It was seventy years ago when the pioneering Stellenbosch Hills winemakers first introduced great tasting wines at affordable prices to the South African market. At the celebration of their anniversary, held at the Cape Grace in Cape Town, the winery launched a new, premium aperitif, perfect for the festive season.
La Serena, meaning serenity or being serene, calm or tranquil is made from one of South Africa’s rarest grape varieties, Muscat de Hambourg. The aperitif is the brainchild of the innovative Stellenbosch Hills team, under the direction of cellar master PG Slabbert and pays tribute to the rich history and legacy of the winery.
The winemaking team at Stellenbosch Hills – Jean and PG Slabbert.
Stellenbosch Hills markets their wines under three distinct labels – Stellenbosch Hills, 1707 Reserve and Polkadraai, sourcing its grapes from a wide selection of producers, and a broad spectrum of terroirs. The winery, situated in the farming district of Vlottenburg, is a model of all that’s sophisticated in the way of winemaking technology. The company is investing a lot of money into research and development, not only to increase the levels of their winemaking efficiency but also to develop new planes of wines.
To ensure the integrity of the fruit used in the La Serena, all grapes were handpicked in 8 kg boxes during the early morning hours. Grapes were fermented on the skins in 300 litre open top barriques for seven days after which the juice was fortified with a seven year old potstill brandy at 12ºB.
“Usually used as a title of honour or respect, La Serena pays tribute to the history of our cellar, the grapes we grow, the people who work the land, and the innovative spirit among our members,” says PG.
“Over the last seven decades we have produced many award winning vintages sourced from grapes grown in some of the Stellenbosch region’s most exclusive vineyards, and we continue to do so today.”
Only 1 400 bottles of this limited released fortified sweet aperitif were hand crafted making it the perfect gift or collector’s item. The La Serena has bright pomegranate hues, with an abundance of rich nougat and nut flavours, complemented by whiffs of rose petals.
Available exclusively from the cellar, the La Serena aperitif sells for R350 a bottle. Serve cold on crushed ice, as a cocktail or with dessert or a cheese platter.
