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It is spring, and the sun is shining. Which is not a given: the Robertson Wine Valley has experienced some of its
heaviest rainfalls during the three months of spring. But for now, we are basking in bright sunshine. Days are
fresh, nights cool.
Figuratively speaking, the sun is shining on the South African wine industry too. This in the wake of Cape Wine
2015, the triennial international showcase where for three days the wine world focusses on developments in the
southernmost country of Africa. Over 3000 representatives from all over the world – including South Africa descended on the Cape Town Convention Centre. Some 350 producers, including Rietvallei Estate, were there to
present tastings, seek new business opportunities and cement lasting relationships.
A large contingent of international journalists was also present, and judging by the reams of news generated,
South Africa is truly flavour of the month in the wine world, for various reasons. From innovative wine styles and
new varieties to a general improvement of our wine quality. The fact that our producers are understanding and
using terroir.
Rietvallei was part of a Robertson Wine Valley introduction to 40 members of the international media and trade
at a very elegant evening at a top Cape Town seaside hotel. I was among the group presenting a tasting of older
wines from this region, and with Rietvallei being a sixth generation estate it was an honour to be part of this
classic-themed initiative.
For us at Rietvallei, vision and innovation is of the utmost importance. But we will always go to great lengths to
emphasise the role my forefathers played in getting us to where we are today. After all, it was their vision that
brought us to where we are.
Michelangelo Competition
As they say in the classics, we love it when a plan comes together.
With the Rietvallei Stonedale wine range it has been the objective
from the outset to over-deliver in terms of the quality to price
ratio. In other words, when buying a bottle of Stonedale, the
customer must get more than what he or she is paying for in terms
of wine quality.
The recent Michelangelo Wine Competition showed that we seem
to be succeeding in this.
Our Stonedale Sauvignon Blanc 2015 was one of only five
Sauvignon Blancs to win a Grand d'Or (Double Gold) in this
international wine competition which has been running for 19
years. And this for a wine that retails for just under R30 per bottle!
What's more, it is a true honour to be recognised by the
Michelangelo panel for this wine, especially seeing as Sauvignon
Blanc is one of the most competitive white wine categories in any
wine South African competition. The award not only vindicates
Rietvallei's commitment to Sauvignon Blanc since the 1990s, but
also recognises the Robertson Wine Valley's ability to produce top
class wines from South Africa's best-selling white grape variety.
Adding to the success of the Stonedale, our Rietvallei Cabernet
Sauvignon 2013 as well as the red-blend Estéanna 2012 won Gold
medals at the same competition, too. I am really proud of this
manner in which Rietvallei's diversity and consistency was
expressed at this competition.
John B Gets Facelift
Rietvallei's quirky John B range, aimed at the fun-lifestyle-everyday part of the wine market, has received a
facelift that truly complements its irreverent, charming character. The labels are colourful and expressive with a
cheeky swish, some inspirational graphic design by my sister, Annelize Blom. And seeing as most customers don't
bother reading (research proves this!) the back labels, all this information has been put on the front.
The range comprises a Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Riesling and a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tinta Barocca.
The change has not gone unnoticed and the wine is proving very popular in the modern, easy-drinking segment of
the wine market.
Spring
Anybody appreciating the natural beauty of budding vineyards, should get out here to Rietvallei and the local
vicinity – now! Spring is a wonderful time in the winelands as the new, fresh leaves are full of green vigour,
whilst not being so dense to clutter the views of the slopes, hills and soils.
Bud-break was on track this year, commencing beginning of September. And what was immediately evident was
the even way the new shoots appeared with almost military precision. Balance being a key aspect of all stages of
viticulture and winemaking, this evenness bodes well.
While the growing season has some way to go before harvest commences early next year, it is a great time to sit
and stare out onto the vineyards' new life with a glass of cool Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
You are all invited to join us.
Kobus Burger
Recipe from the Kitchen of Elizabeth Burger
Roasted Beetroot with bacon and rocket aioli
Serves 6 as an entrée or 4 as a light lunch
4 beetroot (about 800 g), peeled and each cut into 8 pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
250 g pieces of bacon
1 tbs olive oil
100 g (1 cup) walnuts
1 tbs balsamic vinegar
1 cup baby rocket leaves
Rocket aioli
2 egg yolks
2 cloves of garlic
1 cup firmly packed, coarsely chopped rocket
300 ml light olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Place beetroot in a roasting pan, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat with oil. Roast at 200°C, turning once, for
45 minutes, or until tender and dark on edges.
For rocket aioli, process egg yolks, garlic and rocket in a food processor until rocket is finely chopped. With motor
running, gradually add olive oil in a thin steady steam until mixture is thick and glossy. Transfer to a bowl, stir in
lemon juice and season to taste.
Remove rind? and excess fat from bacon, then cut into 1,5 cm pieces. Heat olive oil in a non-stick frying pan and
cook bacon over high heat until golden on edges. Add walnuts and stir over low heat for 1-2 minutes. Remove
from heat, add beetroot and balsamic vinegar and mix well. Cool slightly.
To serve, spoon a little rocket aioli onto centre of serving plate and top with beetroot mixture and baby rocket
leaves.
Kind regards, - Kobus and the Rietvallei team
Rietvallei Wine Estate
Tel: +27 (0)23 626 3596 | Fax: +27 (0)23 626 4514
[email protected] | www.rietvallei.co.za