Danone South Africa is joining the trend for traditional drinks to introduce trendy new variants with a smooth version of its fermented dairy product, Inkomazi Amasi.
Inkomazi Smooth is an even creamier version of the sour milk beverage, traditionally eaten with pap or bread as part of a hearty family meal. It follows the success story of another indigenous brand, Mageu Number 1, which last year also launched a smooth variant.
‘Having this choice will certainly widen the use of Inkomazi among those who are constantly looking for something new, healthy and enjoyable to give to their families as part of any meal’, said Danone.
It’s on sale in major retailers for R7.27 for the 500g version and R13.99 for the 1kg pack.
New label for old stalwart
One of South Africa’s oldest wine brands has been given a makeover, with sleek new labels provided by SA Litho.
Red blended wine Chateau Libertas, which was established in 1932 and celebrates its 80th birthday next year, had a tricky balancing act to maintain some elements of the instantly recognisable label and move towards a more modern look.
The bright yellow label has been toned down and the general look is sleeker, although the wine style and choice of cork as closure remains the same.
The easy-drinking Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend was launched 79 years ago by a medical doctor based in Stellenbosch, Dr William Charles Winshaw, who wanted an elegant style to drink with dinner, at a time when sweet or fortified wines were the usual choice.
SA wines sober up
The move towards lower-alcohol wines is continuing with the launch of two new ‘light’ white wines in time for summer.
Distell-owned winery Fleur du Cap has produced a 9.6 per cent abv blend of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc called Natural Light 2011, selling at around R32 a bottle.
Meanwhile Stellenbosch-based brand Flat Roof Manor has chosen SA’s favourite white varietal, Sauvignon Blanc, for its Light version which has just nine per cent alcohol by volume. It also contains 32 per cent fewer kilojoules than the regular 14.3 per cent abv offering of the same 2011 vintage, and sells for about R38.
‘Light but by no means slight, is how we describe this new wine,’ says winemaker Estelle Lourens. ‘It is styled for elegance but certainly doesn’t compromise on flavour. It’s crisp and fresh with bright, vibrant and herbaceous characters on the nose and taste. What makes it so appealing is its easy-drinking refreshment.’
Methods such as picking before the sugar levels in the grapes reach their maximum are used to achieve lower alcohol in wine.
Pinot Noir gets fresh
In what is believed to be a first for South Africa, Franschhoek wine estate is releasing an unwooded Pinot Noir.
The variety, best known for its Burgundy heartland, is a flagship for the winery, which is releasing the Unwooded Pinot Noir 2011.
Cellarmaster Takuan von Arnim says that with this newest creation, Haute Cabrière wanted to showcase the natural red fruit flavours and aromas of the variety without using barrel maturation.
It’s hoped even white wine drinkers will enjoy the version as it has soft tannins and lower-than-normal alcohol at 12 per cent abv. Screwcap is the closure of choice for the wine, which retails at around R79.
