South African

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South African restaurant in London continues to support SA charities

(Partner Content) Kaapzicht, Rustenberg, Babylonstoren, Meinert, Cathy Marshall and Doolhof are all great names in South African wine, but what do these wineries have in common?

South African

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The answer is they all make wines for South African restaurant Vivat Bacchus, based in London.

Where it started

The idea started when South African co-owner Gerrie was meeting Danie Steytler, winemaker with family-owned Kaapzicht Wine Estate. Gerrie had the idea of having own-label wines for Vivat Bacchus, and Danie, known especially for working with Chenin Blanc and Pinotage grapes, was just the man. So, Vivat Bacchus Chenin Blanc was born.

It was when they got talking about the charitable work Yngvald, Danie’s mother, was doing with the Kaapzicht farm workers and their children that Gerrie got the idea that Vivat Bacchus could contribute from the sales of the Vivat Bacchus own-label wines – 50 pence from every bottle sold – to the Kaapzicht Community Projects.

Giving back to South African organisations

This charity drive has been so successful that air conditioning and new flooring has been installed in the community school, hugely improving conditions for the children and the staff. 

Recently, another South African charity, the HearX 3E (Ears, Eyes and Education) project in Mbokweni in Paarl also benefitted from a considerable contribution from this source. 

In total, more than £8000 has now been donated so far, and Vivat Bacchus is committed to further supporting both of these worthy causes in the future. And that ia all thanks to Vivat Bacchus’ customers.

The new floor at Kaapzicht

After the success of the VB Chenin Blanc, which quickly became a customers’ favourite, it was obvious to expand the concept and so the range of Vivat Bacchus own label wines came into being.

Here are the South African wines, each with something special to offer.

Vivat Bacchus Chenin Blanc

The first of the Vivat Bacchus collection, made for them by the talented Danie Steytler of Kaapzicht. Fresh clean aromas, stone fruits with a hint of tropical fruits.

Vivat Bacchus Chardonnay

Made by certainly one of the most exciting newcomers to the Cape wine scene, Babylonstoren, this wine overdelivers hugely. Medium oaked, very elegant and perfect with seafood dishes – a perfect addition to the range.  

Vivat Bacchus Red Blend

The second instalment from Danie Steytler; great for pairing with food but equally quaffable on its own. A powerful Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon blend; dark fruit dominant with a smooth finish.

Vivat Bacchus Cabernet Sauvignon

Murray Barlow of Rustenberg Wines carefully crafted this well-structured wine for Vivat Bacchus. It’s a great steak wine, which is important if you visit these restaurants – they are all about steak. Complex flavours, dark berries with ripe soft tannins.

Vivat Bacchus Malbec

A South African Malbec? Once again, from the capable hands of winemaker Murray Barlow of Rustenberg, a slightly lighter Malbec. Lots of plummy & blackberry flavours with a hint of spice.

Vivat Bacchus Pinotage

Another magnificent wine from Danie Steytler, one of the finest Pinotage producers in the Cape. A cracking Pinotage with 7.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Steak, steak, steak.

Vivat Bacchus Devon Crest

Eventually giving in to Vivat Bacchus’ longstanding begging, Martin Meinert and Brendan Butler gracefully revived the wonderful Devon Crest Bordeaux-style blend especially for Vivat Bacchus. This 2015 vintage is a cracker and most of what one can ever expect from a full-bodied but elegant red.

Vivat Bacchus Pinot Noir

Cathy Marshall, long time friend of Vivat Bacchus, makes this easy drinking and elegant Pinot Noir newcomer to the VB range from Elgin grapes. Excellent with lamb, duck and other lighter meats, this is a winner and already a great favourite with the city customers.

Vivat  Bacchus Merlot 

A newcomer made by Doolhof star winemaker Giellie Beukes; an easy quaffer that can also stand up to big steaks and other hearty meals like ox cheek and lamb. Now one of the top selling five wines at Vivat Bacchus, and a very important addition the the VB range of wines. 

How you can help

Visit Vivat Bacchus, try their own label wines and enjoy a meal or an evening of wine tasting. Look out for special events and wine tastings that take place throughout the year. Amazing offers are also available on Fridays and Saturdays at VB. Visit their website for details.