Roodeberg, the cherished South African red blend that resonates in the hearts and minds of wine lovers the world over, has released its 2017 vintage in regal packaging to celebrate its 70th anniversary.
Launched in 1949, Roodeberg is a true South African original that has stood the test of time. This signature red is the heart and soul of memorable moments having evolved from the master’s original blend to an accessible, contemporary classic in step with changing times and preferences but still rooted in tradition. Its rich heritage and colourful tapestry of wine folklore is the stuff of legends.
The name, Roodeberg, harks back to the vineyards of Rothenberg near Geisenheim in Germany where Dr Niehaus studied winemaking. It came to him while sitting at his desk, watching a glorious sunset over the Paarl mountains.
Dr Niehaus was the successor of the KWV’s chief wine scientist, Dr Abraham Izak Perold, the revered father of Pinotage, whose endeavours shifted the South African red wine focus from lighter ‘claret’ wines to more full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon-Cinsault blends in the 1930s.
From the onset, the composition of the Roodeberg blend was shrouded in secrecy. Roodeberg was openly referred to as a secret blend with a blending panel tasked to determine the final configuration, taking care to achieve consistency with every vintage. After Dr Niehaus retired in 1971, the blend generally comprised Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage and Tinta Barocca, according to the Platter Wine Guide of the time. In the 1990s, Roodeberg’s evolution continued with the introduction of small French oak maturation barrels.
For Roodeberg devotees, the 70th-anniversary bottle is sure to become a collector’s piece to be opened for a special occasion in years to come.
This famous red blend erupts in your glass with aromatic layers of red fruit, cassis and pencil shavings enriched by warm tones of tobacco and dark chocolate. The palate is elegant and well-rounded with nuances of cedar oak and dark plums, supported by soft tannins that linger long after the last sip.
The commemorative Roodeberg Red 2017 is available at leading stores countrywide, selling at R85 to R89 a bottle. Roodeberg has a host of activities and promotions planned in celebration of its 70th anniversary year.
Find out more on Roodeberg’s Facebook page – here…
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