News
Vergelegen ‘V’, a Rare Gem of a Wine, Debuts in U.S. - Leading South African Winery Owned by Anglo-American/De Beers Launches Icon Wine at Restaurant Aquavit, New York
07/05/05
New York, NY, July 5, 2005 - Vergelegen winery, one of South Africa’s most prestigious winemaking estates based in Stellenbosch, is giving oenophiles around the globe a precious and rare gem to covet: 2001 vintage Vergelegen ‘V.’ 
With production of only 500 cases, “V” is destined to be the wine world’s newest “Icon” wine, the purest expression of terroir and elegant winemaking from the Cape Winelands, and a true expression of place. The wine is made with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes carefully selected from Vergelegen’s Stonepine and Rondekop vineyard, and is matured for 21 months in 100 percent new French oak barrels. Vergelegen, part of the distinguished brand portfolio owned by the Anglo American Corporation, renowned for their precious metals industries, as well as De Beers Diamonds, brings wines of superlative quality and global recognition to the Anglo family of luxury enterprise. "V" has already earned distinction as an Icon wine, scoring top marks in blind competition with leading producers such as Mouton Rothschild, Grange, Opus One and Sassicaia.
At an exclusive event at New York City’s Aquavit restaurant, guests tasted “V “for the first time on U.S. soil and other Vergelegen selections paired with world-renowned Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s award-winning cuisine. Peter Morales, President/CEO of 57 Main Street Imports, Don Tooth, Managing Director of Vergelegen Wines and Michael Spicer, Chairman of Vergelegen Wines, formally signed the contract that gives 57 Main Street Imports, the leading US importer of premium South African wines and spirits, the sole rights to import Vergelegen wines into the USA for an initial period of three years. According to Peter Morales, “With the launch of “V”, Vergelegen and South Africa have earned a rightful place on the world’s ultra premium wine stage.”
Made under the skilled hand of winemaker André van Rensburg, Vergelegen wines have won numerous awards such as the prestigious Pichon Longueville Comtesse de La Lande Trophy and are recognized as the most comprehensive premium wine portfolio that South Africa has to offer. The complete range of red and white selections includes Chardonnay; Chardonnay Reserve; Sauvignon Blanc; Sauvignon Blanc Reserve; Vergelegen Premium White (67% Semillon, 33% Sauvignon Blanc); Mill Race (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon); Cabernet Sauvignon; Reserve Shiraz and Vergelegen Premium Red, a classic Bordeaux blend.
Members of the media are invited to contact Helen Gregory of HG Marketing, (718) 403-0097 for samples or to schedule an interview with principals from Vergelegen or 57 Main Street Imports.
Left: Peter Morales, President/CEO 57 Main Street Imports receives the contract from Don Tooth, Managing Director, Vergelegen & Michael Spicer, Chairman, Vergelegen
Right: Chef Marcus Samuelsson, Restaurant Aquavit with André van Rensburg, Winemaker, Vergelegen & Peter Morales, President/CEO 57 Main Street Imports