The Rhône Valley in southern France is formed by the Rhône River flowing from its source in the Swiss Alps through Geneva and turning due south into neighbouring France, from here it flows in an almost straight line to the Mediterranean. It is sunny, yet not as hot as Provence, stony with several different soil types that make it ideal for the cultivation of these varietals.

2001 saw the creation of a controversial style of wine colloquially called "Coffee Pinotage" by avid fans of the style. Bertus Fourie, the creator of this style, has now teamed up with his brother, Martin, the wine maker, to craft a Val de Vie "Coffee Pinotage", the “Barista”. This wine was released in August 2009 and is distributed locally and internationally by Vinimark.

www.baristawine.co.za

Val de Vie Wine

Val de Vie Shiraz 2007

As befits such a winery on such an estate, three brands are offered for the enjoyment and pleasure of knowledgeable consumers, namely:

The Val de Vie, an icon wine bearing the estate’s name. Only 2500 bottles are produced every year and is a selection of the best barrels in the cellar. It consists of Mourvedre, Shiraz, Grenache noir, Carignan and Cinsaut.

The ultra-premium brand with the elegant black labels which offers discerning connoisseurs the opportunity to enjoy outstanding quality, and The Polo Club, a super-premium brand, which offers excellent quality at a competitive price.

Another newcomer is Val de Vie’s own “coffee Pinotage”, the Barista www.barista.co.za