Roter Veltliner Classic 2021 – Dzimbahwe Brands.
Wine producers do not always own a vineyard or even a winery. There is the case of traveling winemakers for instance, who are increasingly popular in countries like South Africa, and even wine professionals like sommeliers that make their own wines.
A member belonging to the last group is Pardon Taguzu. Long time followers of our platform will recognize this name, as we did an interview with him on South Africa and South African wines a while ago (click here to replay it). In this review one of his own wines, which he recently released, a Roter Veltliner from Austria produced under Dzimbahwe Brands.
About the Producer
Pardon Taguzu is known as one of the best sommeliers in South Africa. Coming from Zimbabwe originally, he was also a member of the illustrious Zimbabwean delegation for the World Tasting Championships a few years ago, where they participated with great success. There is even a movie made, which is called ‘Blind Ambition’, that follows this team on their challenge. An inspiring story that is showing around the world now.
These days Pardon resides in the Netherlands and he is working on multiple projects, including his own line of wines labeled under ‘Dzimbahwe Brands’. The wines are produced by Pardon, in cooperation with an Austrian winery named ‘Weingut Jungmayr’, who are located near Austria’s Weinviertel near the Kamptal region in Niederosterreich.
The wines are classified as Wine of Austria and Pardon is involved in the whole process of producing the wines. He works alongside the viticulturist in the vineyards, selecting the grapes, and oversees the work in the cellar where he makes the choices on vinification and puts together the blends.
In total he produces 7 different wines: Gruner Veltliner, Rose, Zweigelt, Riesling, a white cuvee named Betty Blanc after his mother and this Roter Veltliner.
About the Wine
Made from 100% Roter Veltliner, a variety that is not as well-known as Austria’s Gruner Veltliner but able to produce excellent monocepage wines as well. The interesting part is that there is no clear relation between the two Veltliners. In Austria the grape also goes by the name Roter Muskateller.
In the glass this Roter Veltliner shows itself with its fruity nose, boosting both tropical and stone fruit as well as some flint and smoke notes in the background. The palette offers a white wine with good structure, nice power and a full body. This is accompanied by a mineral structure, freshness and a strong level of acidity.
Conclusion:
We are impressed by the balance and complexity of this Austrian white. Pardon has done an excellent job crafting this Roter Veltliner and surely knows how to hit the right spots with this wine. Fruitiness alongside minerality, good structure and a firm body. A wine that is great to enjoy on its own in the sun but is also a great gastronomic partner, try to match this up with a Wiener Schnitzel! A perfect debut if you ask us!
This wine is part of the exclusive line of Austrian wines produced by Dzimbahwe Brands, owned by Master Sommelier Pardon Taguzu. It is available through their website or with selected partners.
Price: €14,95
Taste date: Oktober 2022
Score: 92/100 DWA Score
Website: Dzimbahwe Brands