Kumala releases second vintage Reserve white wines

Tuesday, 14 December, 2004
Western Wines
The second vintage of Kumala’s premium white wines, Kumala Reserve Chardonnay 2004 and Kumala Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2004, has been released in South Africa. In a first for the Reserve range, the Sauvignon Blanc now has a screw cap closure.
Like all Kumala wines, the new vintage Reserve wines were produced from grapes sourced in partnership with Origin Wine, an independent wine production company based in Stellenbosch. Kumala winemaker Ben Jordaan supervises the entire wine production process. Continuous collaboration between Origin Wine, and Western Wines, owner of the Kumala brand, ensures consistent, top quality production from vineyard to cellar. Kumala Reserve Chardonnay 2004 is described as showing upfront citrus on the nose, and a crisp acidity in balance with the fruit on the palate. The wine retails for approximately R45. Kumala Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2004 shows gentle flintiness and concentrated grassy aromas, racy acidity, and notes of green figs and asparagus on the palate. This wine also retails for approximately R45. James Reid, Operations Director for Western Wines, said that the decision to package the Sauvignon Blanc in Stelvin screw cap reflects a growing confidence in the closure as an alternative to cork. “The screw cap has been widely available for several years, and all evidence points to its ability to maintain an airtight seal. Given that Sauvignon Blanc is an aromatic variety, and therefore particularly susceptible to cork taint, it seems logical to trial the closure on our new vintage Reserve Sauvignon Blanc.” James added that the Stevin closure maintains the freshness that Ben Jordaan, the winemaker, wishes to achieve with the wine. Kumala’s Reserve range was launched in South Africa simultaneously with the launch of the brand itself in September 2003. Kumala had ‘come home’ following outstanding success abroad, particularly in the UK, where it is the fourth biggest selling wine in the off-trade market. Western Wines accounts for over 40% of all South African branded wines sold in the UK. Earlier this year, Western Wines UK was acquired by Canadian wine-producing giant Vincor. Future plans for Kumala include a move into the USA market, which will be spearheaded by Vincor, the eighth-largest wine company in the New World. In addition, Kumala will continue to develop markets in the Far East and Europe. As with the 2003 vintage, the second Kumala Reserve vintage includes a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Shiraz, both of which will be available early next year.