz, and Merlot. Delighting the senses, Roodeberg 2011
is an elegant and fresh red wine lush with aromas of raspberry, red cherry and
mulberry, and just a touch of spice. The palate is beautifully layered and
smooth with well integrated, silky tannins and a lingering finish.
Roodeberg is the well-loved South African
red wine from leading premium wine producer KWV. It has been a part of South Africa’s wine
heritage since 1949, beloved on home soil as much as it is on tables in foreign
continents too.
Yet, in spite of its historic pedigree, Roodeberg remains relevant
and more popular than ever in a modern world. The reason, says KWV chief
winemaker Richard Rowe, is the timeless guiding philosophy that sustains it.
“We are very mindful that we’re only temporary custodians of this
brand; that it was placed in our hands by those who came before us and will be
passed on to the next generation too. To us, the Roodeberg heritage is being
built to last not for decades, but for centuries.”
To achieve this, KWV recognises the wine evolves to ensure enduring
quality, stylistic relevance and value for money. As a premium export-driven
wine, Roodeberg is equipped with the fundamentals of global players.
“Technology and techniques change and we’re careful to analyse
international situations and conduct international benchmark tastings to keep
on top of trends and flavours,” says Rowe.
The quest for quality begins in the vineyards. Says KWV chief
viticulturist Marco Ventrella: “When it comes to Roodeberg we understand that
we are working with a wine beloved for decades and our approach must be about
consistency, focus and quality. Our growers are long term contracted. In fact,
most of the vineyards were planted and planned specifically for Roodeberg.”
The viticulturists spend time in the vineyards with the growers and are joined by the winemakers during the ripening period to monitor and make harvesting decisions. “We leave nothing to chance. Our growers are our partners in the brand and the wine,” says Ventrella.
The viticulturists spend time in the vineyards with the growers and are joined by the winemakers during the ripening period to monitor and make harvesting decisions. “We leave nothing to chance. Our growers are our partners in the brand and the wine,” says Ventrella.
In the cellar, this has meant that through the application of
modern winemaking techniques, the Roodeberg winemaking team relentlessly works
at improving quality. This is a pursuit where the goal of over-delivery means
every vintage has to be better than the previous one.
It is these partnerships that have seen Roodeberg grow to the
prominence it enjoys today – an innovative wine brand that continues to
surprise and delight.
Roodeberg is available from leading retailers of fine wines
nationwide.
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS: KWV is one of the leading wine and spirits
producers in South Africa. Its head office is located in Paarl, in the Western
Cape – a top wine producing region. The company sources wines and grapes from
the best and most sought-after viticultural regions in South Africa. KWV is
known internationally for brands such as Roodeberg, KWV wines, Laborie, Golden
Kaan, Cathedral Cellar, Café Culture, Wild African Cream and the KWV 3, 5, 10
and 20 Year Old brandies. KWV is a founder member of the Industry Association
for Responsible Use of Alcohol (ARA).
