Zonnebloem, one of South Africa's most enduring wine brands, has just released its first white wine under screw cap – the 2009 vintage of its intense, rich and complex Viognier. This palate pleasing food wine is the successor of the maiden vintage of this classic Rhône varietal that was released in 2008.
Zonnebloem Viognier 2009 is a full-bodied wine with complex aromas of orange blossoms, apricots and tropical fruit on the nose, whilst the crisp palate delights with hints of vanilla that complement the prominent peach and tropical fruit flavours.
Winemaker of Zonnebloem white wines, Deon Boshoff, made this luscious wine with grapes specifically selected from vineyards growing in the Stellenbosch and Wellington areas to ensure a good combination of sugar levels, fullness and flavour profiles. In the cellar, the wine was left on the lees and stirred regularly to further enhance the fullness of the wine on the palate.
Zonnebloem Viognier 2009 is the perfect table companion that stands up well to spicy foods such as curries and Thai dishes as well as seafood but is equally delightful on its own, served slightly chilled.
Zonnebloem is one of South Africa’s first major wine brands dating back to the early part of the 18th century. Today the time honoured tradition lives on from the vineyards, tended by the same families for over three generations, to the meticulous craftsmanship in the cellar. The result is an illustrious range of wines slowly coaxed to perfection until they are released at optimum quality. These full-bodied wines are well-structured to show varietal character with rich, robust flavours, yet remain accessible and easy to drink with a soft palate.
The Zonnebloem Viognier 2009 retails at around R40 per bottle from leading wine outlets.