The Zonnebloem Shiraz Mourvèdre Viognier 2014 has already scooped a Grand d’Or (double gold) medal at the Michelangelo International Wine and Spirit Awards; recognition in the Tim Atkin South Africa Special Report 2016 as well as in the inaugural Signature Red Blend Report 2016 and a gold medal at the Old Mutual Trophy Show, where it received the highest score and won the trophy for the Best non-Bordeaux Blend.
“Zonnebloem prides itself in producing timeless wines, not because they are old or established, but because they are as relevant today as they will be tomorrow. It is a sentiment these honours from Veritas, one of South Africa’s longest-running wine competitions that has become a standard bearer for the industry and consumers, recognises to our credit,” says Zonnebloem cellar master Elize Coetzee.
She says the Zonnebloem Shiraz Mourvèdre Viognier 2014 blends 87% shiraz, 12% mourvèdre and 1% viognier with the grapes sourced from mainly trellised vineyards in Stellenbosch Kloof, Helderberg and Devon Valley. “The wine spent 12 months in a combination of first and second-fill American, French and Hungarian oak, resulting in the dark purple-red appearance and the intensely flavoured palate with ripe upfront fruit and a savoury finish.
The winery sourced 75% of the grapes for the Zonnebloem Limited Edition Sauvignon Blanc 2014 from low-yielding, trellised vineyards in the Darling area with the balance hailing from Stellenbosch. The Darling vineyards are grown on south to south-westerly facing slopes in deep rich soils and Coetzee says the non-irrigated vines grow under dryland conditions.
The yield varied between two and five tons per hectare for the older vines and up to seven tons for the younger ones. The grapes were hand-harvested between 19º and 23,5º Balling from early to late February and the different vineyards separately vinified and fermented them.
Coetzee says the outcome was clear, bright wine with a greenish tint. On the nose it presents fresh tropical fruit aromas with notes of green figs, fresh asparagus and green pepper, while the fresh, vibrant palate has crisp acidity that melds the green pepper and tropical fruit characteristics.
The Zonnebloem Limited Edition Semillon 2007 grapes were wholly sourced from bush vines in the Perdeberg area. A low yield ensured concentrated flavours in the berries from vines grown on west-facing slopes and only irrigated when necessary.
“This is a clear, bright wine with a greenish tint and a bouquet abundant in passion fruit and asparagus aromas. The complex, full-bodied wine explodes with green pepper, passion fruit and pineapple with the dustiness evident on the nose coming through on the palate,” she says.
This wine is beautifully suited to shellfish, chicken or vegetable pâtés.
“The brand stands for craftsmanship, which is at the heart of the winemaking process – from the farms producing our grapes using the earth as their canvas to the winemakers skilled in their craft for delivering rich varietals and blends – and these achievements are testament to that dedication,” Coetzee concludes.
“Zonnebloem is a brand that stands for craftsmanship in all its forms. From the farms that produce our grapes, to the winemakers who use the skills they have learned and developed over generations to produce the rich varietals and blends that make up the Zonnebloem stable.”
All the award-winning Zonnebloem wines are available via outlets nationally and can also be delivered to your door when purchased online through the Vinotèque. Visit www.zonnebloem.co.za, Facebook or via Twitter for more information.
