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DECEMBER 2023
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‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE MALTY Spoil the whisky lover in your life this festive season with one of these tantalising tipples. By ANTHONY SHARPE
EDAIG 18-YEAR-OLD SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY With a population of fewer than 3 000 permanent residents, the Isle of Mull in Scotland is home to four castles and two distilleries. Tobermory Distillery, perched on the seafront in the picturesque little town from which it takes its name, produces this extraordinary, extra-peaty single malt, ageing it in sherry casks to imbue it with fruity, nutty layers that offset its rich smokiness. There’s orange peel, tobacco, coffee and peat smoke on the palate with a liquorice and peat smoke finish (seriously, this is very peaty stuff). Did we mention that the Whisky Exchange named it their Whisky of the Year 2023? RRP: R1 700
A gorgeous deep amber whisky decked out in red and gold, The Accord just looks festive. It tastes like it too, with a juicy red berry flavour complemented by a comforting butterscotch. Tell the recipient it’s made by combining whiskies matured in American oak bourbon casks and Oloroso sherry casks, and they’ll figure you did your research. Tell them it was rated one of the world’s finest at the 2023 International Whisky Competition, and they’ll feel just plain special. RRP: R1 800
For that special someone who likes a little more Murica in their tipple, there’s one of the finest bourbons on the market. Blanton’s has had a reputation for producing consistently delicious bourbon for years, maturing it in a heat-trapping warehouse that speeds up the ageing process. The result is a well-rounded spirit with fruit, caramel, dark tobacco and wood on the nose, more caramel on the palate along with vanilla and a healthy dose of smoky rye spice, and a sweet heat that lingers in your mouth after every sip. The bottle will also stand out on your shelf like an ornament. RRP: R720
KAVALAN SOLIST PORT SINGLE CASK STRENGTH SINGLE MALT When you think of proud whisky-producing nations, Taiwan probably doesn’t top the list. But thanks to Taiwanese distiller Kavalan, it should. This port cask beauty was the only non-Irish whisky awarded platinum this year by the Beverage Testing Institute. Light amber, medium-full in body, both fruity and savoury and with a finish that lingers longer than the wrapping paper all over the lounge floor, this is a hefty whisky with an equally hefty price tag for the real aficionado. RRP: R4 499
BOPLAAS SINGLE MALT 6-YEAR-OLD SINGLE CASK (VINTAGE PORT CASK) There was a time when more patriotic whisky drinkers were confined to products from the James Sedgwick distillery (none of which are to be sniffed at), but no more. Calitzdorp’s Boplaas has been honing its craft for the past 10 years, and celebrated that fact this year with the release of its second single malt. If you’d previously only heard of Boplaas for their delectable port, you might be interested to know this single malt has the distinction of being one of the few whiskies in the world matured in casks once used for port made by the same producer. RRP: R1 200
Images: Supplied
GLENMORANGIE THE ACCORD 12 YEAR OLD
BLANTON’S ORIGINAL SINGLE BARREL BOURBON
Not For Persons Under The Age Of 18.
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STRAUSS & CO ADVERTORIAL
SOUTH AFRICAN FINE WINE ENHANCES PORTFOLIO GROWTH A recent study by Stellenbosch University reveals that “South African wines could serve as a valuable addition to a broader investment strategy”, writes STRAUSS & CO
Roland Peens and Higgo Jacobs, wine specialists.
CONSTRUCTING THE TOP 10 WINE INDEX
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It was founded in 2019 by Wine Cellar Fine Wine Merchants, sommelier Higgo Jacobs and Africa’s leading art auction house, Strauss & Co. Wine Cellar stores over 500 000 bottles of fine wine in professional conditions in Cape Town and has been offering wine investment portfolios since 2018.
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Transactions from Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auctions and Wine Cellar’s brokerage platform provided meaningful data for the South African secondary market for the first time. The SA Top 10 Fine Wine Index was constructed and analysed (with wines selected based on liquidity and scores) along with the Liv-ex Fine Wine 100
ABOUT STRAUSS & CO FINE WINE AUCTIONS
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UNPACKING THE VALUE OF WINE INVESTMENT
– the international benchmark index of the world’s most traded fine wines. Employing a repeat-sales, regression methodology with modern portfolio theory, a portion of both the Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 and the SA Top 10 Fine Wine Index increased growth rate and decreased portfolio volatility. “Wine generally contributes positively to portfolio growth and risk-adjusted returns, as evidenced by the growth rate,” concludes the University of Stellenbosch study. It follows international wine investment studies that examined data from the United States, Australia, Bordeaux and internationally through Liv-ex – the global marketplace for the wine trade. These revealed that wine prices were generally uncorrelated to the stock market and outperform bonds and often equities. Wine is less liquid than other assets, however, and therefore prices can be more stable over longer periods. Other studies also revealed that producer, reputation and critic ratings were important to price growth. “The wine market has received attention not only from the stakeholders (producers and consumers), but also from the financial world, particularly from speculators and fund managers specialised in alternative investment,” says researcher and author Dr Mesias Alfeus, lecturer of statistics and actuarial science at Stellenbosch University. “Notably, we have found that the inclusion of wines effectively contributes to risk reduction and portfolio diversification. These favourable outcomes suggest that South African wines could serve as a valuable addition to a broader investment strategy.”
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hile South Africa has a small fine wine market, the Cheers to Enhanced Portfolio Performance: Wine as a Unique Asset Class study has found that South African fine wine has a favourable influence on portfolio growth and diversification. The study recognises the positive value of wine as an alternative asset class. Fine wine has gained popularity as an alternative investment over the past two decades as trading platforms have developed, increasing market information and liquidity. “Fine wines are those that trade on the secondary market. The consumer finds value in holding onto fine wines rather than drinking them immediately. Fine wines are long-term assets, priced in hard currency,” explains Roland Peens, director of Wine Cellar, CEO of Wine Business Advisors, and Strauss & Co wine specialist. The global fine wine market is estimated at over R100-billon, and the trend is driven by an increase in high-net-worth individuals, globalisation and liquidity. The study aimed to develop a Top 10 index and analyse its impact on an investment portfolio. This comprises the most liquid, high-scoring wines from South Africa.
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The SA Top 10 Wine Index was constructed according to liquidity, by both volume and value, as well as a five-year average of Tim Atkin MW scores. Considering 2 756 transactions, two-thirds of which were for red wine, it resulted in the SA Top 10 Fine Wine Index: Sadie Family Columella, Kanonkop Paul Sauer, Porseleinberg, Klein Constantia Vin de Constance, Sadie Family Palladius, Meerlust Rubicon, Boekenhoutskloof Syrah, Vilafonté Series C, Sadie Family Skurfberg, and Alheit Family Makstok. Wines within the index have returned 80-plus per cent over four years, taking into consideration storage and brokerage fees.
Not For Persons Under The Age Of 18.
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SUMMER W INES
SUMMER PAIRINGS Like wine and good food? Well, we asked our connoisseurs to pair a great Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé with the perfect summer seafood dishes for you to enjoy LOZÄRN WINES CARMÉNÈRE ROSÉ
Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc
DURBANVILLE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023
Lozärn Wines’ Carménère Rosé
EXPERIENCE ERNIE ELS WINERY
The tasting room at Ernie Els Wines.
Situated in the renowned Golden Triangle of Stellenbosch, Ernie Els Winery first opened its doors in 2005. Almost two decades later, it still captures the essence of the Helderberg. Winemaker Louis Strydom’s fondness for Cabernet Sauvignon wines and blends made the location a natural choice. Ernie Els agrees, adding: “The recent renovations of the winery make it a go-to destination for wine lovers and it’s certainly one of the highlights of my off-season.” The winery experience begins as you approach the grand granite boulders at the entrance and continues through to the tasting room and restaurant and the not-to-be-missed trophy room, which showcases the accomplishments of the golfing legend, and a visit to the modern Vinotheque where older vintages are all available for purchase. For further information visit www.ernieelswines.com
Pairing the cool climate elegance of Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc 2023 with a seafood symphony promises a memorable dining experience. This white wine, graced with citrus, green apple, and herbal nuances, provides a harmonious companion for zesty prawns, Saldanha Bay mussels and a vinaigrette rocket salad. Commence with succulent zesty prawns, kissed by the grill and bathed in a citrus-infused marinade. The wine’s citrus notes complement the prawns’ tangy flavours, creating a lively duet on the palate. Meanwhile, the green apple undertones provide a delicate sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the prawn’s savoury profile. Saldanha Bay mussels, steamed in an aromatic broth, find their perfect partner in this cool-climate wine. Its herbal hints complement the mussels’ briny character, infusing each bite with a fresh and invigorating quality. The vinaigrette rocket salad, with its crisp and refreshing demeanour, completes this gastronomic ensemble. The wine’s acidity and herbal notes elegantly mingle with the salad’s vinaigrette, accentuating the peppery zest of the rocket. In this culinary and vinous journey, the Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc 2023 shines as the cool climate virtuoso, elevating the distinct qualities of each dish while imparting its vivacious coastal spirit to the overall experience. It’s a celebration of South African coastal cuisine, perfectly complemented by this exceptional wine.
Images: Supplied
What’s all this about Carménère? The variety’s spiritual home is the Médoc region of Bordeaux. Since then, it has spread to many other famous wine regions. In South Africa, Wikipedia specifically names Lozärn Wines as “the champion” for Carménère. Doornbosch Farm is ideal for Carménère, which thrives at higher altitudes that experience long, warm summers. Very much like the other Bordeaux cultivars, it produces methoxypyrazine, which can easily overpower the wine. Warmer sites reduce this possibility, so the Robertson Wine Valley and shale hillocks around Bonnievale are a great fit. It’s the reason Carménère is the foundation of the Lozärn portfolio. Here’s what everyone needs: a simple pairing of prawn, coconut and tomato curry. It’ll take just 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. The reason it works well with the Carménère Rosé is the meeting of spice aromatics prevalent in both the dish and the wine, and the wine’s balanced acidity and notes of juicy berries.
Not For Persons Under The Age Of 18.
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EXPLORE AN OLDER VINTAGE The 2023 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 have been announced, and no fewer than seven of them are from the 2022 vintage. According to the judging panel of the 2023 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10, wine lovers should take a second look – and taste – of Sauvignon Blanc from older vintages, and should also look again at wooded styles. No fewer than seven of the 2023 Top 10 are from the 2022 vintage, confirming the excellent ageing potential of South Africa’s Sauvignon Blancs. The winning Top 10, in alphabetical order, are: • • • • • • • • • •
Download the FNB Top 10 tasting notes
De Grendel Koetshuis 2022 (wooded) Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2023 (unwooded) Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (wooded) Le Grand Domaine Our Origin The Pledge Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (unwooded) Nitida Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (unwooded) Spier Seaward Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (unwooded) Stark-Condé Round Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (wooded) Steenberg The Black Swan 2022 (unwooded) Tokara Reserve Collection Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (wooded) Zorgvliet Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (unwooded)
www.sauvignonblanc.com
info@sauvignonblanc.com
Buy the FNB Top 10 collection
+27 (82) 808 1114
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