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.
“Historically, rosé was always an afterthought in South Africa,” says Nicky, “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.”
Mirabelle Rosé is lovingly crafted from old vine Cinsault and Mourvèdre grown in the Swartland. 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.
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. 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 market.
“I wanted to create something different, something brave, something hopeful,” he says. “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.”
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.
The word means ‘wonderous’ in French and incorporates the word ‘belle,’ which means ‘beautiful.’ And, as Belle is also the name of his youngest daughter, this has special meaning for him.
Mirabelle launched at TANG on 02 September to an exclusive variety of guests, ranging from SA’s top Wine and Food heavyweights to local celebrities. It is also being launched through Norman Goodfellows, both in-store and online, and will be available on location in exclusive establishments like the Saxon in Johannesburg and the Grand Pavilion in Sea Point.
Mirabelle Rosé will be launched in both the standard 750ml format and a 1.5l magnum format. Nicky says large-format bottles are very popular in Europe and the US and that this is a trend that is catching on here.
He should know. Nicky never does anything by half measures.
