Wine for good – that’s the long story made short!
You don’t have to read further, that’s all you really need to know. I have so many feelings for what Denzel Swarts has created with his Son of the Soil Foundation…if I think for too long there are tears. He’s a born storyteller but there are no tears when he tells his story…just solemn nods, plenty of laughs, and glasses raised alongside raucous cheers. His story is a reality for so many South Africans. Talented young people who were raised in a country where the vast majority are not afforded opportunities. And even when they work hard and prove themselves, they face uphill battles to convince others that they deserve a seat at the table.
One of the things that always sticks out to me is when Denzel says that he earns enough as a wine ambassador at Simonsig, and that’s why the profits for this wine go straight to the Son of the Soil Leadership Foundation that aims to ‘create an environment where previously disadvantaged youth of the Western Cape can become active citizens and participate in building better communities. Breaking the cycle of poverty by minimising school dropouts among youth’.
Next time you marvel at the beauty of our winelands and wave at the kids playing next to the back roads between the farms…take a moment (and a deep breath and a few blinks of you’re anything like me) to realise that they are the sons, and daughters, of the soil.
I learned a long time ago that tears don’t help…there’s the point where you realise your energy is better spent doing something to make a change. Join me in raising your glass 🍷 to Denzel today, our Heritage Day.
Break the Mould Chenin Blanc:
Medium intensity nose of blossoms, peaches, lime, fresh fennel and nutmeg.
Dry, light bodied, and high acidity. Pretty peaches, honey and herbal notes, and a medium finish that hints at some nuttiness.
The Undiscovered Jewel Pinotage:
Medium ruby, medium nose of mulberries, blackberries, raspberries, red plums, gentle liquorice, warm aniseed, cardamom, even pepper, tobacco, and faint rubber. Quick side notes about the tar: it’s a Pinotage tell that I’m leaning heavily into but it’s not a bad thing at all. I missed it for many years, and now that I’ve found it…I am relishing in being able to bank on it.
Dry, medium bodied, gentle tannins, good acidity, and a slightly shorter finish. I’d add the salty sweet bitterness of guavas and their seeds and peels.
