Roodeberg’s new flagship
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011
Just the name Roodeberg conjures up images of decades past when the KWV’s fabled red wine was only available to those with a quota. Its legend probably had a lot to do with its relative unobtainability within South Africa’s borders – unless you knew a quota holder who was happy to share.
Roodeberg is the Shiraz-led red blend which now sells up a storm in Sweden and elsewhere which has been available on local retail shelves for nearly a decade now. But there’s a new kid in town in the form of a flagship blend called Dr Charles.
The premium product (it will retail for one less than 200 rand) is a tribute to the man credited with the success of Roodeberg, Dr Charles Niehaus. The good doctor took over the reins at the KWV from Pinotage creator Dr Abraham Izak Perold in 1941. In the late 40's, Dr Charles made Shiraz the mainstay of his experimental red wine blends which ultimately led to Roodeberg.
As the press release states: “He retired in 1971 having left an indelible mark on the South African wine industry. The torch he first lit has however, been borne ever since in the making of the renowned blend by a string of great winemakers. To this day, Dr Niehaus is remembered for his stern, orderly disposition and big compassionate heart.”
Neil Ellis, one of the KWV winemaking team’s mentors remembered Dr Niehaus – saying he wasn’t one for frippery and foibles. “If he’d been here today he would have told us to get back to work!”
Chief winemaker Richard Rowe said the aim of Dr Charles – and indeed of its larger volume little brother, Roodeberg – was drinkability, fruit purity and fresh juiciness. The blend is half Shiraz with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot and the parcels of fruit which went into its making were specially selected in Stellenbosch, Somerset West and Darling.
Rowe credited the role of grape farmers in this wine, saying everything came down to the quality of the fruit to create the building blocks. “Our growers need to know and buy into the journey we’re on to continue improving our standards and our wines. We can’t do it without them.”