Zonnebloem is one of South Africa's best-known and biggest selling brands, offering outstanding value for money. It represents a lifestyle which encompasses an appreciation of the finer things in life.
Zonnebloem also has one of the longest histories of any wine label in South Africa, dating back to the early part of the 18th century when wines were already made on the farm Zonnebloem in Simondium. By the 1940s, Zonnebloem wines were regularly earning accolades at Cape wine shows and were even being imported by Burgoynes of London.
Over the nearly 60 years since then, Zonnebloem has been a familiar accompaniment to many meals over many generations. The wines are styled to be accessible and easy to drink, with a soft palate but structured to show a prominent varietal character and, in the case of the reds, to last for five to ten years.
Zonnebloem's positioning, 'The Fine Art of Wine', associates the range with the traditional perception of art. Today, this pay-off allows broad appeal and encompasses far more than fine art. Different eras of art can relate to different target markets. To appeal to a younger and more discerning market, the 2001 point-of-sale material adopted the style of Andy Warhol. Declaring that supermarkets are like art museums, he turned consumables into art (e.g. Coca Cola bottles, Campbell's soup). In this instance, Zonnebloem becomes the hero - the art form is the wine itself. The style is very vibrant and strong, easily identifiable, appealing and spells individualism.
In 2001, Zonnebloem subtly reinvented itself as a more trendy brand. Zonnebloem wines have a long tradition and heritage and are known for being reliable, consistent, and now, more fashionable, sophisticated and image conscious, appealing to a discerning and aspirational market. These consumers have an appreciation of fine wine, but also want to impress, and be impressed, by the whole package. The aim is to appeal to a slightly younger target market than in the past, so as to ensure the longevity of the brand.
Zonnebloem Winemaking Team
Louw Engelbrecht
Engelbrecht (35), who holds a diploma in cellar technology from Elsenburg, joined Distell as winemaker of white wines at the Adam Tas cellar in February 2001. He was previously winemaker at Koelenhof Winery, where he was appointed in 1997. From 1993 to 1996 he worked at Delheim as assistant to Philip Costandius.
Engelbrecht, like Bucholtz, believes in following a "hands-off" policy of minimal intervention in the cellar.
His challenge, he says, it to succeed in revealing the origins and the premier quality of the grapes he receives in the large volume, good value wines he produces.
Michael Bucholtz
Bucholtz (35), who succeeded Jan de Waal as winemaker of red wines at the Adam Tas cellars in Stellenbosch (formerly SFW), has a BSc (Hons) from the University of Stellenbosch.
He was appointed to make SFWs experimental wines in 1996, a position he held until 2000, when he was groomed to become winemaker responsible for all the reds produced at Adam Tas. These include Zonnebloem, Chateau Libertas and Tassenberg.
He was previously assistant winemaker at Robertson Co-operative from 1992 to 1995.
He plans to use his experience in experimental winemaking to broaden the range of wines made at Adam Tas. His maiden 2000 Zonnebloem Fine Art Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangiovese is testimony to his desire to explore new terrain.
He is also keen to develop a range of single vineyard wines. The 2000 Zonnebloem Fine Art Pinotage is his first such wine.
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Plaisir de Merle
Chardonnay Paarl 2003
Flashy style, with lots of fig, butter, pineapple and brioche
aromas and flavors. Lush palate, with a soft, creamy finish. Could use
a little more zip, but will certainly have fans. Drink now. 700 cases
made. (JM)
Plaisir de Merle
Shiraz Paarl 2003
Ripe blackberry and cassis fruit with racy acidity and a
minerally, smoky finish. Solid. Drink now through 2006. 1,000 cases made.
(JM)
Nederburg 2003 Western
Cape Pinotage
87 Points
Saturated with plum and blueberry fruit, this smooth,
smoky pinotage is soft and relatively light. Pair it with the dark meat
of game birds or turkey.
2005 Nederburg
Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape
A Best Buy
This wine has a vegetal character, but tropical fruit
flavors are just as dominant. Intense flavors and aromas, lively acidity
and a warm finish make this an ideal match for oily foods. Imported by
Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.
2003 Nederburg
Pinotage
Western Cape
A Best Buy
This ruby-red wine has a lot to offer. It offers vanilla,
spice, Maraschino cherry and cola in the nose, while the palate is packed
with more cherry, vanilla, a mild minerality and some lemon notes. It
finishes smooth, with coffee and spice. Imported by Dreyfus, Ashby &
Co.
2002 Nederburg
Shiraz
Western Cape
A Best Buy
On the nose, plum and juicy berry are joined by cocoa
powder and vanilla. With ir, grilled meat aromas emerge. The palate starts
out a bit sweet with vanilla, but quickly picks up fruit, spice and charred
meat notes. All this in a package that is soft without being simple.
Zonnebloem is one of South Africa's best-known and biggest selling brands, offering outstanding value for money. It represents a lifestyle which encompasses an appreciation of the finer things in life. 
