Major U.S retailer showcases SA wines

Thursday, 19 September, 2013
Doug Carew
Whole Foods Market, one of the United State’s largest food stores with over 340 locations, is providing a major boost for the South African wine industry through its nationwide “Point of Origin” wine programme which runs until the end of October 2013.

To boost the profile of South African wines, Whole Foods Market chose the Indaba Sauvignon Blanc 2012 and DeMorgenzon’s DMZ Chardonnay 2012 as wines from the region that offer popular fruit-forward styles with the restrained elegance of the Old World.

“From bright, well-balanced chardonnays to deeply complex red blends, Whole Foods Market looks forward to turning our shoppers on to the breadth of what the country has to offer," said Doug Bell, global wine buyer for Whole Foods Market. "South African wines are no longer the little brother of the wine world; these wines are first-class and offer incredible value."

Indaba and DMZ brands are imported by Cape Classics, a premier importer of South African wines into the US for over 20 years. Asked to comment on Whole Foods Market’s selection Robert Bradshaw, president & COO of Cape Classics, said: “It’s telling when one of the biggest and most respected retailers handpicks a wine to include in such a large-scale promotion; proof South African wines can compete with the best of the best in the world.”

In line with Whole Foods Market’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, both Indaba and DMZ wines carry an integrity and sustainability seal, which guarantees place of origin and a commitment to measureable, eco-friendly practices by South Africa’s Wine and Spirit Board.

“We’re thrilled to work with a partner whose core values are our own - a dedication to social and environmental stewardship while providing our customers with exciting and delicious wines that offer outstanding value,” said Bradshaw.

About the wines:

Indaba Sauvignon Blanc 2012– Enticing citrus and tropical fruit aromas lead to fresh, zesty flavors of pineapple, lemon-lime, mango and green fig, backed by a racy acidity. Herbal undertones shine through on the mineral-tinged finish. A portion of the proceeds from sales goes to the Indaba scholarship, awarded to financially disadvantaged and academically deserving students to pursue wine-related studies.

DMZ Chardonnay 2012 – DMZ is DeMorgenzon’s value label, where the objective is to produce classic, elegant, well-balanced wines which over-deliver in terms of quality for price. Citrus and tropical fruit aromas lead to a ripe, concentrated palate abundant with flavors of peach and pineapple. Delicate hints of vanilla, caramel, nuts and toast are backed by a bright acidity with a beautiful mineral edge.