Swartland Winery is already achieving accolades for their newly launched Swartland Bush Vine rang, further underlining the uniqueness of the area and the fine crafting of the winemakers.

The inclusion of the Swartland Bush Vine Shiraz 2010 and Swartland Bush Vine Pinotage 2010 in the second annual Top 100 SA wines is the first award achieved under this brand. In addition the two wines were also awarded Best Value status in the same competition, which further confirms the ongoing quality and consistency that has been the signature of this well established winery.

Cellarmaster Andries Blake is delighted with this result and sees these achievements as a major leap forward for the brand. “These are the first awards for this brand and we were up against fierce competition. This is only the second year of the competition and the first time that Swartland Winery has entered. To achieve both quality and best value awards is superb recognition.” He said. “Over the years Swartland Winery has been consistent in its craftsmanship and this is paying off yet again. Additionally we were the only farm in the Swartland region to be included which shows that these truly unique dry land bush vine grapes that produce flavourful and expressive wines are counted amongst the top wines of today.” he continued.

Both the Swartland Bush Vine Pinotage 2010 and the Swartland Shiraz 2010 are wines that like to be drunk with food. The Pinotage, as a wine that is endemic to South Africa, pushes the boundaries in flavour and is blended from new, second and third fill oak barrels to a final bottle aging process. Typical of the wines of this region it is intensely red in the glass and has a nose of black plum and cherries with dark spice and some smokiness on the back. Think fresh fruit of the forest with a firm but elegant tannin structure and here is a wine for drinking now or to be laid down for two to four years. The perfect complement to light red meat dishes, seared steak or grilled lamb this Pinotage is one of the best examples of this truly South African wine.

The deep purple of the Swartland Bush Vine Shiraz 2010 is a promise of a wine that likes to be paired to rich meaty stews or game dishes. Fresh blackcurrant, sweetblack cherries and attractive notes of red fruit abound yet are well integrated with the oak flavour derived from its barrel maturing time. The hint of spice and velvety tannins on the aftertaste make the Shiraz a complex wine, slightly exotic and eminently drinkable now or stored for two to four years. These wines are available direct from the Cellar, Gold card members can have the wines delivered direct and both wines will be available nationally at selected outlets in the near future. Price ex cellar R95.

Taste these and the balance of the Top 100 SA wines at the One&Only Hotel in Cape Town on 10 May or the Regency Hyatt Hotel in Johannesburg on 17 May.