Swartland Winery releases its latest Idelia red blend flagship

Swartland Winery’s flagship wine, the Idelia red blend, is just one in a series of new wine initiatives linked by Swartland Winery’s My Swartland marketing strategy.

This campaign aims to showcase all that makes the Swartland such a unique and special place in terms of its landscapes, culture, people, food and of course, its wine. As such, the Idelia forms an integral part of the My Swartland campaign, and truly reflects the land, soils and people of this region in every bottle.

Swartland Winery cellar master, Andries Blake, is delighted with the recent success their flagship Idelia red blend has been enjoying. “The idea behind the Idelia was simply to make the absolute best blend from the best barrels in the cellar. Originally we kept the blend a secret to allow us more flexibility in selecting the best components every year. But after making the wine for a few years, we realised that it was always going to include pinotage since that’s what we do best. Our current release and 4 star Platter winner, the 2008 Idelia, will remain under wraps, but as of the 2009 vintage, we are now happy to reveal that this is a Cape Blend!”

Sharing the secret has been made easier for Andries by the wine’s phenomenal success in the recent Absa Top Ten Pinotage competition where the 2009 vintage was named as one of the top three Cape Blends in the country. This separate competition is the most prestigious in the country for pinotage-based blends and his winning wine has garnered Andries a trip to France to learn even more about blends.

The 2009 Idelia is 32% pinotage, 38% shiraz and 30% cabernet sauvignon, with all the components being aged for at least 12 months in mainly new oak. After blending, the wine spent a further 4 months in the barrel and then 6 months in the bottle before release. However, Andries says the 2008 (which is still available at the cellar) is his preferred vintage for current drinking – he favours it with braaied Yellowfin Tuna or a slow-cooked Leg of Lamb.

As for the 2009 vintage, he recommends buying it now and keeping it awhile – because with this kind of pedigree and accolades, it certainly is not going to be available for too much longer!

The Swartland Idelia 2008 vintage is available at the cellar for R180-00.

Swartland Winery forms part of the Santam Swartland Wine & Olive Route. It’s tasting room is open Monday to Friday from 08h00 to 17h00 and Saturdays from 09h00 to 14h00.  Call 022 482 1134 or visit www.swwines.co.za for more information.

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