Iconic Wines of South Africa: Introduction
October 15, 2010
Last night I law awake pondering what wines could be considered ‘iconic’ here in South Africa.
The thought led me to question how we go about defining a cultural icon - because in wine terms I’m not so sure it’s just going to be about the quality of the wine.
“A cultural icon can be a symbol, a logo, picture, name, face, person, building or other image that is readily recognized, and generally represents an object or concept with great cultural significance to a wide cultural group. A representation of an object or person, or that object or person may come to be regarded as having a special status as particularly representative of, or important to, or loved by, a particular group of people, a place, or a period in history.” [Wikipedia]
extending this understanding:
“Cultural icons are often timeless, imprinted in our consciousness. They can go through several stages, from “rumblings, undercurrents” via “catharsis, explosion” and “mass acceptance, ripple effect” to “glorification, representative value”. While brands are rational and driven by features, cultural icons are emotional, free, driven by feeling, and creating emotional bonds.’ [Wikipedia]
Now that I have a better understanding of what constitutes a cultural icon - over the next couple of weeks I am going to try and identify the Iconic Wines of South Africa - with your help I hope!
Next week I will start with a wine we have all tried/loved/hated at some stage in our lives.
Posted in Iconic Wines of South Africa
October 15th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Start with the Meerlust Rubicon
October 15th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
I would add Beyerskloof Pinotage, De Toren Fusion V, Cape Point isliedh, Vergelegen V, Jean Daneel Signature Chenin, Buitenverwachting Buiten Blanc, Hamilton Russel Pinot Noir, Vin de Constance, Rustenburg Peter Barlow, Kanonkop Cadette…my word, this list is getting longer than I thought it would - obviously just too many great, iconic wines out there! Im jealous that u get to taste ur way through them!
October 15th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
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October 15th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
thanks for the suggestions all! i think you will enjoy the first wine!
October 18th, 2010 at 10:39 am
You have to start with Chateau Libertas. Everyone in the country that has drunk red wine will at some stage have tasted this wine. It has been on the market for ever and is still on the market. Any South African who thinks of a South African red wine will think of this wine as part of the fabric of South African wine drinking.