Lanzerac Alma Mater – Wines for the first generation wine drinkers

When you’re next stocking up on your favourite wine you will notice that the Lanzerac Alma Mater range has undergone a slight change.

Presented in the iconic teardrop bottle the Alma Mater Red and Alma Mater White will now be known as the Alma Mater Shiraz and Alma Mater Chenin Blanc, respectively.

Joining the Shiraz and Chenin Blanc to make a superb trio is the Alma Mater Rosé. Launched in 2013 the range is aimed at the young or first generation wine drinkers – a collection of uncomplicated wines full of fruit and sunshine with a juicy mouth feel and soft tannins.

The name Alma Mater was borne out of the strong camaraderie and nostalgia evident amongst the students and visitors to Stellenbosch, home to Lanzerac Wine Estate and its wines. Alma Mater is a term referring to the school, college or university that one has studied at, and graduated from. Ask any university student; particularly a Matie student of the sixties, seventies or eighties and soon you will hear a story of legendary cheese platters or enjoying that bottle of Rosé on the Lanzerac stoep.

It is at Lanzerac where the world’s first Pinotage, a 1959 vintage, bottled in 1961 came into being and established the farm as one of the leading pioneers in the wine industry.

Winemaker Wynand Lategan describes the Alma Mater Cheninc Blanc 2014 as deliciously tropical in style with a fragrant nose, citrus and gooseberry flavours, resulting in a fresh lingering palate. The perfect everyday drinking wine, which can be enjoyed on its own, or with salads, fish and a variety of light meals.

The Alma Mater Rosé 2014, a bright blush pink color, displays aromas of early summer fruit, such as sweet strawberries, youngberries and hints of cranberries. The palate is fresh, clean approachable and not overpowering, but will linger with each sip. The perfect summer wine to drink on its own or serve with a salad, summer fruits or a light lunch, such as linefish or seafood.

Completing the line up is the Alma Mater Shiraz 2013, which has a fruity nose with prominent plum and blackberries. The palate is soft, packed with black fruit with integrated tannins. A beautiful red wine to enjoy on its own or with light meat and pastas dishes.

The wines are available directly from the Tasting Room as well as select retail outlets nationwide, retailing for approximately R45 per bottle.