We bring you all the latest news from Ernie Els Wines.
1. Top SupeRugby Team stop by for a visit
Ernie Els Wines was privileged to host some of the southern hemisphere’s top rugby stars as the Western Force rugby team (pictured above) lunched at the property on their recent tour of Cape Town. The players were treated on their rest day to a relaxing afternoon touring the winery and Ernie’s impressive trophy room, before settling down on the terrace for a delicious traditional South African braai (barbecue) luncheon.
When these athletes were sufficiently nourished with some quality South African beef steaks and salads, they had a team chipping competition which was great fun and the banter and jovial atmosphere helped them to unwind during a hectic two week tour of the country. One of the 2014 competition’s top performers, Wallaby winger Nick Cummins (nicknamed the “honeybadger”), particularly enjoyed the visit to Ernie Els Wines and took a bit of extra time off to do some bass fishing in the dams between the vineyards.
It was a great experience for the Ernie Els Wines team to host this group, who are great ambassadors for their country and the game of rugby. The Western Force are currently in the top half of the 2014 SupeRugby log and are challenging for a spot in the upcoming playoffs. We wish them best of luck with the rest of the season
2. This month’s featured wine: The Ernie Els Merlot 2012
We’re once again featuring a wine in this month’s newsletter; the Ernie Els Merlot 2012 was released toward the end of May and is showing beautifully for a young wine. Winemaker Louis Strydom strives to create a fuller, bolder style of Merlot which epitomises the warm, north-facing slopes of the Helderberg, the appellation within the Stellenbosch region upon which our property is situated. This wine is aged for 14 months in 300-litre French Oak barrels of which 20 per cent were fresh, new barrels.
Wine Cellar – Fine Wine Merchants & Cellarers representative Roland Peens had this to report after his tasting: “The 2012 Merlot shows the sparkle of the vintage with a fresh acidity and delicate red fruits. Laced with ripe plums, morello cherry, shavings of milky chocolate and a hint of mint, it is dazzlingly complex and yet shows its pedigree of exceptional drinkability and class. Soft, chewy tannins balance the silky, oak-aged structure, whilst the palate eventually ends with whiffs of fine tobacco and earthy spice. Tantalising and delicious in its youth, the 2012 will age well for five years or more.”
For more info on this wine or sales enquiries, please e-mail info@ernieelswines.com
3. Stop by for lunch and enjoy our stunning new winter menu
With the arrival of really cold, rainy days we were obviously keen to offer a menu to warm up our patrons. And so Chef Amelia Hanekom has, quite literally, stepped up to the plate and tailored a new menu for the season. She’s offering a special dish each Friday and Saturday, which naturally pair well with our wines. Just to tickle your tastebuds we’ll mention a few too look forward to…
Mouth-watering savoury galette with puff pecans, blue cheese, parma ham, pear, a balsamic glaze and rocket. Or how about a hearty bowl of creamy cauliflower soup with curry oil and croutons? If these are taking your fancy, Chef Amelia has a few more tricks up her sleeve, too. A potato and leek soup with poached egg and smoked haddock or a rich beef bourguignon with smoked mash.
Come by for a visit, sit back, relax and enjoy our wines, food and hospitality amongst the winter vineyards and beside a warm crackling fire. (For more details, please contact the winery on 021 881 3588).
4. Ernie Els Wines featured at the Wade Bales Wine & Malt Whisky Affair 2014
The tone was set for a classy affair against the magnificent backdrop of 15 On Orange Hotel in Cape Town for the Wade Bales Wine & Malt Whisky Affair 2014. Beautiful cheese and charcuterie tables were stretched across the room. The dynamic between delicious wines and sophisticated whiskies were highlighted by good conversation and laughter. “The quality of the evening and the consumers attending was outstanding,” reported Ernie Els Wines head winemaker Louis Strydom. “The venue was stylish and well presented. It certainly was a spectacular evening.”
The Wade Bales Wine Society provides a team of experts to advise their members on fantastic wine deals available on the SA wine market. The team are knowledgeable and offer friendly advice and service. For Ernie Els Wines, partnering with the Wade Bales Wine Society is an honour and privilege.
5. About Ernie Els Wines
Since its launch Ernie Els Wines has established a magnificent portfolio of South African red wines offering quality for everyone at various different price-points. In 2011 two new white wines were also launched to the market. Ernie’s passion for all of the wines in the portfolio, combined with winemaker Louis Strydom’s considerable talents, has proved a winning combination. Ernie Els Wines has won plaudits and many prestigious awards around the world and the team continues to make a big impact on both the South African and international wine markets.
