Actor Robin Williams once said, "Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'," and that was certainly the vibe at the launch of Nicky van der Walt's first endeavour in winemaking: a crisp and delicious new rosé that will spearhead his own private label.
The launch took place at Van der Walt's restaurant TANG in Nelson Mandela Square, which has, since it opened in May, won the Luxe Restaurant Award 2021 awarded by the Hospitality Counsel. In a few short months, the restaurant has become a favourite of Johannesburg's fine diners.
TANG is a luxurious take on the Japanese Izakaya style of dining and classic Cantonese-style cooking. The restaurant's team of culinary talents is led by seasoned chefs Wesley Chen and Vixa Kalenga, who serve up dishes including Peking duck, black cod miso, yellowtail sashimi, and a vast sushi and wok selection.
Van der Walt's new wine, Mirabelle rosé, is going to be a great accompaniment to the menu.
It's a beautiful light pink colour and was crafted from old vine cinsault and mourvèdre grown in the Swartland. Comprising 75% cinsault from two vineyard blocks and 25% mourvèdre from a single vineyard block, it features notes of cherry, strawberry and candyfloss, a subtle rose petal perfume, and a lemon twist finish.
Fondly remembered visits with his parents to the beautiful wine farms of the Cape winelands during his childhood is what inspired Van der Walt to create his own rosé, he said at the launch - adding, "It's one of the most creative things I've ever done."
He chose the name in celebration of this. The word means "wondrous" in French and incorporates the word "belle," meaning "beautiful". And, as Belle is also the name his youngest daughter goes by, this has special meaning for him.
Celebrated wine writer and connoisseur Michael Fridjohn spoke highly of Mirabelle and raved about the wine's flavours. "It's delicious. It captures the moment," he said.
"Historically, rosé was always an afterthought in South Africa," said Van der Walt. "It's only in the past decade or so that local producers have upped their game. With Mirabelle, I set out to create a world-class Provençal-style rosé; a light and fresh wine with a beautiful pink hue that one can drink from brunch right through the day without getting palate fatigue."
Winemaker Pieter Carstens from Leeuwenkuil was behind the blend made from grapes harvested slightly earlier than usual to ensure a low sugar content and balanced acidity.
Conceptualised by Van der Walt during the first "hard" lockdown last year, the rosé was chosen to launch the Mirabelle label because Van der Walt felt this would enable him to bring something special to market.
"I wanted to create something different, something brave, something hopeful," he said. "I chose not to go with a chardonnay, chenin blanc, or sauvignon blanc because I wanted the first Mirabelle wine to express my adventurous spirit and my willingness to explore uncharted territory. I also wanted it to bring a joyful pink glow to the lunch and dinner table."
• Mirabelle rosé comes in both the standard 750ml bottle and a 1.5l magnum. It's available at Norman Goodfellows (in-store and online) and will be available on location in establishments such as the Saxon in Johannesburg and the Grand Pavilion in Sea Point, Cape Town.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.