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.”
