Solms-Delta wine estate trio get a striking revamp

Friday, 20 February, 2015
Solms-Delta
Franschhoek’s popular Solms-Delta wine estate has revitalised a trio of wines in its range with a vibrant new look. With these latest vintages, the fresh and eye-catching design reflects the estate’s reputation for innovation and its rich heritage.

Previously named the Langarm, Vastrap and Lekkerwijn, the wines have been renamed Solms-Delta Shiraz 2013, Solms-Delta Chenin Blanc 2014 and Solms-Delta Rosé 2014, respectively. The much-loved nicknames that have a special link to the farm’s history have been retained, with an explanation of each on each wine’s back label.

“These wines have built a loyal following,” says Solms-Delta winemaker Hagen Viljoen. “The new design supports what we do in the cellar in pursuit of an easy-drinking and fruit forward style.”

The Solms-Delta Shiraz 2013 shows aromas of plums, prunes and cassis, with hints of oak spice. There are notes of liquorice and mint that lead to a smooth, generous palate. It is ideal on its own, or at any informal occasion or convivial dinner table, paired with hearty dishes.

Solms-Delta Chenin Blanc 2014 is dry, fresh and fruity, showing aromas of ripe guava, apple and banana in particular. The wine has a juicy mid-palate with hints of stone fruit followed by a fresh clean finish on the palate. An ideal summer wine, it’s best enjoyed at any informal occasion, poolside or picnic and pairs well with fish, chicken, salad and pizza.

Solms-Delta Rosé 2014 is a wine with delicate aromatics that was made with Grenache and a small portion or Cinsault. It has an alluring, light salmon colour while the nose shows bright red fruit with raspberry, strawberry and apple notes. The concentrated fruit and minerality on the focused palate make the wine ideal lunch-time tipple.

The new packaging incorporates a vivacious colour palette and highlights the essence of activities at Solms-Delta: “Creating Wine, Music and Hope”, a credo that appears on every bottle. The reference to wine promotes the drive for easy-drinking and accessible styles for all; music, a unifying force reflected by the farm’s music activities and represented on the label by a tin-can guitar; and, hope – the dream of a better future for the Solms-Delta community and workers.

The three wines are part of a diverse portfolio that is produced on the farm and caters for an array of tastes. Solms-Delta has 35ha planted to vines. It also sources grapes from South Africa’s top performing vineyards. The estate’s core philosophy of innovation resulted during its early establishment in the introduction of varietals suited to the climate and soils of the famous Franschhoek Wine Valley as well as the ancient Mediterranean practice of vine desiccation.

The estate has also become known for its activities around heritage preservation. The new Music van de Caap) Music Centre is the result of ongoing research and community development work that highlighted the essential part that music plays in local heritage.

Solms-Delta is home to the Museum van de Caab, a treasury of artefacts unearthed at the estate and testament to all who lived and worked there over the centuries; and, a garden of indigenous plants that supplies the estate’s Fyndraai restaurant.

The Solms-Delta Shiraz 2013, Solms-Delta Chenin Blanc 2014 and Solms-Delta Rosé 2014 are available in convenient screwcap, from the farm, via their eShop on www.solms-delta.co.za or at leading retailers around the country.

RSP for the Shiraz at R59.99 and the Chenin Blanc and Rosé for R54.99.

Solms-Delta can be followed on Twitter @solms_delta, liked on Facebook/solmsdelta, or visited at www.solms-delta.co.za. For more information, phone (021) 874 3937.