Who Els?
Ok, the title is a bit cliché but I just couldn’t think of anything Els Jokes aside. To those of you are who are not familiar with international golfing figures, allow me to introduce you to Ernie Els, perhaps South Africa’s greatest golfing export.
What does Ernie have to do with wine you might [...]
Dorp Street MCC and Champagne Festival
In keeping with last weeks Champagne theme, here’s your invitation to the inaugural Dorp Street MCC and Champagne Festival!
In 1971 South Africa’s premier wine producing region, Stellenbosch, released the country’s first wine modeled on the famous sparkling wines of the Champagne region in France. 39 years later, we have the privilege of announcing the arrival [...]
Red Red Resveratrol
It’s well established by now that red wine consumed in moderation has certain health benefits, and if you’re not yet convinced then check out my earlier post entitled Wine: Healthy Habit or Deadly Dose?.
The powerful antioxidant Resveratrol contained in red wine has been linked to health benefits such as weight gain prevention, anti-aging and the [...]
The Lighter Side of Wine
Ignoring the fact that this video is intended to market STA Travel, I found it quite refreshing. This short video clip shows the often more realistic lighter side of wine tasting in South Africa, that is often forgotten. Remember, wine should not only be drank, it should be enjoyed
Cheers!
How Do YOU Rate Wine?
Here’s a quick reminder to take part in the My Wine Cellar poll, investigating public perception of common wine rating systems used in categorising wine.
To have your say, and cast your own vote click the link below:
www.brandonmarc.com/the-wine-rating-debate
Cheers!
Brandon Marc
That Date…
Ok, so the candles are lit and the subtle smell of sandalwood incense drifts throughout the room. In the background plays your sensual mood music of choice… you know, that album. Some say Kenny G… I say definitely not Kenny G. I digress. The stage is set for what is to be the defining date [...]
Boutique Wine: A Mystery Unto Itself!
The term ‘Boutique Wine’ or ‘Boutique Winery’ has been grossly overused. Evidence of this is apparent in the many different definitions given to the term:
‘If a winery makes less than 2,000 cases a year, it’s considered a boutique winery’
‘If a winery makes less than 5,000 cases a year, it’s considered a boutique winery’
‘Boutique wines come [...]
Bordeaux Blends… From South Africa!?
How is it possible that South Africa can produce ‘Bordeaux blends’? For one thing, Bordeaux lies 8972 km north of the Cape Winelands! The reason, of course, is that red blends from Bordeaux are so stylistically distinctive that they have become the benchmark of red blends the world over.
I find this broad method [...]
The Wine Rating Debate
Any form of rating system is bound to be flawed… at least that’s what I believe. And when it comes to a subject as complex as wine, rating systems just won’t do. The problem is, the consumer market demands a system in which wine can be easily compared, and I can certainly understand the reasoning [...]
For Profit or Pleasure… The Choice is Yours!
I’ve always considered the relationship between a vineyard and its produce as nothing but extraordinary. Vineyards are a fascinating junction between nature, the elements and chemistry, chemistry that we are fortunate enough to experience as wine. To any wine enthusiast, vineyards are central to the wine we love so much.
It should come as no surprise [...]
