Press Release October 2008

Morgenster Releases the Exciting Nabucco in its Italian Collection

The beautiful Morgenster estate, home to premium red wine and the finest extra virgin olive oil, is the culmination of the dreams of Giulio Bertrand, the inimitable Italian gentleman who made this Cape farm his home, and transformed it into a leading wine and olive estate.

And while Morgenster’s Bordeaux-styled red wines have shone in local and international competitions, Giulio Bertrand has always dreamt of making wine from the Italian varieties that are so close to his heart and native home. The Italian Collection sees the fruition of this dream and Giulio is proud to present the maiden release of Nabucco, a sophisticated wine made from Nebbiolo grapes.

Italian passion and flair is world renowned, and here it is brought to light in two of the greatest symbols of this heritage: wine and opera. Verdi’s Nabucco is a powerful story of love, passion and exile in the Babylonian court. The theme of longing for your homeland is brought to life in this wine that draws heavily on the flavours of Italy: spices, citrus, truffles, and tomatoes.

Morgenster Nabucco 2006

Tasting notes by winemaker Marius Lategan: “An introduction of sweet Indonesian spice, Turkish tobacco and hints of ripe tomatoes and truffles. The superb balance between acid and tannin on the tongue brings to the fore spice, dried citrus and dried herb and cedar wood flavours with a hint of mocha. Nabucco is a wine that delivers loads of structure and intensity. It’s refined, elegant and deeply nuanced characteristics will see this wine still performing when it comes of age, offering much pleasure in future. If drinking now, decant for about 2 hours ahead of serving.”

Food matches: In keeping with the cultivar we make the following recommendations in Italian: Stracotto di Manzo (Beef hotpot), Spezzatino di Vitello con mele cotogne (Veal with Quinces), Agnello arrosto con olive (Roast lamb with olives), Coniglio in agro-dolce (Sweet and sour rabbit).

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