Blaauwklippen’s 333rd magical celebration with Latilla Wines

Wining & Dining
Quoted by Rolf Zeitvogel, Blaauwklippen’s Cellar Master and Managing Director as one of his favourite quotes, it is indubitably a magnificent summary for this rare celebration of 333 years of wine existence.

Quoted by Rolf Zeitvogel, Blaauwklippen’s Cellar Master and Managing Director as one of his favourite quotes, it is indubitably a magnificent summary for this rare celebration of 333 years of wine existence.

By Lebbie Musavaya

Blaauwklippen is dubbed as one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa, nestled in the scenic town of Stellenbosch. It prides itself on its naturally endowed fertile soils and an admirable wine culture spanning just over three centuries.

Over and above other varieties, Blaauwklippen delights in the fact that Zinfandel has found a home with the winery and a lot of innovation and successes have surmounted from this Grape.

Latilla Wines, official distributors of Blaauwklippen wines, took wine lovers and enthusiasts on this 333 years celebration in three colourful events.

It all began with a wine weekend in Victoria Falls. The timing was opportune, with The Victoria Falls Hotel (TVFH) celebrating 111 years.

This lively rare gem, with classical zeal, has a breathtaking view of The Victoria Falls Bridge and the “smoke” formed by the spray from the thundering falls. Its retro appeal, fused with modernity, spelt every wine lovers dream, wine and ambiance. The coincidence was perfect and the double celebration of 111 vs 333 years took centre stage.

A Zambezi Sunset boat cruise rolled the wine weekend in motion. With the Blaauwklippen Cellarmaster, Rolf, Global Sales and Marketing Management Consultant, Natascha Proost, TVFH management and wine lovers present for this momentous occasion, the celebrations began. An even bigger celebration of a seven-course dinner at TVFH with a Blaauwklippen food and wine pairing awaited wine lovers on the second day of the wine weekend.

Soul, passion and love were beautifully crafted in the food and wine pairing and I was left with no choice but to admit, Rolf and TVFH chefs presented a sublime union of food and wine.

The momentous celebration of 333 years of wine was moved to Harare, for a further two evenings of festivities, a wine tasting at Reps Theatre and another tasting at The Meikles Hotel. With four days of celebrations with Blaauwklippen wines, Latilla Wines unlocked the hearts of many wine lovers. Each person present at either event was able to own a part of the triplicate birthday celebrations in Zimbabwe. I, thankfully, celebrated all three and by the end of it all, Blaauwklippen wines had found a place in my heart.

The following wines were swirled, sniffed and tasted.

Diva brut — Methode Cap Classique (MCC) — The Birthday Gift Made in the same method Champagne is made, this is Blauuwklippen’s first ever MCC, made from 100% Zinfandel grapes.

A first for my palate, with exciting acidity laced with a smoothness of fruit bubbles that instantly burst and beautifully dissolved. It was a “DIVAlicious” 333rd birthday creation.

Ons Sprankel (Bubbly) This lively Rosé style “fizz” from Zinfandel, filled with summer time fruit and a soft caress of the palate with sparse bubbles, epitomised a wine lover’s best friend. It spelt an easy fun time with friends, anytime, anyplace.

Chenin Blanc 2014 (Cultivar Selection) Young and fresh and in sync with the breeze, the aromas of green apple followed through on the palate with a mouthful that surprised my Chenin palate. I don’t drink much of Chenin and every time I get to taste, I make a vow to taste more of it. This time was no exception.

Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (Cultivar Selection) A wine lover’s delight with the all too familiar freshness and lively acidity lined with gooseberry aromas and a pleasing touch of balance.

White Zinfandel 2011 (Blanc de Noir) This invigorating white wine is sure to send any wine lover looking into the lighter side of life. White peach on the nose flows on the palate and a second glass is easy to reach out for.

Merlot 2012 Smoothness is spelt out in this merlot filled with dark red fruit with a fine balance that can be enjoyed by the wine lover with a weakness for merlot.

Shiraz 2011 Subtle spice, elegantly furnish this full-bodied wine with rich plum flavours and delightfully soft tannins.

Blaauwklippen Red NV With a variety of grapes in an elegant style of easy drinking, this wine is that dream of a red wine “easy” on the palate. This wine can potentially be your next afternoon pleaser.

Cabriolet 2011 (Blend) This full-bodied sophisticated blend of Malbec, Merlot, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc is multi layered and keeps the wine lover guessing as layers of different flavours grace your palate, with ripe red fruit, spice, vanilla and more.

Zinfandel 2007 A profound “jammy” nose, synonymous with this grape, immediately draws you into the vineyards of California. It’s a wine I deem as seductive, I drink it, but can never form a conclusive opinion on.

Noble Late Harvest Malbec This unique dessert wine will take you on a balanced journey to the world of sophisticated sweet wine sensation.

Noble Late Harvest Zinfandel Zinfandel will amaze you with its flavours and lushness. Another taste, another style.

Before and After Aperitif (Or somewhere in-between) With an inspiration that will further inspire you after your first sip, it is defined as “Christmas” in a bottle, a taste of it needs no further explanation. Lush, excitement and promise awaits wine lovers in this bottle.

Pictures courtesy of Latilla Wines [email protected]