Featured Wine – Rietvallei Sauvignon Blanc
Forming part of our Classic Collection, the Rietvallei Sauvignon Blanc 2021 offers a versatile, refreshing white. It is a crisp, zesty wine that is perfect for summer. This wine has won numerous accolades in the past year alone, including the 2021 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards: Gold and the 2020 Winemag Sauvignon Blanc Report: Top 10 Status for the 2020 edition. Previous editions have been equally acclaimed, making this a popular choice for wine enthusiasts.
Sauvignon Blanc is produced from green-skinned grapes. The varietal originates from the Bordeaux region of France. Today, it is produced in top wine-growing destinations around the globe, including South Africa. Keep reading to find out more about the Rietvallei Sauvignon Blanc.
Rietvallei Sauvignon Blanc
Whether you are a wine enthusiast with a growing collection of fine wines or someone who simply enjoys good wine, Rietvallei Sauvignon Blanc is always a winner. This wine is versatile and easy to drink.
Its notes include fruits such as passion fruit and grapefruit, with grassy undertones and a hint of capsicum. On the palate, you will taste lingering flavours of minerals and green fig. Despite being a dry white, this wine is well-rounded and smooth. A well-balanced wine, it is not overly acidic. This makes it an excellent choice for those who aren’t overly fond of very dry wines, without adding too much sweetness that ruins its refreshing crispness.
As far as pairings go, a good Sauvignon Blanc is ideally enjoyed with seafood, fish, salads or chicken. It also goes well with smoked foods. Its refreshing notes make it a great choice for braais, lunches, brunches or other light meals. It can be paired with many cheese types, from cheddar to gouda or goats cheese.
To enjoy this wine to its fullest, serve chilled. Along with the Rietvallei Sauvignon Blanc 2021, you can also find additional Sauvignon Blanc editions in our Heritage, Burger Family Vineyards and John B collections.
4 Reasons to Visit the Rietvallei Wine Estate
Situated in the scenic Robertson Wine Valley, Rietvallei Wine Estate offers the ideal destination for a day trip. This estate has a long heritage dating back to 1864 when it was purchased by Alewyn Burger for his son Jacobus Francois. Pioneering wine farmer Koos Burger farmed the estate for many years. In 1908, at the age of 70, he planted a Muscadel vineyard on the farm, which would become one of the oldest of its kind in South Africa. Over 150 years of family ownership makes the estate one that is rooted in history and tradition.
Today, six generations later, Rietvallei Wine Estate has become one of the country’s producers of award-winning wines, with collections catering to every taste. Visitors to the estate can enjoy the beauty of the Robertson Valley, while savouring fine wines, sumptuous cheeses and decadent chocolate.
Why Visit the Rietvallei Wine Estate?
Here are just some of the things to experience on a visit to Rietvallei Wine Estate.
Wine tastings
Needless to say, wine tastings are the highlight of any visit to the estate. The estate produces four distinctive collections, amounting to over 20 different wine labels. Whether you are partial to crisp whites or you can’t resist a full-bodied red, you will find a selection of award-winning wines to sample. All wines are available to sample. Tasting fees vary according to the collection. Fees will be voided on the purchase of 6 bottles of wine in the relevant selection.
Rietvallei Heritage Collection: R100
Rietvallei Classic Selection: R50
Burger Family Vineyards: R30
John B: R30
Cheese Platters
Cheese and wine go hand in hand. Savour a combination of fresh, aged, soft, and hard cheeses that are served with fresh fruit, biscuits, cold meats, and condiments. You can enjoy these platters along with your wine tasting to find the perfect pairing. Bookings are advised to ensure that platters are fresh and ready for you to sample on arrival.
Cheese platter for 2: R250
Chocolate Pairing
Indulge your tastebuds in fine Belgian chocolate, with 6 wines in the Rietvallei Classic Collection served with uniquely crafted chocolate pieces. This experience is a must for every chocolate lover.
R150 per person
Of course, these are just a few reasons to visit the estate. Along with these signature activities, you will also have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking surrounds of Rietvallei Wine Estate, enjoy the fresh air of the Robertson Valley and escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day to remember.
Children / Child Friendly
Children have ample space on the lush open lawns to play crochet, kick a ball around and other games. You can sit back and relax with your children in sight at all times. Juices and pizza are also available.
Summer Wine Pairing with Rietvallei Wine Estate
Find the perfect wine to complement your meals with the summer wine pairing tips from Rietvallei Wine Estate. As the weather gets warmer, outdoor dining, lighter meals and white wine varietals become par for the course. Whether you are looking for wine ideas for your braais, deciding on the perfect white for your family brunch or choosing something refreshing that pairs with seafood, our summer wine pairing guide will help you find the right wine.
Summer Wine Pairing Guide
In this summer wine pairing guide, we will be featuring a selection of white wines that are made for lazy summer days and warm evenings. Here are some ideas of how to pair your favourite whites.
Sauvignon Blanc
This wine is crisp and refreshing. It is made from green-skinned grapes. Typical notes include passion fruit, citrus, grass, tropical fruits, green fig, and, in some wines, touches of spicy capsicum. As a light wine, it pairs best with chicken, seafood, fish, salads, and soft flavoursome cheeses such as goats cheese, feta or ricotta. Rietvallei Sauvignon Blancs include the Estéanna Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Rietvallei Classic Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Burger Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2020, and John B Sauvignon Blanc 2021.
Chardonnay
There are two types of chardonnay – wooded and unwooded. Some are more buttery while others are crisp. This wine varietal is one of the most popular types in the world. It is also one of the best wines to pair with seafood dishes of all kinds, shellfish to grilled seafood or fish cooked on the braai. It also pairs well with chicken, light pasta dishes, and salads. As a versatile wine, Chardonnay pairs well with everything from fresh cheeses to aged gruyere or gouda. Top Rietvallei picks include the JMB Chardonnay 2020, Classic Chardonnay 2020, Burger Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2021, and, for a sparkling varietal, the John B Brut Chardonnay 2021.
Looking for more pairing ideas? View our food pairing and recipes page to find the ideal summer wine pairing with Rietvallei Wine Estate.
Rietvallei strikes Gold at Veritas
Rietvallei Estate is continuing its run of clinching awards in premier wine competitions, now boasting a Double Gold and Gold award at the Veritas Awards 2021.
Receiving these coveted medals during the awards function at the stylish Val de Vie Estate Polo Club in Paarl on Saturday, were the JMB Chardonnay 2020 (Double Gold) and Estéanna Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot 2009 (Gold).
This follows on the Estate recently clinching six Gold medals at the Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards and earlier also being named as national winners for both Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc categories at the Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards and winning both the trophies for SA Terroir Top Estate and Top Producer.
The Veritas Awards had almost 1 300 entries, judged by a jury of 64 specialists during a five-day blind tasting session. Chardonnay was highly competitive with 93 entries, while Red Blends received the most entries, namely 166.
- Rietvallei JMB Chardonnay 2020 is from a single vineyard – full-bodied and complex, the result of fermentation in 300-litre French oak barrels and a further eight months of maturation on the lees. It is part of the Estate’s top-tiered, limited edition Heritage Collection portfolio.
- Rietvallei Estéanna 2009 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Full-bodied and well-rounded after maturation of 24 months in new 300-litre French oak barrels, with the structure to mature for a good ten years plus. Big, literally and figuratively, in a magnum bottle also part of the Estate’s Heritage Collection.
Rietvallei Wine Showcase – The Heritage Collection
The Rietvallei Heritage Collection comprises a selection of our award-winning wines that are deeply rooted in our heritage. Quantities are limited in this bespoke range, making it even more special. From full-bodied reds to unique blends and versatile whites, the Rietvallei Heritage Collection has something for every wine enthusiast.
Introducing the Rietvallei Heritage Collection
The Rietvallei Heritage Collection includes the following fine wines.
Rietvallei Estate 2016
The Rietvallei Estate 2016 has a unique blend of 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Shiraz 15% Petit Verdot, 12% Tinta Barocca, 12% Cinsault, 10% Roobernet and 3% Cabernet Franc, making it a versatile blend that pairs with a variety of dishes.
– 2021 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards: Gold
JMB Cabernet Franc 2016
The Rietvallei JMB Cabernet Franc 2016 is a full-bodied and complex wine, with notes of fruit and wood. Blackcurrant, plum, pencil shavings and spicy toasted oak are balanced by smooth tannins.
– 2021 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards: Gold
Estéanna Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot 2016
The Rietvallei Estéanna Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot 2016 offers a unique blend of varietals. This complex wine comprises 62% Cabernet Franc, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, with a fine balance of fruit and wood notes.
– 2021 National Wine Challenge: Top 100 & Double Platinum
Dark Cin (Cinsaut) 2019
Dark and decadent, the acclaimed Rietvallei Dark Cin (Cinsaut) 2019 lives up to its name. A deep plum-red, the wine blends notes of blackberry with chocolate, spice and smoke for an intense red that pairs well with rare ostrich fillet, venison roast or duck breast.
– 2021 National Wine Challenge: Double Gold
JMB Chardonnay 2020
The Rietvallei JMB Chardonnay 2020 is perfect for summer. Boasting a number of accolades, this complex, smooth white features a blend of citrus, spice and wood. It pairs perfectly with roast chicken, grilled duck or any creamy poultry or fish dish.
– 2021 Veritas Wine Awards: Double Gold
Estéanna Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Another great pick for summer, the Rietvallei Estéanna Sauvignon Blanc 2020 has the perfect balance of passion fruit, grapefruit, green fig and just a hint of capsicum. It is a full-bodied, barrel-fermented wine that is best served chilled.
– 2021 SA Terroir Wine Awards: National Winner, Top Sauvignon Blanc
1908 Muscadel 2018
With its deep red colour, the Rietvallei 1908 Muscadel 2018 is full-bodied and rich, with a gentle balance of sweetness and acidity. Floral notes are enhanced by a raisiny sweetness. This matured wine is ideal with cheese, aperitifs or desserts.
– 2021 National Wine Challenge: Top 100 & Double Platinum
Shop the Rietvallei Heritage Collection now to see what this sought-after selection of wines has to offer.
Rietvallei Estate maintains awards momentum at Michelangelo
Rietvallei Estate is continuing its spate of competition successes, having just clinched six gold medals at the 2021 Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards – with the Estate’s Heritage Collection leading the pack.
Its haul of gold medals announced this week, comprises Rietvallei Estate 2016, Rietvallei Estéanna Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Rietvallei JMB Cabernet Franc 2016, Rietvallei Sauvignon Blanc 2020, John B Cabernet Sauvignon Tinta Barocca 2020 and John B Sauvignon Blanc 2021.
These wines competed against close on 1 900 wine and spirits entries to this leading competition which this year included entries from various countries in Eastern Europe, as well as Australia, Switzerland, Kenya, Zambia, Namibia and the UK.
The well-awarded Rietvallei Estéanna Sauvignon Blanc excelled in the cultivar category with the second highest number of entries, namely 153, after Shiraz with 160.
This success follows on the heels of the same wine recently being named as a national winner at the 2021 Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards in addition to Rietvallei also walking away with the national winner for Chenin Blanc and both the trophies for SA Terroir Top Estate and Top Producer.
Said Kobus Burger, “What a pleasure to be riding on a wave of competition successes and recognition, and this over a wide style spectrum thanks to our incredible terroir diversity here in the majestic Robertson Valley.”
Rietvallei triumphs with top terroir wine traits
Rietvallei Wine Estate has received top honours at the 2021 Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards, winning both the trophies for SA Terroir Top Estate and Top Producer – thereby not only reaffirming its unique terroir traits for fine wine production, but also the Robertson winegrowing area’s growing stature as leading origin of fine wine.
Rietvallei was also named as national winners for the Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc categories and these winning wines were:
- Estéanna Sauvignon Blanc 2020, the estate’s predominant that has now for two years been produced in a true blanc fumé style, with barrel-fermentation and subtle wood-contact.
- Chenin Blanc 2020, a dry and fruity wine that has trumped in the category with most entries overall and is the most prolifically planted cultivar in South Africa.
Additionally, the estate also won Robertson’s District’s categories for Cabernet Franc (JMB Cabernet Franc 2016), Red Blend (Rietvallei Estate 2016), Sauvignon Blanc (Estéanna Sauvignon Blanc 2020), Chenin Blanc (Rietvallei Chenin Blanc 2020) and Muscadel (Rietvallei Muscadel 2018) at this year’s 16th annual Terroir Awards.
The Awards’ results were announced at Overture Restaurant in Hidden Valley, Stellenbosch, on Wednesday 22 September. The national winners of the Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards 2021; derive from 17 terrains across the Cape Winelands.
Said Kobus Burger, owner-winemaker of this 158 year-old wine estate, “We feel extremely honoured to have been awarded these two trophies at this year’s Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards. It’s gratifying to see our area and its terroir-driven wines increasingly being acknowledged among the country’s leading wine terrains with their incredible diversity.”
Ontmoet ons wynboere: Rietvallei hou vas aan sy familie
Rietvallei‑wynlandgoed het in 2014 ’n belangrike mylpaal bereik deur een van slegs ’n handjievol Suid-Afrikaanse wynlandgoedere te word om 150 jaar se eienaarskap onder een familie te vier. Hierdie wynlandgoed is nou in Kobus Burger se hande, wat die sesde geslag Burgers is om wyndruiwe te produseer.
Die plaas is in 1864 deur Alewyn Burger vir sy seun, Jacobus Francois, gekoop. Hy was ʼn gerekende baanbrekerwynboer en was 70 jaar oud toe hy in 1908 ’n muskadel-wingerd op die plaas gevestig het, wat vandag die oudste van sy soort in Suid-Afrika is. Hierdie wingerd bestaan uit bosstokke en is ongeveer 0,37 hektaar groot.
Rietvallei was ook een van die eerste wynplase wat in die pragtige Robertson-wynvallei gevestig is en lê in die Klaasvoogds-wyk, ’n gebied met eiesoortige grondstrukture en ʼn klimaat wat ideaal is vir die verbouing van wyndruiwe.
Die landgoed is 215 hektaar groot, waarvan 95 hektaar onder wingerd beplant is. Ander gewasse soos bloubessies en lusern word ook op die landgoed verbou.
Tans bestaan die wingerde uit 55% wit en 45% rooi kultivars wat hoofsaaklik saamgestel is uit sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, chenin blanc, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, shiraz en dan natuurlik die tradisionele rooi muskadel.
Nadat Kobus ʼn offisierskursus in die vloot en ʼn graad in meganiese ingenieurswese verwerf het, het hy in 2002 sy gewig agter sy pa, Johnny, ingegooi en by Rietvallei-landgoed se bemarking betrokke geraak. Hulle het besluit om van Distell, wat die landgoed se bemarking en verspreiding langer as 25 jaar gedoen het, weg te breek. In 2002 het Vinimark die nasionale verspreider van Rietvallei-landgoed geword.
In 2002 het Kobus ook die kuns van wynmaak aan die Bergkelder in Stellenbosch begin bemeester en in September is hy Frankryk toe waar hy tydens hul oestyd in Sancerre by die Henri Bourgeois-familiewynkelder gewerk het.
Kobus het sy eerste oes op Rietvallei saam met sy pa in 2003 meegemaak, wat hom die fynere vaardighede, wat eie aan die plaas is, geleer het. In 2004 was Kobus gereed om die wynmakery oor te neem terwyl sy pa begin het om hom op die boerdery toe te spits.
Kobus en sy vrou, Elizabeth, het vier kinders, twee dogters en tweelingseuns. Elizabeth is aktief betrokke by die onderneming en bestuur die herehuis en ander geriewe. Sy is ook die sjef wanneer spesiale gaste of internasionale agente op die plaas onthaal word.
Rietvallei se wingerde floreer in die skoon Karoo-lug wat vanuit die noorde oor die Langeberg na die kus beweeg. Dit gebeur ook dikwels vroeg in die oggend dat die wingerdstokke in mis gehul is terwyl ʼn somerbriesie weer van die kus af kom om die druiwe verder af te koel, sodat hulle stadig kan ryp word om ʼn voldoende suikerinhoud te ontwikkel.
Die grond op die landgoed is goed gedreineer en ryk aan kalk, met ’n hoë pH, wat ideaal vir wynbou is. Die grondsoorte wissel van rooi kalkagtige klei-leem, tot diep kalkleem, tot rotsagtige en selfs ook tot sanderige alluviale grond teen die banke van die Breërivier.
Soos die moderne neiging is, word ook so veel as moontlik organiese praktyke op Rietvallei toegepas. “Wanneer dit beskikbaar is, komposteer ons hoendermis en/of beesmis saam met ons druiwedoppe wat ons dan gedurende die wintermaande in die wingerde inwerk. Ongelukkig is die mis nie altyd beskikbaar nie, of net te duur om ekonomies sin te maak,” sê Kobus. “Derhalwe gebruik ons ook gewone kunsmis om aanvullings te doen.
“Ons pas voorkomende spuitprogramme toe vir witroes en donsskimmel, wat potensieel twee groot probleme vir wingerdboere in die Wes-Kaap is. Hoe natter die jaar is, hoe hoër is dié siektes se druklading, maar as jou voorkomende stelsels in plek is, is jy veilig.”
Bykomend tot die kompos spuit Kobus ook aanvullende blaarvoeding.
ʼn Gedeelte van Rietvallei se wingerd word meganies gesnoei met ʼn snoeiaanhangsel vooraan ʼn trekker en die oprankstelsels is spesiaal daarvoor aangepas. Hierdie boorde word ook meganies geoes.
Die ou muskadel bosstok-blok moet weer sagkens hanteer word en met die hand gesnoei word. Daar word ook ʼn graaf en skoffel ingespan om rondom skoon te maak. “Die blok was destyds baie groter, maar moes toenemend plek maak vir nuwe aanplantings en soms gaan daar oesjare verby wat daar niks geoes word nie, maar ons hou dit vir ʼn nalatenskap,” sê hy.
Rietvallei bied wyn vir elke klas koper aan, van hul Rietvallei Heritage- en Classic-versamelings tot die gewilde John B-handelsmerk.
Vanjaar het Kobus ook die mark met ʼn sak in ʼn boks binnegedring met die John B-reeks “Dit werk uitstekend vir restaurante wat wyn by die glas verkoop.”
Rietvallei bied verskillende opsies vir funksies met ’n mediumgrootte binnehof wat uitloop op die ruim stoep en weelderige grasperk. Dit kyk uit op ʼn pragtige tuin en bied ʼn asemrowende uitsig op die Langeberg. Daar is ook ʼn gesellige lapa met sy eie kroeg en ’n kaggel. Rietvallei kan ook konferensies en vergaderings vir tot 50 mense aanbied.
Wine Club Membership Benefits
Join the Rietvallei Wine Club to receive major discounts, earn redeemable points which can be spent in our online point shop or used towards your next order, be first to recieve the latest news from the farm, and get notified of our Wine Spotlight discounts where you receive between 25% to 35% discount! Being a wine club member has never been better.
Please see the below summary of how the memberships differ and how to qualify.
Basic Membership:
- Receive 10% discount with online purchases.
- Earn 2.5% points with online purchases.
- Periodically receive additional discounts on certain wines.
- Gain access to exclusive recipe videos.
- Free delivery on 12 bottles or more.
- Be the first to know about events and news from the farm.
How to Qualify:
- Visit this link https://rietvallei.co.za/wine-club and click on the REGISTER HERE button.
2. Spend R1000 or more in our online Wine Shop to receive lifetime Basic Membership.
3. Your membership will be made active and all your benefits will automatically be applied to future purchases.
Premium Membership:
- Receive 20% discount with online purchases.
- Earn 10% points with online purchases.
- Receive larger discounts on certain wines more often.
- Gain access to exclusive recipe videos.
- Free delivery on 12 bottles or more.
- Be the first to know about events and news from the farm.
How to Qualify:
- Visit this link https://rietvallei.co.za/wine-club and click on the REGISTER HERE button.
2. Spend R3000 or more in our online Wine Shop to receive Premium Membership.
3. Your membership will be made active and all your benefits will automatically be applied to future purchases.
67 Minuets for Mandela Day
On the 18th of July each year we honour Nelson Mandela by dedicating 67 minutes of our time to change the world and make a difference. We all need help sometimes in our lives, but we decided to help those who cannot always help themselves.
The SPCA in Ashton immediately caught our attention, we felt an immediate connection as the Rietvallei team are all big animal lovers. We set out to visit the dogs and cats at the SPCA, the excitement on the way there was contagious! Johnny and Austin were the muscle of the day and carried the dog and cat food while Elizabeth and Annie carried the blankets we were donating.
It was a day well spent and the happy faces and licks we received from the animals made it all worth it. Mandela Day really shows us that we can make a difference, all we need is to begin somewhere, no matter how big or small, collectively we have a major impact.
#MandelaDay #rietvallei #makingadifference
