Idiom – the prestigious collection of bold and diverse wines hailing from the
Da Capo Vineyards near Somerset West – is celebrating its first anniversary
and in particular the success of its two 2004 super blends, the acclaimed
Rhone and Bordeaux-style reds, that have both attained double gold status in
their maiden vintage.
The bold, flamboyant Rhone-style Idiom Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Viognier was a
2005 Veritas Double Gold winner, while the more reserved Idiom Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc won a Michelangelo Grand D’Or award at
this year’s 2006 competition. Both these big, expressive wines also performed
exceptionally well at the 2007 South African Airways onboard listings
competition. The Idiom SMV will be served in First Class during January 2007
and the Bordeaux Blend in Premium Class in June 2007.
The new 2005 vintage will see a ‘Cape Blend’ being released to complete the
trio of super blends. The decision to create a Pinotage-based blend was taken
after exhibiting at numerous trade shows overseas where there was strong
interest in a uniquely South African taste. The blend is medium to full-bodied,
includes 40% Pinotage in addition to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and has
been “internationally” styled. Bottled in September 2006 after 13 months in
mostly French oak, the wine should reach its peak within the next five years.
Created in “the Cape Idiom” with a true sense of place expressing the terroir
of the vineyards on the slopes of the Hottentots Holland Mountains
overlooking False Bay, the Idiom Collection not only comprises big blends but
also more exotic single varietal wines. These include a selection of Italian
wines rooted in the Bottega family heritage, including Sangiovese, Nebbiolo,
Barbera and Zinfandel (Primitivo). The Idiom Sangiovese 2004 received the
Best Sangiovese award at this year’s 2006 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show
and has also been selected to represent South Africa at the Wine Trinations in
Sydney for the past two years. A wooded Viognier, which received the
highest score in the Viognier category at the 2005 Trophy Wine Show, is the
only white wine in the Idiom range.
“Idiom is about discovery, exploration and the enjoyment of a special
collection of wines,” says owner Alberto Bottega who is pursuing his ardent
desire to create a diverse portfolio of bold, expressive wines that appeal
equally to wine lovers and connoisseurs.
Da Capo with its dual meaning of “from the beginning” in Italian and “from the
Cape”, is ideally situated to create unique wines comparable with the famous
wines of Bordeaux, the Rhone, Tuscany and Piemonte but expressed in the
Cape wine landscape.
“The common theme in all our wines is healthy, ripe fruit. While all the wines
in the collection are rich and intense, each wine also has its own unique note
which differentiates it and leads to wonderful food pairing opportunities” adds
Bottega.
To showcase the variety of wines, a new gift 3-pack has been designed. The
3-pack will also allow collectors to purchase a bottle of each of the 3 blends,
or alternatively a bottle of each of the three available limited release Italian
varietals. The 3-pack will be made available direct and through certain retail
outlets from December 2006.
Idiom wines are vinified at Whalehaven, the Bottega’s boutique Hermanus
winery, by winemaker Sydney Burke who works alongside world-renowned
consultant Giorgio Dalla Cia. At Da Capo the vineyards which are fanned by
cooling maritime breezes, are tended by farm manager Tim Clark.
The wines are available direct from the cellar and are priced between R96
and R120 per bottle.
For further information, call the winery on Tel: 028-316 1633 or visit
www.Idiom.co.za.
Direct contacts:
Alberto Bottega - Proprietor
THE IDIOM COLLECTION
Winery: Tel 028 316 1633
Email: wine@idiom.co.za
Website: www.idiom.co.za
