Strandveld Vineyards, champions of cool climate wines from vineyards near Cape Agulhas, has revealed a brand new look for its First Sighting wines that harks back to the discovery of Africa’s southernmost tip during the era of early maritime explorers.
With nautical imagery of anchors, waves, astrolabe and compass offset by a striking screw cap, the beautiful new label created by Fanakalo Design Studio in Stellenbosch, invokes a sense of adventure.
“It was time to revamp our labelling with a fresh, eye-catching look. The goal was two-fold: to reflect the quality of our cool climate wines and tell the story of the inspiration for the range visually. The end result is an exciting, big change which we are thrilled to share with wine lovers and our loyal supporters,” says Strandveld Vineyards Sales & Marketing Director, Jackie Rabe.
The First Sighting range pays homage to the great vision that inspired Portuguese explorers to discover a sea route to the spice-rich east. Overcoming their fear of sea monsters and boiling waters at the equator, and making use of increasingly accurate navigational tools, Bartholomeu Dias, then Vasco da Gama took the Portuguese ships to India, South East Asia and China, bringing back spices that were more valuable than gold. The impact of the new route changed the course of history.
“Our own winemaking adventure took root in in July 2001 at a somewhat rundown wheat farm of about 800ha, a few kilometres from the tip of Africa, where the adventure of planting and nurturing our own vineyards began. Our new look First Sighting design embodies that spirit of discovery that we set out on in a new grape growing area and the adventure it has been,” notes Winemaker Conrad Vlok.
The first wines to boast the new look are the First Sighting Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Rosé 2015 and Shiraz 2013.
With expressive tropical and citrus fruit on the nose, the First Sighting Sauvignon Blanc 2015, polished with a dash of Semillon (14%) is full yet fresh on the palate with typical notes of buchu and minerality. Vlok recommends enjoying this latest vintage with fresh line fish, one of his personal favourites.
The First Sighting Rosé 2015, a harmonious blend of 74% Shiraz and 26% Grenache, is a refreshing wine bursting with tart strawberry, red berries and delicate floral notes on the nose. With a crisp, fresh palate of watermelon and pomegranate followed by a cool, dry finish, it is a perfect everyday wine to enjoy with good friends and family.
The full-bodied First Sighting Shiraz 2013 flaunts spicy white pepper and mocha aromas, layered with vibrant red berry fruit flavours. Concentrated with savoury tannins that end in a long spicy finish, it is a great taste partner for beef stew, Thai duck or pan fried steak.
Open for wine tastings and offering the experience to extend your stay in one of the welcoming guest cottages, Strandveld Vineyards can be reached at Tel: +27 (0)28 482 1906/2 or via email at info@strandveld.co.za. Visit www.strandveld.co.za, Facebook or follow @Strandveld on Twitter. The GPS coordinates are 34 ° 39 ‘ 592 ” S; 19 ° 47 ‘ 268 ” E.
