Zonnebloem releases distinctive trio of new Limited Edition wines
Zonnebloem, one of South Africa's most enduring wine brands, has just released a new trio of its exclusive Limited Edition wines. This year the range of special selection Zonnebloem wines comprises 2008 Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc vintages as well as a new addition to the Limited Edition line-up, a richly complex 2007 Shiraz.
Only the best barrels from chosen vineyard blocks are chosen for the Zonnebloem Limited Edition range and the wines vary from vintage to vintage according to the winemakers' selection in the cellar. These wines are handcrafted and slowly coaxed to perfection allowing the grapes time to express their true character and optimal quality.
The maiden 2007 vintages of the white wines had an exceptional run with the Zonnebloem Sémillon Limited Edition 2007 clinching the Old Mutual Trophy for Best White Wine Overall as well as the Trophy for Best Sémillon and a Veritas Gold medal, whilst the Zonnebloem Sauvignon Blanc Limited Edition 2007 boasts a Veritas Double Gold medal, a Michelangelo Gold medal and a Winemakers' Choice Diamond Award.
Zonnebloem Sémillon Limited Edition 2008 is made of grapes that were carefully handpicked from bush vines growing on the cool slopes of the Perdeberg. The low yield ensured very concentrated flavours. In the cellar, the wine was left on the primary lees and stirred occasionally to enhance the complexity on the palate.
On the nose this sumptuous Sémillon shows ample asparagus and green fig aromas with just a touch of grassiness, whilst the complex and full-bodied palate delights with an infusion of freshly cut grass and green pepper flavours that follow through from the nose to the palate.
Winemaker Deon Boshoff suggests that you serve this versatile food wine with chicken, vegetable pâté and shellfish.
Zonnebloem Sauvignon Blanc Limited Edition 2008 is made of grapes chosen from vineyards growing in the Darling area.
"This full-bodied wine shows a profusion of typical Sauvignon Blanc aromas such as green fig, asparagus and green peppers that follow through to the palate," is how Boshoff describes this wine.
Enjoy this summer wine slightly chilled on its own or team it with pasta and chicken dishes with light, mildly flavoured sauces.
Zonnebloem Shiraz Limited Edition 2007 is made of grapes handpicked from vineyards situated in the Stellenbosch Kloof, Helderberg and Devon Valley areas. In the cellar, each vineyard was vinified separately.
"This Shiraz with its deep ruby colour is rich in ripe berry and plum aromas with traces of leather and oak spices on the nose, whilst the palate is full and rich with a complex medley of berry flavours, gentle tannins and integrated wood flavours," said Bonny van Niekerk, winemaker of Zonnebloem red wines.
Savour it on its own or serve it with game or red meat dishes.
Estimated retail prices:
Zonnebloem Sauvignon Blanc Limited Edition 2008 - R58
Zonnebloem Semillon Limited Edition 2008 - R58
Zonnebloem Shiraz Limited Edition 2007 - R80