The Royal
South Africa 

The Estate
Royal is produced at Riebeek Cellars, established in 1941 and situated in Riebeek Kasteel at the foot of Bothma's Kloof Pass. This medium-sized winery on the western coast of the Cape Province of South Africa sources its grapes from the fertile Riebeek Valley and the slopes of the mountain where the climate is very similar to the Mediterranean. Through the years as vineyard practices developed, cultivars were planted in soil and at slopes best suited to them. These well-tended vineyards enable the production of high quality wines which makes Riebeek Cellars the choice of wine buyers internationally. Well-known both in South Africa and abroad, Riebeek Cellars manages a variety of brands for various countries.

Heritage
Corporal Pieter Cruythoff, a scout of Jan van Riebeeck, founded the Riebeek Valley in 1661. Impressed by the single standing mountain, he called it Kasteelberg (“Castle Mountain”) commemorating the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town, the fortress of Commander Jan van Riebeeck. The twin towns, Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, established at the foot of Kasteelberg, are therefore also suitably named after Van Riebeeck.

The Riebeek Valley is a mecca of wonderful wines, exceptional food and exquisite art where tourists and locals alike are forever tempted into spending more time than allowed. The serene valley falls in the bigger Swartland region which is called the 'bread basket' of South Africa for its grain production, while it is further internationally acclaimed for its high quality olive products. With various hotels and fine-dining restaurants as well as true country hospitality, the Riebeek Valley has become a very popular tourist destination. The ultimate charm of Riebeek is however in its people and their commitment and passion for wine.

Press article on the Riebeek Valley - Neighbourhood Watch (Aug. 2010)

Luncheon at the Blackthorne Inn, Upperville VA - May 2010

Zakkie Bester (winemaker)

Koeksisters, traditional South African dessert (deep fried and sugar coated pastry braids)

Mareli Roux, Export Manager

Zakkie Bester, the winemaker

The "stoep" (Afrikaans for shaded verandah area) of The Royal hotel

Spring

The valley

The Wines

shelf talker / case card

shelf talker / case card

2011 The Royal, Chenin Blanc 12/750ml
UPC code: 7 84585 01216 9
#SA1EE224031CBS
As the unofficial drink of the Riebeek Valley, Chenin Blanc is the perfect every day wine that offers uncomplicated quality for the novice and connoisseur alike. Packed with upfront melon fruit, the nose charms with an abundance of guava and gooseberries as well as the signature hint of honey. The palate follows through with fruit flavors balanced by a crisp acid to ensure a fresh and fruity style of wine.
Enjoy well-chilled as a lovely crisp glass on its own but ideal for al fresco dining and with light summer fare. Beautiful with salads, anti pasti and seafood.

2010 The Royal, Chenin Blanc 12/750ml
UPC code: 7 84585 01216 9
#SA1EE224027CBS
As the unofficial drink of the Riebeek Valley, Chenin Blanc is the perfect every day wine that offers uncomplicated quality for the novice and connoisseur alike. Packed with upfront melon fruit, the nose charms with an abundance of guava and gooseberries as well as the signature hint of honey. The palate follows through with fruit flavors balanced by a crisp acid to ensure a fresh and fruity style of wine.
Enjoy well-chilled as a lovely crisp glass on its own but ideal for al fresco dining and with light summer fare. Beautiful with salads, anti pasti and seafood.

2009 The Royal, Chenin Blanc 12/750ml
UPC code: 7 84585 01216 9
#SA1EE224000CBS
As the unofficial drink of the Riebeek Valley, Chenin Blanc is the perfect every day wine that offers uncomplicated quality for the novice and connoisseur alike. Packed with upfront melon fruit, the nose charms with an abundance of guava and gooseberries as well as the signature hint of honey. The palate follows through with fruit flavors balanced by a crisp acid to ensure a fresh and fruity style of wine.
Enjoy well-chilled as a lovely crisp glass on its own but ideal for al fresco dining and with light summer fare. Beautiful with salads, anti pasti and seafood.
"Another unwooded Chenin Blanc, this full-flavored wine is made from 48 year old vines in the Swartland wine growing region. It shows a very good concentration of ripe stone fruit with honeyed notes and nice balancing acidity. A surprisingly good wine for the price!"
- i-WineReview.com (June 2010), 88 pts

"This wine packs a deceptive punch. And that punch tastes of apples, pears and quince, with an appealing herbal note that helps it pair well with salads and other light fare. Don't drink it too cold, or you might miss all the fruit."
- Washington Post (June 2010)
GREAT VALUE
EXCELLENT

"Recently, I was treated to a marvelous 100% Chenin Blanc, also known as Steen, from South Africa’s Riebeek Cellars.  Established in 1941, Riebeek Cellars is situated in Riebeek Kasteel, at the foot of Bothma’s Kloof Pass, on the western coast of the Cape Province of South Africa.  The winery sources its grapes from the Riebeek Valley where the climate is very similar to the Mediterranean.  The Riebeek Valley has become a popular tourist destination for travelers that are passionate about wine, exceptional fine-dining and exquisite artwork.

Sourced from 48 year-old vines in the Swartland wine growing region is by far the most beautiful, elegant, and food–friendly South African white wine that I’ve tasted all year.
This unoaked 100% Chenin Blanc, channels some of the best acidity and fruit characteristics found in many French and New Zealand white wines.  For 10 bucks, drinkers are greeted to a terrific balance of tropical and fresh fruit flavors, with acidity that is reminiscent of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and a flinty and honeysuckle finish that tastes downright French."
3 Stars out of 4 for The Royal, 2009 Old Vines Steen (Chenin Blanc).  It’s food-friendly and perfect for toasting any occasion – and it’s only 10 bucks!
- winelife365.com (Dec. 2010)
"THE ROYAL TREATMENT"


National Retail Price: $8.99 / bottle