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Don’t judge a wine by it’s label..?

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Neil Pendock reports on his blog on Times Live that Simon Hoggart had a bit of a go at our Secateurs label in The Spectator this week. 


Here is what Simon has to say… 

“Take this scrumptious Secateurs 2010, a Chenin Blanc from A.A. ­Badenhorst of Swartland, who is one of the most exciting young winemakers in South Africa. Chenin Blanc is the grape in Vouvray, but you would be hard put to find a French wine as rich, succulent and velvety, and at the crazy price of £8.95. I served this to a wine-loving American friend, and half the bottle had disappeared down her throat before she managed to exclaim, ‘that was delicious!’ My only complaint is the ghastly label. Labels matter. Rolling countryside or ancient Dutch farmhouse a.s.a.p., please.”

But, I have to agree with Neil when he comes to the conclusion that you cannot please everyone, all the time. And I guess you cant blame Simon for not having taste in art, he does seem to have excellent taste in wine;)

You be the judge, we’d love to know what you think of our labels. An article on them (and their designer Peet Pienaar) here.




All I can say is that I do not foresee any Dutch Farmhouses on our labels, any.time.soon… 

Seasons greetings from our family to yours!

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The calendar year has come to an end and we are all off for a short break before the harvest starts…


News from Kalmoesfontein is that the farm is looking more and more beautiful every day and as you might have seen our sexy new concrete tanks are in place (officially making them the most expensive winery equipment after the vega coffee machine).

The cellar has just about been cleaned out of wine due to the wonderful sales we enjoyed this year and in 2011 we will endeavour to make even better wines for all those who loyally support us.

The vines are in excellent condition and there is quite a large crop hanging – this is all relative though;  if we get more than 4tons/ha of Chenin Blanc it’s a big crop! But the vines are healthy and look like they are ready to jump into a bottle of AA Badenhorst or Secateurs!

We will start to harvest our Verdehlo grapes from the middle of January and the whole team is looking forward to the first fermenting juice – from then on there will be a steady flow of grapes coming in and once again, we woun’t do anything fancy in the cellar – we let the grapes and vineyards speak for themselves!

Jasper Wickens, wine enthusiast, wine maker and party man extraordinaire is once again joining us for the vintage to chase the spice and all things nice!

Wishing you a safe and wine filled festive season,
Thanks for all the support and we look forward to a memorable 2011!

From everyone on Kalmoesfontein, over and out for 2010!

Family portraits by neighbour Maree Louw,  www.naturallightphotography.co.za!

Secateurs on Christmas eve…

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David Williams picked a few wines for the festive season in The Observer – and our Secateurs Red blend will be next to the xmas tree this season as they get into the festive spirit.


Make sure you have a bottle of two close by, find out where to buy (clicky-click) or mail aabadenhorstwine@gmail.com to place an order that we can deliver to your door (in most major cities of South Africa)… 


“Something like the gutsy, southern Rhône-style AA Badenhorst Secateurs Red Blend, Swartland, South Africa 2009 (£9.99, swig.co.uk) with its succulent mix of dark fruit and wild herbs…“


Or try a Chenin if you are having a summer Christmas under the African sun! 

Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of Secateurs!

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Hamish Anderson, Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer for Tate Britain chooses the wines for the Telegraph Magazine‘s Christmas table. Our Secateurs Chenin is the only South African wine that tickles his fancy. So I guess this year it’s Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of Secateurs…


So add this wine to your shopping list when getting ready to celebrate life, love and family this festive season.

Good reviews and great deals…

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A pleasant review for our wines, and some great deals if you are in the UK, all in time for xmas!


Says the wine merchant:


“Not one to begrudge the southern hemisphere and it’s offerings I was pleasantly impressed with the massive quality in Adi Badenhorst’s Family Red 2006.“


and


“In a nutshell, if you’re thinking of buying a standard Cotes-du-Rhône for your everyday drinking – don’t. Buy Secateurs Red 2009 instead.”

Read it all here: http://blog.jnwine.com/post/Badenhorst-Family-Wine.aspx

Another pairing with Reuben Riffel

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Last Friday our wine was present in Swaziland when Ngwenya Glass launched their new range of glassware, designed by Reuben Riffel. 


This is a collection of tableware that Ngwenya has been working on with top SA chef Reuben Riffel, the inspiration, Source SA, the design team and Boardmans, the marketing arm. 


Read the article here: http://www.ngwenyaglass.co.sz/news.html
or some more listings of the event:


http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/pendock/2010/11/06/riffels-not-riedels-this-xmas/#more-6260


cheers! 

Ready for the Revolution~

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Tomorrow the Revolution starts! The first ever Swartland Revolution takes place in Riebeek Kasteel this weekend, and with only ONE more sleep, we are really ready to roll!


There are still 20 weekend packages for sale and lots of wine to taste at the open tasting on Saturday afternoon. 
The programme of events is set to blow you away:
* A Swartland style welcome hamper.

* A fantastic in-depth sit down seminar and tasting of 8 world class wines from Stephane Ogier of Cote Rotie.
* A truly gatskop Braai by Reuben Riffel, including wine and Jukskei lessons.
* Breakfast and coffee on Saturday morning.
* An insightful sit down seminar & tasting of the experiences and next level Swartland experiments of the AA Badenhorst and Sadie Families, moderated by Tim James.
* A presentation by Michael Fridjhon on the Independent character and spirit of the Swartland.
* Saturday Lunch at the World famous Bar Bar Blacksheep, including wine.
* Entry to the Real Men Ferment Wild tasting where you get to taste over 50 wines from more than 22 wineries, convened by Neil Pendock.

Great wine, great food, a stunning small town setting and some awesome people with real passion for what they do and where they do it.

We hope to see you at the Royal tomorrow afternoon, or in the square on Saturday with a glass of wild wine in hand!

Viva the revolution!