Up, up and away!
Stellenbosch farm Lievland and South African Airways (SAA) were recently honored when Lievland's DVB 1998 was selected by 35 judges in New York as the best red wine served in business class out of 26 international airlines.
The American magazine Business Traveler has for 13 years been presenting an airlines' wine rating tasting called Cellars in the Sky, in which the top wines in business class are selected.
There are only three categories, namely red wine, white wine and sparkling wine in the business class and more than 250 entries were received. It is the first time ever that a South African wine was selected as the winner of a category. In addition SAA was rated fourth out of 26 airlines for the best wines in its business class.
The Lievland DVB 1998 is a blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. According to Paul Benadé, owner of Lievland Estate and Cape Wine Master, the varieties were pressed separately and then matured for 15 months in 225 litre French oak barrels before being blended.
