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KZN decides on name
for new bubbly
Nottingham Road – 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.
For more information go to
www.stableswine.co.za
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