Sons of Sugarland is a partnership project between Fritz Schooon, Henk Kotze and acclaimed winemaker Reenen Borman. Reenen is known for his exceptional Syrahs under the Sons of Sugarland label and family farm Boschkloof. This Barbera is a new addition to the range and has already created quite the following, “because, every wine Reenen makes must be good”, says Corlien. That’s the epitome of a great winemaker, when people trust that every wine you put in a bottle can be bought blindly and will reward generously.

Barbera is rarely found in South Africa, with just 50ha in total so to see a winemaker like Reenen working with this variety now is truly exciting. The variety typically produces wines with good colour and depth, but low tannins and high acidity. That sounds just about perfect for a South African summer red. The trick is in harvesting early enough to not have jammy fruit, but also not too early with too much acidity.

Reenen uses grapes from Breedekloof with the intention to show the true characteristics of the variety and not altering it through winemaking processes. Grapes were fermented as whole bunches in open top fermenters and thereafter aged in 400lt old barrels for about 11 months. It resulted in a really soft tannin structure and also allowed the fresh fruit flavours to stay intact. Serve it slightly chilled to really enjoy all the crisp and juicy berry flavours.

Arnaud Lambert has to be one of the most talented winemakers in the Loire Valley regularly producing some of the most interesting wines in and around Saumur and Saumur Champigny. He is helping to discover the expression and diversity of soils and individual sites within the Saumur appellations, with the end goal to give expression to each individual terroir and fully realise each vineyard sites potential. This is achieved through organic viticulture and minimal intervention wine-making. By practicing these biodynamics and bringing a Burgundian approach to his winemaking, his Cabernet Francs are juicy, perfumed, fresh and make for fantastic drinking over the warmer months with a little chill.

Tasting Notes:
This is classic Cabernet Franc! The nose shows aromas violets, red currants and red raspberry blossom with hints of green bell pepper and herbal characters. The palate is silky smooth with vibrant acidity and bright red fruits mixed with savoury, earthy and herbal undertones.
Made with a very Burgundian approach this is deliciously juicy and fun, and completely engaging. It's serious, but not in an expensive way, this is easy drinking and for the money and over delivers in every aspect.

La Tunella is based in the Colli Orientali del Friuli and has come a long way since farmer Min Zorzettig founded the estate between the first and second world wars. After a large re-vamp in the early nineties, old vineyards were replanted, new land acquired, new varieties introduced and production was intentionally cut, with harvest now taking place almost entirely by hand. Grown on high sun-trap terraces in the eastern Friuli hills, the hand-tended vines produce only the tiniest quantity of grapes. The soils here are unique to the area combining a mix of marl and sandstone called Ponca, and are believed to be the key to the expressive yet delicate flavours and textural purity of La Tunella’s wines.

The winery now boasts an impressive range of delicious wines from international grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio as well as rare, indigenous varieties like the spicy Friulano. Today, third generation grandsons Massimo and Marco run the winery, producing exceptional wines, each showing the stunning, characteristic viscosity and purity of fruit for which the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region is famous.

Tasting note:
La Tunella Pinot Nero has a beautiful light ruby red colour. Grown in the cooler hills of Friuli, the grapes are all hand harvested in the first week of September as per their norm. 
This wine has bright violet, bitter almond, raspberry and cherry notes with hints wild herbs and a inviting warm spices on the nose. On the palate it's pleasant, dry and slightly aromatic with a savoury, fresh and juicy character with notes of red fruit such as crushed cherry, strawberry, plums, raspberry and soft velvety tannins to finish.