A new 5-a-side football pitch has been prepared in the middle of the vineyards, which features panoramic 270 degree views of the Helderberg basin, and the whole profile of the Cape Peninsula from Table Mountain to Cape Point can be seen across nearby False Bay on a clear day. The wine farm is located about 40 minutes drive from Cape Town, and is one of the southernmost vineyards in the Wine of Origin Stellenbosch appellation. Fifteen grape varietals, including four Italian varietals, are grown on the property.

Activities at Da Capo Vineyards during the Festival include:
* 5-a-side Supporters’ Football Tournament on the football field with vineyard vistas.
* 4-4-2 Football Formation Wine-Blending Theatre
* A Taste of Italy in the Cape.
(Idiom Italian varietal wines paired with taste size dishes prepared by acclaimed chef Gianni Mariano of Mastrantonio)
* Vertical Tasting of the award winning Idiom Bordeaux Blends
* Boules Competition

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Festival Offerings & Events at da capo vineyards

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A taste of Italy in the Cape. A pairing of Idiom Italian varietal wines with Italian cuisine by celebrity chef Gianni Mariano of Mastrantonio.

Saturday 3rd July & Sunday 4th July, 11.30am - 4.00pm

To reflect their Italian heritage, the Bottega family grow 4 Italian varietals at Da Capo Vineyards, namely Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Primitivo. They have teamed up with Gianni Mariano of Mastrantonio restaurant on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival to offer taste size portions of different Italian dishes which will be prepared to match the wines.

TASTING MENU

Porcini Mille Foglie

Phyllo pastry layered with wild and porcini mushrooms sauteed in olive oil, and oven roasted red peppers

Matched with the Idiom Nebbiolo

Pasta Ortobosco

Napoletana based with baby marrow and aubergine

Matched with the Idiom Sangiovese

Seared Salmon with a citrus dressing

Minute seared with tyme, olive oil and black pepper, served with mange tout and baby carrots and a lemon and lime dressing

Matched with the Idiom Barbera

Trimmed Lamb with rosemary and a herb mash

Roasted lamb served with a sage and mint mash, topped with a rosemary jus

Matched with the Idiom Primitivo

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A vertical tasting of Idiom’s award winning Bordeaux Blend

Thursday 1 July 2010 to Monday 5 July 2010

The flagship blend of the Idiom Collection, Idiom’s 2006 Bordeaux has just won the Trophy for Best South African Bordeaux Blend in the over GBP10 category at the 2010 Decanter World Wine Awards, Idiom’s most notable accolade to date. To celebrate this award, we are allowing guests to taste three vintages of our Bordeaux-style blends. Winemaker Reino Thiart, will be on hand to guide the vertical tasting sessions of the Bordeaux blends.

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5-a-side Supporter’s - Football Tournament

Sunday 4 July 2010 & Monday 5 July 2010

The Idiom Collection of wines invites those with a passion for the beautiful game to participate in a fun 5-a-side Supporters football tournament on our newly prepared mini-pitch in the middle of our scenic vineyards in the Helderberg. Bring along your favourite national team shirt or simply come blow your vuvuzela while enjoying a glass of wine and watch the Dutch or Spanish fans take on the Italian supporter’s team or the Bafana hopefuls. For more info, visit our website. To enter a team contact Roberto on wine@idiom.co.za or call 083 678 2094 / 021 852 3590. Please try and enter early as we will only be accommodate a fixed number of teams at the tournament on Sunday and Monday.

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Four-Four-Two Football themed Blending Sessions

Thursday 1 July 2010 to Monday 5 July 2010

For those who fancy their managerial skills, there will be a chance to make up some blends that match their favourite football formations. Compare a 4-4-2 (4 parts Cabernet, 4 parts Merlot and 2 parts Shiraz for example) to a 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2 and see which formation will prevail. Idiom produce wines of character and the aim of the guided session will be to help demystify the intricate world of blends by likening the characters of the different varietals to the characters of different positions on the football pitch. Cabernet Sauvignon often provides the backbone to a blend in the same way that defenders perform the same role in a team. Merlot can be liked to midfielders etc. Guests will be able to taste blends which represent the different formations.

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DIRECTIONS
To get to Da Capo Vineyards from Somerset West, turn left at the Vergelegen medi-clinic, continue along the old Sir Lowry’s Pass road past Waterkloof into Sir Lowry’s Pass Village (past the sign to the N2) and then turn left towards Wedderwill. Drive for 2km along the brick road past the sports field. At the security entrance to Knorhoek farm proceed through the boom and follow the road until you reach the entrance to Da Capo Vineyards.

From Cape Town, drive along the N2 towards Sir Lowry’s Pass. At the new Sir Lowry’s Pass/Gordon’s Bay intersection, turn left and drive through Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, cross over the railway line and then turn right. Then turn left at the Wedderwill sign and follow the instructions above.

Costs for various activities during the day differ.

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CONTACT:

Roberto Bottega, wine@idiom.co.za or Silvana Bottega, info@bottegafamilywine.co.za

Idiom Wines, recent Trophy winners at the 2010 Decanter World Wine Awards in London, will be opening their Da Capo Vineyards property in Sir Lowry’s Pass to the public for the first time for a football-themed weekend during this years’ Stellenbosch Wine Festival, which will take place from 1-5 July.

The Bottega family, who own the vineyards, are avid football fanatics, with both owner Alberto Bottega and son, Roberto, having played top level amateur football in their youth.

A new 5-a-side football pitch has been prepared in the middle of the vineyards, which features panoramic 270 degree views of the Helderberg basin, and the whole profile of the Cape Peninsula from Table Mountain to Cape Point can be seen across nearby False Bay on a clear day. The wine farm is located about 40 minutes drive from Cape Town, and is one of the southernmost vineyards in the Wine of Origin Stellenbosch appellation. Fifteen grape varietals, including four Italian varietals, are grown on the property.

Activities at Da Capo Vineyards during the Festival include:
* 5-a-side Supporters’ Football Tournament on the football field with vineyard vistas.
* 4-4-2 Football Formation Wine-Blending Theatre
* A Taste of Italy in the Cape.
(Idiom Italian varietal wines paired with taste size dishes prepared by acclaimed chef Gianni Mariano of Mastrantonio)
* Vertical Tasting of the award winning Idiom Bordeaux Blends
* Boules Competition

DIRECTIONS
To get to Da Capo Vineyards from Somerset West, turn left at the Vergelegen medi-clinic, continue along the old Sir Lowry’s Pass road past Waterkloof into Sir Lowry’s Pass Village (past the sign to the N2) and then turn left towards Wedderwill. Drive for 2km along the brick road past the sports field. At the security entrance to Knorhoek farm proceed through the boom and follow the road until you reach the entrance to Da Capo Vineyards.

From Cape Town, drive along the N2 towards Sir Lowry’s Pass. At the new Sir Lowry’s Pass/Gordon’s Bay intersection, turn left and drive through Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, cross over the railway line and then turn right. Then turn left at the Wedderwill sign and follow the instructions above.

The farm can be reached by private vehicle or by using the shuttle service that is on offer for the duration of the festival. See www. Wineroute.co.za

Stop Type: Shuttle Stop or Self Drive
Contact Person: Roberto: 083 6782094, Jeanne: 021 852 3590 | wine@idiom.co.za www.bottegafamilywine.co.za | www.idiom.co.za
Opening hours: Open for festival only

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Festival Offerings & Events at da capo vineyards

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5-a-side Supporter’s - Football Tournament

Sunday 4 July 2010 & Monday 5 July 2010

The Idiom Collection of wines invites those with a passion for the beautiful game to participate in a fun 5-a-side Supporters football tournament on our newly prepared mini-pitch in the middle of our scenic vineyards in the Helderberg. Bring along your favourite national team shirt or simply come blow your vuvuzela while enjoying a glass of wine and watch the Dutch or Spanish fans take on the Italian supporter’s team or the Bafana hopefuls. For more info, visit our website. To enter a team contact Roberto on wine@idiom.co.za or call 083 678 2094 / 021 852 3590. Please try and enter early as we will only be accommodate a fixed number of teams at the tournament on Sunday and Monday.

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Four-Four-Two Football themed Blending Sessions

Thursday 1 July 2010 to Monday 5 July 2010

For those who fancy their managerial skills, there will be a chance to make up some blends that match their favourite football formations. Compare a 4-4-2 (4 parts Cabernet, 4 parts Merlot and 2 parts Shiraz for example) to a 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2 and see which formation will prevail. Idiom produce wines of character and the aim of the guided session will be to help demystify the intricate world of blends by likening the characters of the different varietals to the characters of different positions on the football pitch. Cabernet Sauvignon often provides the backbone to a blend in the same way that defenders perform the same role in a team. Merlot can be liked to midfielders etc. Guests will be able to taste blends which represent the different formations.

Cost: To be confirmed

Booking Essential: No

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A taste of Italy in the Cape. A pairing of Idiom Italian varietal wines with Italian cuisine by celebrity chef Gianni Mariano of Mastrantonio.

Saturday 3rd July & Sunday 4th July, 11.30am - 4.00pm

To reflect their Italian heritage, the Bottega family grow 4 Italian varietals at Da Capo Vineyards, namely Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Primitivo. They have teamed up with Gianni Mariano of Mastrantonio restaurant on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival to offer taste size portions of different Italian dishes which will be prepared to match the wines.

TASTING MENU

Porcini Mille Foglie

Phyllo pastry layered with wild and porcini mushrooms sauteed in olive oil, and oven roasted red peppers

Matched with the Idiom Nebbiolo

Pasta Ortobosco

Napoletana based with baby marrow and aubergine

Matched with the Idiom Sangiovese

Seared Salmon with a citrus dressing

Minute seared with tyme, olive oil and black pepper, served with mange tout and baby carrots and a lemon and lime dressing

Matched with the Idiom Barbera

Trimmed Lamb with rosemary and a herb mash

Roasted lamb served with a sage and mint mash, topped with a rosemary jus

Matched with the Idiom Primitivo

Cost: On request

Booking Essential: Bookings are absolutely essential as there as only a limited number of seats.

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A vertical tasting of Idiom’s award winning Bordeaux Blend

Thursday 1 July 2010 to Monday 5 July 2010

The flagship blend of the Idiom Collection, Idiom’s 2006 Bordeaux has just won the Trophy for Best South African Bordeaux Blend in the over GBP10 category at the 2010 Decanter World Wine Awards, Idiom’s most notable accolade to date. To celebrate this award, we are allowing guests to taste three vintages of our Bordeaux-style blends. Winemaker Reino Thiart, will be on hand to guide the vertical tasting sessions of the Bordeaux blends.

Cost: On request

Booking Essential: No

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Boules Competition

Sunday 4 July 2010 & Monday 5 July 2010

For those who are less energetic, we will also have a Supporters’ Boules competition on our new boules courts adjoining the soccer field! The idea is that the supporters can have a few laughs on and off the field of play while enjoying some wine and the beautiful views of the Helderberg and Cape Peninsula in the distance.

Booking Essential: Yes - to enter a team contact Roberto on wine@idiom.co.za or call 083 678 2094 / 021 852 3590.Please try and enter early, as we will only be accommodate a fixed number of teams at the tournament on Sunday and Monday.

P R E S S C O N T A C T

For more details/questions, contact: -

Roberto Bottega, 083 678 2094 | Silvana Bottega, 079 178 7867

info@bottegafamilywine.co.za | wine@idiom.co.za

The Idiom Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Cabernet Franc 2006 received a prestigious international accolade when it was awarded the South African Red Bordeaux Varietal Trophy for the over £10 category at the 2010 Decanter World Wine Awards held in London.

“We are very proud of this achievement. Our vineyards in the Helderberg are still young but are showing great promise. This is only the third release of the Bordeaux-style blend,” says Alberto Bottega, proprietor of Da Capo Vineyards in the Helderberg, which is one of the southernmost Wine of Origin Stellenbosch properties. “When I started this project in the late nineties, I initially set out the vineyards with the aim of trying to make a great Bordeaux blend as I considered that to be the epitome of winemaking. This award, in some ways, is a fulfilment of that dream.”

To date, each release of the Idiom Bordeaux Blend has managed to receive a number of significant awards. “The maiden 2004 blend,” recalls Bottega, while trying to describe the character of the wine that was awarded Double Gold in 2006 and then selected shortly thereafter by SAA’s panel for their First and Business Class Onboard listing, “was initially quite reserved and austere as it was Cabernet Sauvignon dominated. It took more than a year in bottle for the fruit to open up. Now it is super soft with deliciously deep, dark berry notes. “

The subsequent 2005 vintage won no less than 4 gold medals locally and abroad, and was one of only two South African reds to be awarded Gold at the 2009 UK Sommelier Wine Awards, a competition that is getting increased attention from the London restaurant trade.  “We were also thrilled to receive the Trophy for Best South African Bordeaux Blend of 2008 at South Africa’s Wine-Of-The-Month (WOTM) Club annual awards. Many of the top estates enter this competition as good scores mean potentially large orders, which is often more than you can say about other competitions. ”

“The current release 2006 vintage received a special mention at the 2009 WOTM Club Awards as it finished a very close second to the winning wine, so we were happy with the consistency of the performance despite a change in the percentage of the components from the previous year”, adds Roberto Bottega, Alberto’s son, who is spending more of his time abroad launching Idiom in the export market.

“The Decanter Trophy winning 2006, a blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc is perhaps a bit fresher and better balanced than the previous vintages. I think the higher Cabernet Franc percentage is doing the trick”, he adds. “The fruit is more accessible and there is good acidity that makes the blend lively and keeps the tannins in the background.”

The 2006 vintage is also the first Idiom wine to receive 4 ½ stars from Platter. The chairman of the local South African WINE magazine tasting panel even picked it as his best Bordeaux of their annual 1999 review, scoring it 18/20 and commenting that the percentages of 43, 31 and 25 declared on the label add up to 99, not 100.
“We’ve left the missing 1% up to the taster’s imagination,”jokes the younger Bottega. “At the end of the day, we’re talking about a blend that is greater than the sum of its parts. It is both elegant and complex, with multiple layers of flavour and a long lingering finish.”, continues Bottega, “In fact, the broadness of the flavour comes from the fact we have blended four clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, five clones of Merlot and two clones of Cabernet Franc, all grown on our vineyards in the Helderberg.”

The 2006 vintage is truly turning out to be a great year for Idiom’s three blends. The Cape Blend 2006, with almost 40% Pinotage, is also highly accoladed, after receiving Double Gold and Gold at Michelangelo and Veritas, two of South Africa’s top competitions, a Diamond award at the Investec Winemaker’s Choice Awards as well as the top and only 4 star rating from SA’s WINE Magazine’s Cape Blend category review. The Rhone-style Shiraz Mourvedre Viognier 2006, on the other hand, has been available in SAA’s lounges and onboard, and has helped elevate Idiom’s profile as a serious player in the South African market.

Wine lovers will get a sneak preview of the beautiful Da Capo terroir when Idiom opens up its vineyards to the public for the first time over the Stellenbosch Wine Festival this July.  The Festival, which will coincide with the last FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final and the first Semi-Final taking place in Cape Town, will run from 1-5 July.  The Bottega Family will be offering visiting football fans blending sessions with a football theme in addition to the chance to experience the Idiom Collection of wines.

A brand new tasting facility for Idiom wines is being planned and should be ready for completion by the end of 2010.

To celebrate the Decanter Award, Idiom will be making a limited number of vertical three- and six packs available featuring the 2004, 2005 and Decanter Trophy winning 2006 Bordeaux-style blends. The three bottle giftpack is priced at R450 while the six bottle pack featuring two bottles of each blend is R900.

For more information about the wines and the festival, visit www.idiom.co.za or www.bottegafamilywine.co.za

N O T E S :
The Idiom Bordeaux-style Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Cabernet Franc) 2006 is available at selected specialist retailers and is available at cellar door prices on www.bottegafamilywine.co.za.
For general orders and trade enquiries, contact Jeanne Clarke at Da Capo Direct on +27 (0)21 852 3590 or email Roberto Bottega on wine@idiom.co.za

The Bottega Family and the Fogolar Furlan (or Friuli society) are hosting a picnic day in the vineyards. This is the 4th annual Da Capo Vineyards’ Harvest Celebration which will take place on Sunday 7th March 2010 (the weekend before the Argus Cycle Tour).

GRAPE PICKING AND STOMPING FROM 09H30
The morning’s activities will commence with grape picking at around 10h00. This year we hope that the merlot vineyards right next to the picnic site will be ready for harvesting. Tractors and trailers will be on hand to transport people around the farm if we need to pick grapes from other vineyards that are a bit further away. We have invited our viticulturalist to share some interesting facts about grapes and vines so this should be a very informative and interactive session.

The ceremonial grape stomping in open barrels will take place later in the day, accompanied by traditional Italian songs. Our winemaker will also be on hand to answer any questions about the wine making process. Please remember to bring a change of clothing and a towel, or even better a swimming costume, for stomping on the grapes! Hand held showering facilities will be provided as usual.

ITALIAN STYLE BARBECUE AT 13H00 – BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
An Italian-style barbecue will be served from 13h00. This will be jointly prepared on site by members of the Fogolar and the Sandri family of La Perla and Wijnhuis.
The lunch will cost R120 a head for adults and R60 for children (R100 adults/R50 children for Fogolar members). Italian salame and olives from Da Capo will be available as a starter.

Wine and refreshments (cold drinks, mineral water) will be available for sale this year.
Proceeds from the sale of refreshments will go to the Fogolar. Please feel free to bring your own cooler boxes with drinks if you prefer.

PLEASE NOTE:
DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THE PICNIC AND THE SENSITIVITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT, THERE IS A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT WE CAN HOST.
THIS MEANS IT IS ESSENTIAL TO BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

NEW FOR 2010…

MORE SHADE…
After the heat of 2009, we are erecting more thatched gazebos around the picnic site and will be placing lunch tables right in the vineyards. The row of shady merlot vines closest to the pine trees has been ripped out, so that guests can enjoy the afternoon sitting under the trees taking in the views of the mountains and vineyards. We will provide tables for the lunch as usual but if you prefer to bring your own picnic blankets/ground sheets or extra picnic tables and chairs to put under the pine trees, please feel free to do so. In case we get some wind, please bring along a sweater or wind breaker, and of course plenty of sun block and hats or caps for the grape picking!! We will send an update on the expected weather conditions in the reminder the week of the picnic.

ITALIAN THEMED STALLS
To create more of a festival feel, we will be setting up a few Italian themed stalls with some interesting goodies for sale. More details in the reminder.

5-A-SIDE SOCCER FIELD…11H00 EXHIBITION MATCH
With World Cup 2010 a few months away, it seemed a great time to prepare our own mini calcetto field so that the up-and-coming Pirlo’s and Buffon’s can show off their moves. There will be an exhibition 5-a-side match between the Friulani from Cape Town and one of the other Regioni to inaugurate the field. This is also a great opportunity for everyone to get excited about 2010 so please try to wear your favourite national team (!!!) football jerseys to the picnic. We will also arrange games for kiddies and veterans so please pack your boots if you would like to have a kick around.

BOCCE (BOULES) COMPETITION…
Last year there were many willing participants but we never got around to playing. This year we have prepared two new bocce courts in the shaded areas next to the calcetto field. There will be a competition to see which team will be the 2010 Da Capo Vineyards Bocce champions. Prizes for the winners!

WINE TASTING AND SALES…LA VENDEMMIA WINE
This year the Fogolar will be selling the 2008 vintage of the La Vendemmia “picnic” wine at R150 per case of 6 (R25 a bottle). The 36 case La Vendemmia 2007 release was snapped up last year and by all accounts, enjoyed by all during the year. The wine made at the picnic last year in 2009 is still not ready. It looks like it takes two years for the wine to soften sufficiently when it is pressed in this traditional way. The stalks and pips (not to mention the stomper’s feet) all combine to add quite a bit of character to the wine and it takes an additional year of barrel maturation before it is ready. Please indicate if you would like to reserve a case of 6 bottles with your booking. ONE CASE PER FAMILY only as the production is only 50 cases.

Last year many people expressed a desire to taste and purchase some of the other wines made by the Bottega Family. This year we will arrange a better tasting experience. Those guests who want to order any wines at the picnic can do so at special Club prices and will have the option of free home delivery.

MUSIC, DANCE AND, OF COURSE, GIGI’S FAMOUS RAFFLE…
Our master of ceremonies, Gigi Campeotto, will again be selling his magic R5 raffle tickets, so remember to bring along a few extra rands so that you can have a chance of winning some of the wonderful prizes that will be on offer during the afternoon’s festivities.

ACTIVITIES FOR KIDDIES
Pony rides, tractor rides, a petting zoo and a play area for kids will help keep the kiddies occupied during the day.

LATE AFTERNOON MOUNTAIN WALK…16H30
This is the best time of the day on Da Capo so don’t miss the guided walk. The views and colours are fantastic. Strangely enough, the devastating wildfire that swept through the Helderberg mountains almost a year ago also brought its blessings. Much of last year was spent clearing the mountainside of dead and burnt trees with a view to returning the surrounding hills to indigenous fynbos. To our surprise, we uncovered some rocky outcrops with magnificent views of the Helderberg basin not to mention the whole profile of the Cape Peninsula from Table Mountain to Cape Point in the distance. Weather permitting, we will be happy to arrange a comfortable walk to see some of these sites later on in the afternoon when it is a bit cooler. Please bring walking shoes or hiking boots and your favourite walking stick.

We look forward to seeing you and your families on the 7th March.

RSVP: FRIDAY 26th FEB 2010
For catering purposes, please RSVP by Friday 26th Feb 2010 latest.
Please indicate clearly how many adults and children will be coming in your party and whether you would like to reserve a box of La Vendemmia wine. (Other wines will also be available for ordering if you prefer)

FOGOLAR MEMBERS: Rosanna Davidson - davidson@kingsley.co.za – 021 686 3437
DANTE ALIGHIERI MEMBERS: Mariagrazia Martinengo - mariam@isdial.net – 021 439 0431
BOTTEGA FAMILY GUESTS: Roberto Bottega - rbottega@telkomsa.net - 083 678 2094

Tanti Saluti
The Bottega Family
www.bottegafamilywine.co.za
DIRECTIONS TO DA CAPO VINEYARDS
From Cape Town, take the N2 past the airport. Follow the N2 through Somerset West towards Sir Lowry’s Pass. At the turnoff to Gordon’s Bay, turn LEFT towards Sir Lowry’s Pass Village. Drive through the village (please be careful of the children in the street), cross over the railway line and then turn right at the stop sign so you drive past the police station on your right. Turn first left at the Sir Lowry’s Pass Sports Fields (see Wedderwill sign and Da Capo sign). Follow a brick-paved private road for 2km’s (beware the speed bumps) and at the end you will see the entrance to Knorhoek farm (est 1795). Drive to the gate and sign in at the boom - Da Capo Festival. Proceed along the tar road past the field with the ostriches. Go past the Cape Dutch Homestead and continue up the hill along the gravel road past the stables and horses on the right. At the top of the gravel road, cross over the railway line and you will have arrived at the bottom entrance to Da Capo. Follow the signs to the picnic site for another few minutes. It should take approx 40 mins from Cape Town to get to the farm.

THIRD IDIOM BLEND AWARED DOUBLE GOLD - IDIOM CAPE BLEND 2006

The 2006 Idiom Cape Blend received a Double Gold or Gran d’Or award at the 2009 Michelangelo Int. Wine Awards held on 12 September 2009 at the NH Lord Charles in Somerset West. The Cape Blend can at last rub shoulders with its until now more illustrious siblings, the Bordeaux and Rhone blends, which also were awarded Double Golds for their maiden 2004 vintages at Michelangelo 2006 and Veritas 2005 competitions respectively.

IDIOM CAPE BLEND IS WINE MAGAZINE’S TOP RATED CAPE BLEND IN JUNE 2009 - The only 4 STAR RATING WINE in June 2009 was bestowed on the Idiom Cape Blend 2006, the new release featuring 36% Pinotage as well as a touch of Petit Verdot in addition to Cab. Sauvignon and Merlot.

GOLD AND DIAMONDS FOR THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN - IDIOM’s CAPE BLEND

Veritas Gold 2009 and the Diamond Award from fellow winemakers at the Investec WInemaker’s Choice 2009 complete the haul of awards for the Cape Blend 2006.

MORE GOLD FOR IDIOM BORDEAUX BLENDS

The 2006 and unreleased 2007 Idiom Bordeaux Blends were also awarded Gold medals at the Michelangelo 2009 awards.  The 2006 Bordeaux blend was also the WINE magazine’s Editor’s Choice for the month of Aug 09 with a score of 18/20. This vintage also recently received top marks in the Dec 08 and Feb 09 W-O-M Club tasting, featured in Good Taste Magazine. Higher Merlot and Cabernet Franc percentages are the hallmarks of this outstanding vintage.

GOLD LIST AWARD - 2009 UK SWA - SOMMELIER WINE AWARDS

Following on from the 4 star rating that the Idiom SMV 04 received in UK Decanter in Dec 2006, the 2005 Idiom Bordeaux Blend was 1 of only 2 South African Bordeaux-style blends to receive a prestigious Gold-List award at the UK SWA or Sommelier Wine Awards, announced recently in May 2009, and featured in Imbibe Magazine.

Locally, the 2005 Bordeaux also received the TROPHY for being chosen as Wine-of-the-Month Club’s Best Bordeaux of 2008

FOUR STAR VIOGNIERS - 2006 AND 2007

Not to be outdone, both Idiom 2006 and 2007 received 4 stars in the WINE Nov08 Viognier review - the only 2 wines to do so. The 2007 was also awarded a Michelangelo 2008 GOLD medal. Listed by the glass at the One and Only’s MAZE restaurant.

SANGIOVESE CHOSEN FOR TRI-NATIONS FOR FOURTH YEAR

The 2006 Sangiovese will again represent Idiom and SA in 2009. In 2008, the Idiom Sangiovese 2005 and Zinfandel 2006 both went to the Wine Trinations in Sydney in Sep 2008. The Sangiovese 2005 scored a TOP 3 finish in its class.

FLYING HIGH

Enjoy Idiom SMV 2006 onboard SAA in August and September 2009 on Premium Class flights around the world.

OTHER AWARDS

IDIOM BORDEAUX BLEND 2005 wins Best of Class 2005 Stellenbosch Cabernet Based Bordeaux Blend at 2007 London IWSC.

ID2005 GOLD MEDAL WINNER at 2008 SWISS INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

IDIOM is about sensory exploration and being ‘expressive’ in nature. To launch the perfume in market, a dynamic private tasting session was held at Les Cascades in Bantry Bay that brought together sensory specialists from the coffee and perfume world with proprietor Alberto Bottega, son Roberto Bottega and wine sommelier Jorg Pfutzner to taste the Idiom wines. Particular attention was paid to find new ways of expressing the character of this unique South African wine and the perfume.

Alberto Bottega, Idiom Wines
PROPRIETOR TASTING NOTE:
“A velvety opulent wine made with the Cape’s own grape Pinotage (36%), blended with Cabernet sauvignon (48%), Merlot (10%) and Petit Verdot (6%). Intriguing multilayered aromas, flavours and textures. Cloves, sweet almonds, black cherries and cocoa reminiscent of black forest cake.”

David Donde, Origin Coffee
COFFEE SOMMELIER TASTING NOTE:
“The Cape Blend’s complexity, big mouth feel and enduring body, the ability to linger and hold ones attention with a long, enduring, pleasant aftertaste are the qualities needed in an espresso blend.”

Tammy Frazer, Frazer Parfum
PERFUMER TASTING NOTE:
“The Cape Blend has a deep red velvet start, with honeyed jasmine, earthy tuberose and full bodied cherries. Smoky smooth caramel with spicy undertones of nutmeg and the familiarity of time past with cinnemonic clove. Followed quickly by the herbaceous sage and violet leaf that develop but do not dominate. The wine actually reminds me of South Africa, a hint of fynbos and green vines. In my opinion comparable to a piece of music it would be something played on a violoncello. Considering the balanced weight of the wine, in flavour it is dense, abundant and evocative. The gourmand toffee and balsamic coconut is next apparent. The final accord is that of redcurrant buds, blackberry, juniper berries and cocoa. The chocolate tones are lasting with every seasoned sip.”

Jorg Pfutzner, Under the Influence, The Roundhouse, GolfandWein
WINE SOMMELIER TASTING NOTE
“This wine is a knock out! The nose displays complex black fruit aromas which are refined with salmiak candy, fennel and tar. Tightly packed with roasted wild herbs, pepper and creamy blackberries; this sweet full-bodied wine attacks and distributes a mouth-filling flavour array. The persistent and homogenous savoury finish impresses and supports a classy structure. This wine lives off its tension and balance rather than of brutal force.”

The perfume is the first in the compendium of luxury products to be created in collaboration with talented South African artisans, designers and artists, by the award-winning wine, that will be evocative ‘Expressions of South Africa’.

The tag is engraved on 24 carat gold.

These distinctive wines, favoured by connoisseurs, are an expression of the unique provenance and terroir of the Da Capo Vineyards situated high on the cool-climate Hottentots Holland mountain and are a collectors item. Three releases have been made under the exclusive 900 Series to date, including the Nebbiolo, a Cabernet Sauvignon and an SMV. In the case of the Idiom 900 Series Nebbiolo, even less than the nominal 900 were made, with only two barrels or 600 bottles hand-made from the 1 ton harvest.

The wines that form part of Idiom Collection are largely available to private clients due to their limited nature. The wines of this Collection have established a fine pedigree over the years garnering gold medals at the Veritas, Michelangelo, Investec Winemakers Choice Awards and Swiss International Awards. The 900 Series collectibles are held back on reserve to delight discriminating wine-buyers and loyal Club Idiom members looking for exceptional and rare vintages and are available in luxurious, individual boxes that are perfect for private or corporate gifts as well as exclusive cellaring.

THE 900 SERIES

The wines that form part of the 900 Series are the following: -

Silky and Seductive
IDIOM 900 SERIES NEBBIOLO 2005
“A Limited two Barrel production from an extremely low yield vineyard. This singular sensation exhibits a typical garnet colour.  Delicate bouquet of violets and cedar wood.  Silky smooth tannins with complex layers of dark fruit and toasted oak.  A seductive wine of great finesse.”

Ambitious and Hedonistic
IDIOM 900 SERIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005
“A multi-clone blend of Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense cardinal red colour, delicate spicy bouquet, dark chocolate souffle with cassis and cigar box aromas. Smooth tannins complement the deep blueberry and blackberry fruit. An opulent expression of this variety with a hedonistic long finish. 3 barrels. ”

Rich and Flamboyant
IDIOM 900 SERIES SMV (Shiraz, Mourvedre, Viognier) 2005
“From the three best barriques of the 2005 vintage. Rich ruby colour. An intriguing bouquet of sweet spices, dark chocolate, leather and delicate truffles. Lusciously full bodies, ripe fruit and savoury flavours combine to engage the palate in a long tantalizing finish. 3 barrels.”

ORDER DIRECT

Available, direct from the cellar, at R350 per Idiom box or sold in a suite of 6 single boxes for R2100.
Direct orders: www.bottegafamilywine.co.za or contact Jeanne on 021 8523590.