Flat Roof Manor savvy with new light and low-cal wine
NEW PRODUCTS
Jul 21st 2011, 11:55
South Africa’s favourite white wine varietal is now available in a low-alcohol option with the launch of Flat Roof Manor’s Sauvignon Blanc Light. The maiden 2011 vintage has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of just 9%. It also boasts 32% fewer kilojoules than the regular 14,3% ABV offering of the same vintage, produced on the famous Uitkyk estate in Stellenbosch and also made by Estelle Lourens.
A 100 ml serving of the new Sauvignon Blanc Light wine is the equivalent of just 290 kilojoules (69 kcal), compared with 426 kilojoules (101 kcal) for the regular wine, representing a significant saving for those watching their waistlines.
“Light but by no means slight, is how we describe this new wine,” says Lourens. “It is styled for elegance but certainly doesn’t compromise on flavour. It’s crisp and fresh with bright, vibrant and herbaceous characters on the nose and taste. What makes it so appealing is its easy-drinking refreshment. It really is a tasty alternative for winelovers who want to or have to watch their intake without having to give up the satisfying enjoyment of a delicious glass of wine. With Sauvignon Blanc South Africa’s most popular varietal by far, we’ve given people greater choice. ”
The grapes for the latest offering in the range of mostly novel and often playful wines from Flat Roof Manor, are sourced from three high-lying vineyards on Uitkyk. They were picked in February between 18° and 19° Balling before the sugar accumulation in the fruit had reached its peak. “These were early harvested grapes, hand-selected for good expression of flavour but before achieving full ripeness.”
After crushing, the grapes were immediately separated from the skins and only the free-run juice was fermented. The wine was then left on the lees for four months to flesh out its flavours. Lourens has also added a soupcon of Chenin Blanc to the final blend for greater complexity.
Flat Roof Manor has a history of innovation since its inception a decade ago. It was one of the first ranges to include a Pinot Grigio, well ahead of the recent wave of popularity for this varietal. The wine has developed a strong following for its peach, apricot and litchi profile, so versatile with spicy foods, particularly Asian dishes. Lourens says the 2011 vintage shows all the alluring aromatics of its predecessors.
She also makes an intriguing but very accessible Pinot Rosé that is a blend of Pinotage and Pinot Grigio, combining depth of flavour with refreshment. The 2010 vintage is currently on offer locally.
One of the top-selling reds in the range, originally produced exclusively for export, is now available locally, It is the 2009 vintage of the Rhône-style Shiraz/Mourvèdre/ Viognier, a medium-bodied, fresh and fruity wine with delicious notes of spice. The components for the blend were individually vinified, using a combination of rotator tanks and open-fermenters. The wines were then aged for 12 months in mostly third-fill 300-litre oak vats for a lighter touch.
“Initially, when we launched the blend, it didn’t include any Viognier but we’ve added it subsequently for the attractive floral and fruit dimension it brings. Like we always say, it adds that trademark je ne sais quoi for which Flat Roof Manor wines have become known.”
The 2009 Merlot also spent 12 months in oak. “It’s a lively, juicy wine with prominent notes of raspberry and mulberry and a trace of spice, making it wonderfully versatile.”
Click here for more information on Flat Roof Manor
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