Avontuur Estate, the Wine and Thoroughbred Estate on the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West announced the release of three new vintages of their premiere range wines, all named after one of the famous horses who’ve graced the estate over the years.
The Sarabande Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2014 is named after a famous grey race mare who is producing winners every year and is happily ensconced in the paddocks with her new foal at the moment. The wine is crisp and complex from long lees contact and just a touch of French oak. “This produces a Sauvignon which is more of a food wine than our unwooded Estate version, and I would recommend a cheese platter, fresh grilled fish or a salad with this wine”, says winemaker Jan van Rooyen. (Cellar Door price per bottle till 1/4/15: R110 Vat inc)
The long-awaited Luna de Miel Chardonnay Reserve 2013 offers a fresher style of Chardonnay than the previous vintage, with oak fermenting and ageing subtly present as well as typical malolactic characteristics, but with a full-bodied citrus and fresh ginger kick to the palate. This wine commemorates an imported mare from Argentina and the name means “honeymoon” in Spanish, which is the reason so many honeymoon destinations love to stock it! (Cellar Door price per bottle till 1/4/15: R120 Vat inc)
Minelli Pinot Noir Reserve (Expected release date, mid-March) is named after one of the most prolifically successful mares ever resident at Avontuur as she is the mother of one time Equus Sprinter of the year Val de Ra, and many other Grade 1 winners. The wine is like her; dark and relaxed with soft fruit and oak flavours which just make you want more. Winemaker Jan van Rooyen recommends this wine with a charcuterie selection or pork fillet with mushrooms and herbs. “I believe this fruity style and the relatively low price is partly the reason for the recent interest in Stellenbosch Pinot’s and I’m happy that we have a fan club for this wine,” he says. (Cellar Door price per bottle till 1/4/15: R165 Vat inc.)
The wine is available in selected outlets in the Western Cape and Gauteng or from the Estate Tasting Room and Restaurant, which is open daily. Visit our wine page for a list of outlets nationally.
