Month: August 2021

Cling Cling to Ching Ching

Sitting this morning starting to write an update on Bizoe Wines with a fresh exciting outlook of what’s to come. In the background I hear cling cling as the bottles of our new vintages Bizoe Estalet Syrah and Bizoe Henriëtta are moving through the labelling machine.

These two wines will always be the cornerstone of the Bizoe Range. Bizoe Henrietta is again a blend of 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon blanc. 

Bizoe Henrietta 2019 assed by Samarie Smith of Married to Wine “The power of two makes Henrietta an ambassador for Bizoe – elegant, confidant and seamless. Packed with fruit and a notable intensity from Semillon, the wine etched with a bright and luminous quality brought to life by Sauvignon blanc.”

Bizoe Estalet Syrah 2018 has been in the barrel for 18 months before it was bottled on 20 January 2020. The wine is now ready to hit your pallets and to be enjoyed around the world. In the words of Samarie Smith – “ The wine entice your sense from the word go, alluring with complex layers unfolding as you go back for more. The wine grabs your attention and keeps it there with its vibrant perfume, prominent red and black fruit laced with a savoury olive brine and sweet leather character.”

Releasing new vintages is always a nerve racking time and a very rewarding time for a winemaker. My philosophy at Bizoe is to make wines that I, Rikus Neethling enjoy. I feel proud to release the Bizoe Henrietta 2019 and Bizoe Estalet Syrah 2018 in to the world of wine. 

I am sure there will be more ching ching in the future after you have tasted the new wines!

Rugby and Red Wines

Thank you to the British and Irish Lions for their tour to South Africa and giving us a reason to smile again. Nothing as “lekker” than seeing a Springbok side winning.

As we talk about rugby now it’s the Argentinians waiting. Looking forward to the next Springbok adventure, already seeing me Saturday in front of the tele with a Bizoe Idioglossia Malbec in the hand. Malbec grapes that originate from the Cahors in France. The ancient Romans called the wine made from Malbec “the black wines from Cahors”.

Now undoubtedly it’s the Argentinians that is making name with this beautiful cultivar. Rikus passion for Malbec comes from a trip to Argentina in 2004 while studying viticulture at the University of Stellenbosch. Drinking Malbec with the folks off Argentina while enjoying a “bife de lomo” – sirloin steak.

Malbec in South Africa was first planted in South Africa in the 1920’s. In South Africa it’s currently gaining popularity with the wine drinker. It could be that we had to the opportunity to travel around the world and drink Argentinian Malbec and that its fits in with our lifestyle — braai and wine.

 The “Pumas” well known for their scrum ability and mauling, we know the Springboks can match them in the grind. The same with a good Malbec, it is a well-rounded wine with flavors of spices, blackberries and dark chocolate. The same intense that the rugby will bring on the field, Malbec gives in the glass and wine is always the winner.

 As the Springboks start the Rugby Championship this weekend against Argentina we will sure be in front of the fire and television with a glass of Malbec in the hands to cheer on our boys in green and gold.

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