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.
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, RRSP: R69.95
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).
