Red wines reap rewards

Viljoensdrift’s vineyards, rooted in the fertile soil of the Robertson Valley and nourished by the life-giving Breede River, are producing red wines that keep wine lovers asking for more. It is in particular the Pinotage, Cape Blend and Shiraz bottled under their flagship River Grandeur label, that have been reaping rewards.

Viljoensdrift’s 2010 River Grandeur Sauvignon Blanc was just recently elected to appear on the 2011 premium class onboard wine list of South African Airways, the leading airline on the continent.  Viljoensdrift’s winner was selected by a panel of twelve local and international judges from amongst about 1 000 different wines. SAA offers approximately 70 South African wines on board its flights throughout the year and the Viljoensdrift 2010 River Grandeur Sauvignon Blanc will be available on all flights during 2011.

The newly-released Driftwood Dry White claimed 4.5 stars in WINE magazine’s annual great white issue (November 2010). WINE’s panel assessed 131 white blends ranging from entry-level to ultra-premium and Driftwood came out tops in terms of affordable quality.  This outstanding value-for-money dry white blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon is available at R19.50 per bottle.

This year the 2009 River Grandeur Pinotage brought fame to the Robertson valley by being the only Veritas double gold medal winner from this region.  Out of 1 733 entries only 64 supreme wines and brandies now wear the coveted double gold symbol of top quality and lovers of Viljoensdrift wines can be on the lookout for their favourite wine sporting a double gold sticker.

The outstanding 2009 River Grandeur Pinotage and 2008 River Grandeur Shiraz was recently honoured with a gold medal each at this year’s 14th annual Michelangelo International Wine Awards held in Stellenbosch. Their flagship River Grandeur range pays tribute to the magnificent Breede River, the life-blood of the farm, and includes supreme whites and reds.