PRESS RELEASE: CHARCUTERIE SPECIALIST TEAMS UP WITH VAN RYN’S DISTILLERY

CHARCUTERIE SPECIALIST TEAMS UP WITH VAN RYN’S DISTILLERY

Van Ryn’s Distillery near Stellenbosch has extended its brandy and food pairing options to include a new charcuterie platter of artisanal, organically-cured meats made by Steve Jeffery.

Using some recipes passed down in his family over nine generations, Jeffery supplies just a handful of specialty outlets with his hand-made, preservative-free meats that he produces from his own organically-farmed livestock.

He has selected three meats to complement three brandies produced by the distillery, a five-year-old, a ten-year-old and a 15-year-old. They are the superbly matured Viceroy Five Year Old, a delicately balanced combination of fruit and wood; the internationally awarded Van Ryn’s 10 Year Old Vintage Brandy, with its heady aroma of ripe pears, almonds and tastes of tobacco, malt and coffee; as well as another regular gold medallist abroad, Van Ryn’s Fine Cask Reserve 15 Year Old potstill, widely appreciated for its honey, citrus fruitiness and creamy palate. 

The meats are meant to be enjoyed with all three brandies, with patrons deciding which combination they like best.

Jeffery’s three meats are a bauernspeck, made from pork belly dry-cured with salt, juniper berries and bay leaves and then smoked over oak; pancetta, also made from pork belly but from which the fat has been mostly removed and then dry-cured with salt and pepper, after which it is pressed to dry and then hung to mature; and bresoala, made from a thick flank of beef, dry-cured in a press with salt and then hung to mature.

Says Van Ryn’s Gerhard du Toit: “The three brandies provide a delicious counterpoint to the smoky flavours of the three meats and express once again how versatile brandy can be.”

The new pairing option, designed for the more savoury-toothed, is available at a cost of R50 a serving.  Van Ryn’s also presents the 15 Year Old potstill, served with a trio of brownie, blondie and honey squares at R45 per person, as well as a brandy, chocolate and coffee combination at R60 a head, featuring the 12, 15 and 20 year-old potstills -  all international medalists - with a chocolate to complement each, rounded off with a single-estate Honduran coffee.  These offerings are exclusive to the distillery.

The five-star distillery, last year a national winner in the SA Tourism Welcome Awards, is open every day over the summer, including Sundays.  For trading and tour times, visit www.vanryn.co.za.

DATE             JULY 20, 2010

ISSUED BY   DKC (DE KOCK COMMUNICATIONS)

FOR                VAN RYN’S COLLECTION RESERVE

QUERIES       KARL SCHUTTE, VAN RYN’S MARKETING MANAGER OR

GERHARD DU TOIT, VAN RYN’S BRAND MANAGER

(021) 809 7000 (SWITCHBOARD)

TESSA DE KOCK/MARLISE POTGIETER, DKC (021) 422 2690      

PRESS RELEASE: GOLDEN SUMMER CONTINUES FOR VAN RYN’S

GOLDEN SUMMER CONTINUES FOR VAN RYN’S

After winning two gold medals on the recent International Spirits Challenge ISC) in London, the distillery near Stellenbosch, has just returned with three best-in-class scores, two gold and three silver medals on the International Wine & Spirits Challenge (IWSC), also in London.

The Van Ryn’s 12 Year Old Distillers Reserve, the most decorated brandy in the Collection Reserve portfolio took gold and the top score in its category, while Van Ryn’s Fine Cask Reserve, a 2010 ISC gold medallist, also returned with a gold medal and best marks in its class.

The judges described the 12 Year old as having a “very attractive nose (that) simply oozes fine quality with aromatics of maturity, alongside a tremendous array floral and perfumed notes and a whole range of dried fruits.  (Its) mouth lives up to … the nose…and delivers even more.”  The 15 Year Old is called “glorious” with a “nose filled (with a) complex composition of ripe fruit, dried fruit, spice” and as having a “big, rich, full-flavoured mouth with fine satin texture and great balance.”

The Van Ryn’s 10 Year Old Vintage brandy came back with the top score in its class as well as a silver medal, following its gold on this year’s ISC.

The Van Ryn’s 20 Year Old Collectors Reserve earned silver.

Van Ryn’s has won the Worldwide Best Brandy award three times on the IWSC, and twice on the ISC.

DATE             JULY 29, 2010

ISSUED BY   DKC (DE KOCK COMMUNICATIONS)

FOR                VAN RYN’S COLLECTION RESERVE

QUERIES       GERHARD DU TOIT, VAN RYN’S BRAND MANAGER (021) 809 7000

TESSA DE KOCK/MARLISE POTGIETER, DKC (021) 422 2690         

Press release: TWO OCEANS FLAGGED BY NORTH AMERICAN CRITICS FOR GREAT VALUE

TWO OCEANS FLAGGED BY NORTH AMERICAN CRITICS FOR GREAT VALUE

Two Oceans, an established favourite of the Canadians, is increasingly tripping off the tongues of the Americans, following rave reviews that also highlight the brand’s exceptional value.

The most recent accolades include an A rating from authoritative magazine, Wine Enthusiast, with a Best Buy recommendation in its September 2010 issue for the 2009 Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc and an A+ score for the 2009 Two Oceans Shiraz from well-known wine writer, critic and blogger, Natalie MacLean, who describes the wine as a “Good Value Pick”.

The latest recommendations co-incide with soaring sales in the US, as well as ongoing global growth for the brand, in defiance of the protracted recession.

Earlier vintages of both wines have also been positively reviewed by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, receiving A+ scores, while noted for their outstanding value.

Wine Enthusiast describes the Sauvignon blanc as “nice and fresh” with “notes of tropical fruit, ripe gooseberry, tangerine and sweet grass supported by pineapple acidity. (It is) balanced and easy to drink with a crisp, clean finish.”

The same wine also comes in for an A+ rating from veteran Canadian critic, Anthony  Gismondi likes its “fresh, bright green fruit nose with bits of honey and an undercurrent of grass.”  He also “love(s) the balance and fruit not too sweet not too bitter and the light passion fruit finish” and praises its ability to “over deliver(s) for the price.

MacLean praises the Shiraz for its “juicy purple plums, blueberries and blackberries with a supple, smooth texture.”

Spokesperson for the brand, Carlen Groenewald says the consistency of good reviews in North America that focus simultaneously on quality and value, has helped to build the Two Oceans profile in one of its most important sales regions.  “For the majority of winelovers, especially when choosing easy-drinking, everyday wines, top quality is not enough.  Demonstrable value is a critical factor driving purchasing decisions. With leading opinion-formers continuously focusing on the Two Oceans combination of great taste and value, the brand is able to stand out in a highly competitive arena.”

She adds that Two Oceans remains the top-selling South African wine brand in Canada, while sales in key markets such as the UK, Germany, Holland, Europe, Latin America and Africa are robustly on the rise.

Locally, she says, there has been continued critical affirmation of the wines in the range: “In addition to the regularly published good ratings, in a recent blind tasting conducted in South Africa, involving a panel of  journalists and a wine adviser to one of the leading supermarket chains, these same two wines, when appraised alongside similarly priced wines produced in South Africa, as well as Australia and the US, received a big thumbs-up from the majority, for their superior taste.”

In South Africa, Two Oceans whites sell for around R26 and reds for R28.

DATE                         AUGUST 4, 2010

ISSUED BY               DKC (DE KOCK COMMUNICATIONS   

FOR                            TWO OCEANS WINES

QUERIES                   CARLEN GROENEWALD, DISTELL GENERAL MARKETING MANAGER: WINES +27 21 809 7000 or 082 371 1997

                                    TESSA DE KOCK/MARLISE POTGIETER, DKC + 27 21 4222690

First the Vuvuzela, now the AmaShibobo

Its been a long time since I had a shooter of anything other than tequila so I was intrigued to try the AmaShibobo, a World Cup special shooter creation from Distell, in funky soccer ball shape glasses. 

Individually the Amarula drink is the most popular of the trio of Amarula, Peppermint Liqueur and Nachtmusik, the chocolate drink that goes well with coffee and a favourite with locals and tourists.

Not having floated anything other than cream on an Irish coffee for a while, it took me a few attempts to get the green, gold and brown liquids perfect in the glass, but the end result, in taste and appearance, was very good. I enjoyed the combination of the creaminess of the Amarula and the Nachtmusik with the fresh, herbal flavours of the peppermint liqueur.

The shooter can be enjoyed anytime and the individual drinks are not out of place in any bar. Your World Cup soccer experience will be improved with this drink - even if your team is not playing too well.

Viva Bafana. Viva AmaShibobo.

Here is the official press release:

AMARULA SHOOTS FOR THE STARS AHEAD OF 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP ™

Two’s company and three’s a crowd, which is exactly what you want when festivity is in the air.  Amarula, known globally as the spirit of Africa, is celebrating the continent’s hosting of the biggest sporting event in the world with a three-in-one soccer shooter, AmaShibobo.  Created to mark the tournament, it is made by mixing equal parts of Amarula Cream with Nachtmusik and Oude Meester Peppermint Liqueur.

Says brand manager Lynette Harris: “Ideally you should use a shot glass. Start by pouring the Nachtmusik, follow with the Oude Meester Peppermint Liqueur and top off with the Amarula to create a beautifully layered drink.  First you will encounter the decadently delicious and creamy fusion of marula fruit and fresh cream, that’s reminiscent of vanilla, citrus and exotic spice.  It will be lifted by fresh, tangy peppermint flavours and rounded off with the rich, smooth taste of chocolate.

“A true mark of hospitality that’s impressive to look at and absolutely sensational on the palate, AmaShibobo makes a great way of toasting the teams and enjoying the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, regardless of who takes home the trophy.”

In an agreement with FIFA, Amarula is entitled to market a limited-edition 750 ml pack to commemorate South Africa’s hosting of the games.  On sale now, it is available nationwide and retails for around R85 a bottle.

For further information on Amarula Cream please visit www.amarula.com and on the Amarula Trust www.amarulatrust.com  

Classy winery and classy wines in the heart of Cape Town

Jean-Vincent Ridon - JV to his mates - makes some awesome wines. We shared a glass or two of his wines on Monday evening when I popped in to his new wine venture in the City Center. With food from HQ and Caveau, two of the best foodie places in Cape Town and JV and his business partner Kyle sorting out the wines, the Signal Hill City winery is going to be a winner. There is so much going on and JV and Kyle are great hosts.

If you love wine, this is the place for you. If you love wine and food, pitch a tent outside. It really is that good.

SIGNAL HILL, THE CITY WINERY

Reuniting the city of Cape Town with its glorious past of growing vines and producing wine, Signal Hill Winery is opening its new micro experimental winery to the public, in Heritage Square. This historic building dates back to 1771, and is in the very heart of the city.

Established in 1997, Signal Hill Winery re-ignited the flame that was lit 350 years ago, putting the South African wine industry onto a path made of honourable tradition and innovative experimentation, in the process of creating wines celebrated both in South Africa and internationally.

Under the management of Kyle Zulch, and JV Ridon, both renowned winemakers, Signal Hill winery is offering "première" wines, and unmatchable experiences - from exotic cultivars, to rejuvenated ancient methods, and a new generation of world class wines nurtured and carefully crafted with passion and hedonism.

The new interactive winery will offer barrel tastings, blending classes, sparkling wine disgorgement classes, and tutored wine tastings. Depending on the season, visitors will be able to participate in the harvest activities of the city vineyards, the crushing and pressing of the grapes in a traditional wood basket-press and assist with racking or bottling of some of Signal Hill’s iconic wines.

But to make the experience truly unforgettable, Signal Hill Winery is welcoming wine lovers to its wine bar and restaurant. Signal Hill wines along with other internationally acclaimed wines will be available to match the most exciting foods. Grenache Blanc with tuna sashimi, Petit Verdot with a grilled grain fed beef sirloin or the very rare Camps Bay wine with a paired creation of our chefs

Open 11:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday, and 12:00 to 17:00 on Saturday, Signal Hill Winery will also be offering exclusive wine dinners with the celebrity Sommelier Jorg Pfüzner, from Fine Wine Events. These small dinners inside the winery, will be based on rare and vintage wines, paired with the creativity of our chefs. These exclusive events will be offered to Signal Hill faithful supporters, and will include mind blowing rarities... The coming months events will be based around 1923 Romanée Saint Vivant from Burgundy, or 1947 Clos d'Eglise from Pomerol, not mentioning 1950 Barsac Sauterne or 1957 Chateauneuf du Pape, specially flown from collectors' European cellars.

During the harvest season, the City Vineyards Festival will take place on Heritage Square, and the grapes from Signal Hill Winery’s vineyards in Oranjezicht, Camps Bay and Kalk Bay will be pressed on our premises and be open to the public. This will allow all wine lovers to grab a magical touch of the harvest, in the heart of the city, as it first happened in February 1659, a few blocks away from our historic winery. As a journey into the past, the oldest known fruit bearing vine of the Southern Hemisphere, believed to have survived since the 18th century, will be harvested by Signal Hill’s team of winemakers, and handcrafted into a legacy wine, a living legend.

Learn more about Signal Hill tastings and experiences on our website, www.winery.co.za and join us - For an educational wine tasting, a teasing glass of wine with friends or a full food and wine pairing moment led by our winemakers for a more personal touch - something unique in the wine world..

Signal Hill winery is located 100 Shortmarket street, Heritage Square, Cape Town. For more information: info@winery.co.za

Bushmills strikes gold in San Francisco

Irish Whiskey was named as the world’s fastest growing international spirits category by IWSR (2008).
• Results for Bushmills at 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition:
o Bushmills 1608 - Double Gold and named Best Irish Whiskey
o Bushmills Black Bush - Double Gold
o Bushmills Original - Gold
o Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt - Gold
o Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt - Gold
o Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt - Gold
• Results for Bushmills at 2010 World Whiskies Awards:
o Bushmills Black Bush named Best Irish Blended Whiskey (no age)
o Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt named World’s Best Irish Single Malt Whiskey
o Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt named Best Irish Single Malt Whiskey (13 – 20 year old)

Bushmills Irish Whiskey is celebrating after sweeping the board at the prestigious 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. As well as winning Best Irish Whiskey, the Bushmills range picked up two double gold and four gold accolades, making Bushmills one of the few international spirit brands ever to scoop 100% gold in the international competition. This comes hot on the heels of the range winning three World Whiskies Awards in London earlier this year.

Now in its tenth year, The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the largest and most respected spirits competitions in the world - attracting more than one thousand entries from around the globe. Bushmills took home top awards for its entire range of Irish Whiskies, with the Black Bush and 1608 blends each claiming double gold and Bushmills Original and the 10, 16 and 21 Year Old Single Malt Whiskies all winning gold. Bushmills 1608 was also named Best Irish Whiskey.

Colum Egan, Bushmills Master Distiller, said: “This is an incredible achievement for Bushmills. We like to think that we make the world’s finest Irish whiskey – it’s great to hear that the experts share that opinion and the team at the distillery are absolutely thrilled. We’ll definitely be cracking open a bottle and raising a glass to celebrate our wins!”

In February, at the London ceremony of the 2010 World Whiskies Awards, Bushmills Black Bush was named Best Irish Blended Whiskey (no age), while Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt was named World’s Best Irish Single Malt Whiskey and Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt was named Best Irish Single Malt Whiskey in the 13 – 20 year old category.

“The awards are further recognition of the outstanding quality of Bushmills,” said Sarah Miles, Bushmills Global Brand Director. “It’s a real achievement to be placed at the forefront of the fastest growing international spirits category in the world today. Irish whiskey is obviously a competitive market and so we’re delighted that the excellence of our liquid has been recognised by our peers.”

Colum Egan added, “We like to think that we know a good bit about making whiskey, since it’s been made in the Bushmills area for more than 400 years. And this year the global search for someone to ‘Make it at Bushmills’ opens the doors of the distillery to one lucky winner who will work alongside me for 30 days to learn the secrets that make Bushmills the award-winning Irish whiskey it is today.”

•

Bourbon and Tequila confusion

I enjoy Maker's Mark Bourbon. I enjoy Cuervo Tequila. But I have never confused the two. Diageo stopped using the red wax seal six years ago, but what does this mean to some of the smaller wine producers who use the wax seal and other spirits producers? Maker's Mark is a great Bourbon, but I wonder what the point was of this litigation?




SAN FRANCISCO, April 5 (Reuters) - Fortune Brands Inc's (FO.N) Maker's Mark brand has won a ruling in U.S. district court in Kentucky that prohibits Jose Cuervo International and distributor Diageo (DGE.L) from using a dripping red wax seal on its tequila bottles, the company said on Monday.

Maker's Mark, a premium brand of bourbon, is topped off with red wax in a design that is "off limits to our competitors," said Maker's Mark President Bill Samuels in a statement.

The ruling prohibits Jose Cuervo International Inc, its affiliates and the company's U.S. distributor, Diageo North America, from the infringing use, Fortune said.

Diageo said it had voluntarily ceased using the wax seal over six years ago, ajavascript:void(0)dding in a statement that neither it nor Cuervo had been found liable for monetary damages.

Federal Judge John G. Heyburn III issued an injunction against future use, finding that consumers could be confused about Cuervo products, given the similar seal. (