East Coast Radio "Name the KZN Bubbly"
The winning
entry is "Nambitha classique" from Zama Ngwane in Durban. Congratulations!
The province-wide competition to decide on a suitable name for a KZN
bubbly came to a conclusion with the announcement of the name "Nambitha Classique" as a
title for bubbly produced in KwaZulu-Natal in the classic French Methode Champenoise.
Nambitha is an isiZulu word that means "savour."
Run by East Coast Radio the competition asked wine lovers to come up
with a name that reflected the core values of tradition and quality
associated with bubblies made strictly according to the established
French norms and standards, but also sporting a character unique to the
province.
The competition attracted thousands of entries, and was won by21 year
old Durban listener Zama Ngwane, who won a R25 000 Vernon White
Frangipani ring, a weekend stay for two at the luxurious Duma Manzi Eco
Lodge and Spa, a case of The Stables Wine Estate KZN Wine of Origin
wines, and a VIP invitation to the launch of the bubbly later in the
year.
"I
am highly ecstatic, I can hardly contain myself!" enthused Ngwane when
told of her good fortune. "Thanks to the judges , the sponsors and to
ECR (homebrewed all the way!!!),for making me the happiest person alive
today."
"I can not wait for my first taste of Nambitha Classique," Ngwane
added. "I am so glad that I can celebrate my Ngwane heritage in such
class."
Winemakers Tiny and Judy van Niekerk have their first vintage of the bubbly
ready for release this year, with two further vintages to follow in
the near future. Both were delighted with the name
that emerged from the competition, judged by well known food writer Anne
Stevens, Tourism KZN CEO Ndabo Khoza and Judy van Niekerk.
"There was such a huge range of entries, ranging from the funny and
quirky, to some elegant and innovative ideas," said Judy van Niekerk. "I
am thrilled with the winner, as it says a lot about the style and
quality of the product, but also boldy says "Proudly KZN"."
The Van Niekerks will apply to have the name recognised by the national
wine industry governing body SAWIS as an umbrella name for all bubblies
produced in the region, in the same way that the Western Cape has
adopted the term "Method Cap Classique" or abbreviated to MCC.
"In many regions the wine is referenced as "Method Traditionelle", but
we decided that the production of a high class bubbly from KwaZulu-Natal
warranted a name that we can honestly say came from the people of the
province," said van Niekerk.
JUDGING PANEL
Anne Stevens
Ndaba Khoza
Judy van Niekerk
2010 will be a milestone
year for the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Not only will Durban be a host
city of the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup, but the region will be able to
celebrate with release of the first bubbly produced in the great French
tradition.
The Stables Wine Estate in Nottingham Road has three vintages of their
bubbly, made to the highest standards expected of the classic French
champagne. While the bubbly is sure to garner many fans, it needs a
name….
The reason is that it can’t be called champagne – that term is
exclusively reserved for bubblies from the designated French bubbly
producing region of Champagne around the cities of Riems and Epernay.
All around the world, names have been created for sparkling white wines
produced according to the exacting standards of the benchmark French
champagnes.
The term “méthode traditionnelle” has been widely accepted, but it has
been adapted to reflect regional characteristics. In South Africa the
accepted term is “Method Cap Classique.”
However, this obviously cannot be used for a bubbly produced in KwaZulu-Natal!
Here is an opportunity to come up with a name that reflects the quality
of this stylish, upmarket bubbly, and also the unique character and
personality of the KwaZulu-Natal province from which it hails.
- The name may include the term “méthode” to reflect that the bubbly ahs
been made using the strict criteria of “méthode traditionnelle”.
- The name may make use of a language indigenous to KwaZulu-Natal.
- The name must reflect the exacting high-standards of a proper “méthode
traditionnelle” bubbly.
- The name should evoke emotions of quality, sophistication, elegance,
chic style and celebration.
East Coast Radio and The Stables Wine Estate are offering a prize
befitting the classy elegant bubbly that will be released later in the
year.
The name adjudged by our panel of three judges (Independent Newspaper
food writer Anne Stevens, KZN Tourism CEO Ndabo Khoza and The Stables
Wine Estate’ winemaker Judy van Niekerk) to be the best fit for the new
bubbly will win:
- A stylish exclusive patented Frangipani ring from top KZN jeweller
Vernon White
- A weekend away for two people at the ultra-luxurious Duma Manzi
Eco-Lodge and Spa
- A VIP invitation to the launch of the new bubbly at The Stables Wine
Estate City Cellar in Umhlanga later in the year, including overnight
bed and breakfast accommodation at The Anchors Rest
- A case of Experience KZN wines from The Stables Wine Estate, and a
personal wine tasting with the winemaker Tiny van Niekerk
Full prize details:
Vernon White Jewellers Franginani ring:
A stylish exclusive patented Frangipani ring from Vernon White Jewellers.
It is in 18ct white gold and set with 55 diamonds worth R25000.00.
Duma Manzi Eco-Lodge & Spa
2 Nights Sharing at our Luxury Sandstone Rooms
With the Sandstone Cliffs towering across the river, these luxury rooms
clearly draw its influence from the environment.
These luxury appointed rooms allow guest the full privilege of intimate
tranquility and luxury.
Elegantly decorated, the luxurious rooms each have their own private
plunge pool and glass doors leading from the bedroom and bathroom onto a
wooden deck overlooking the river, African Wilderness and Wildlife.
Comfortable one hour drive from Durban to Richmond
Includes;
Luxury accommodation, three meals per day, one game drive per stay
Excludes:
All beverages, Spa treatments, transfers to and from the lodge, Curio
purchases, Laundry and valet, Telephone, fax and e mail, Room service,
Special dining experiences and gratuities
The Stables Wine estate:
A mixed case of Experience KZN wines, comprising 2008 Sauvignon Blanc,
2009 Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 Blanc de Blanc, 2008 Umkhosi, Jeripico,
Merlot Nouveau, and the newly named bubbly!
A winetasting of the entire range, and wines carried under The Stables
Collection banner, at the City Cellar in Umhlanga, conducted by the
winemaker Tiny van Niekerk, for a group of up to four people, at a
mutually convenient date and time.
Launch invitation:
A VIP invitation for two persons to the private function later in
the year to launch the newly named KZN bubbly. This will be a glittering
black tie event in Umhlanga. The prize includes overnight accommodation
for the two invitees at The Anchors Rest in Umhlanga on a bed and
breakfast basis.
