Mirabelle Rose

TANG’S NICKY VAN DER WALT LAUNCHES MIRABELLE ROSÉ IN SANDTON

Adding another accomplishment to his portfolio, during probably the hardest time in the hospitality industry, Nicky van der Walt brought together friends, family, and a close circle of guests to raise a glass to his very own wine, Mirabelle Rosé.

 

  • This marks the first step for Nicky on his journey towards owning his own private label.
  • Mirabelle Rosé is crafted from old vine Cinsault and Mourvèdre grown in the Swartland.
  • It will be available in both the standard 750ml format and a 1.5l magnum format.
  • Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

 

‘Uncomplicated but not uncomplex’ is how the Director of the Wine Judging Academy of the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, Michael Fridjhon described Nicky van der Walt’s Mirabelle Rosé, inspired by a lifelong love of the Cape Winelands and the very best French winemaking traditions.

 

The new wine, Mirabelle Rosé, is an ode to the superb rosé wines made in the south of France, which capture the freshness of the rising sun and the promise of a new day, together with a love for his youngest daughter Gabriella, after which the Rosé is named.

 

Mirabelle Rose
Nicky says large-format bottles are very popular in Europe and the US and that this is a trend that is catching on here. Image: The Sandton Times

Historically, rosé was always an afterthought in South Africa and it is 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.

// Nicky van der Walt

 

Mirabelle Rose
Comprising 75% Cinsault from two different vineyard blocks and 25% Mourvèdre from a single vineyard block, its features notes of cherry, strawberry, and candyfloss, a subtle rose petal perfume, and a lemon twist finish. Image: The Sandton Times

It’s delicious. It captures the moment.

// Director of the Wine Judging Academy of the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, Michael Fridjhon

 

The creation of celebrated winemaker, Pieter Carstens from Leeuwenkuil, Mirabelle is made from grapes harvested slightly earlier than usual to ensure a low sugar content and balanced acidity.

 

Mirabelle Rose
Conceptualised by Nicky during the first ‘hard’ lockdown last year, he says he chose to launch the Mirabelle label with a rosé because he felt this would enable him to bring something special to the market. Image: The Sandton Times

I wanted to create something different, something brave, something hopeful. 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.

// Leeuwenkuil Winemaker, Pieter Carstens

 

He says that developing his own wine was one of the most creative things he has ever done, and he chose the name ‘Mirabelle’ in celebration of this. Mirabelle Rosé will be available through Norman Goodfellows, both in-store and online, and will be available on location in exclusive establishments like The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg.

 

What did we think? We thoroughly enjoyed it – a fruity, fresh taste, easy to drink with a great mouthfeel, just in time for the upcoming summer months.

 

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