We have been waiting for these wines for some time. In mid-2019 we took a winter break with the Van Loggerenbergs to the Karoo. While drinking some beers and braaiing some kaaswors for the kids, we spoke about the possibility of expanding the Break A Leg range:
“The Blanc de Noir is a great wine”, I said.
“Do you think we should do a Chardonnay and Merlot also?”, Lukas asked.
“Oh, hell yes”, was my reply.
Lukas van Loggerenberg
Thus the Break A Leg range has expanded this year from one to three wines: the original Cinsaut Blanc de Noir, a new unwooded Chardonnay, and a Merlot.
The first wine named Break A Leg was from Van Loggerenberg Wine’s maiden vintage 2016. Lukas ripped his knee apart in an accident just prior to this first solo harvest. He had already borrowed heavily to get the money together for the first vintage of Van Loggerenberg Wines, so his good friend David Sadie (of David & Nadia fame) suggested that Lukas make a rosé-styled wine to help with the hospital bills, and Break A Leg was born.
The purpose of the Break A Leg range is to offer high quality wines at very affordable prices. When skilful and dedicated farming of quality sites meets the artistry and talent of a top winemaker, the results can be irresistible. Such is the character of the three wines we are offering today.
Tim James has this to offer: “Lukas van Loggerenberg has, in just the few years since the release of his 2016s, built a brand of real stature. He’s now taken the sensible step of expanding his Break a Leg Blanc de Noir into a small brand of wines that should connect to a public beyond that willing to spend quite a lot on new-wave-fashionable styles and varieties. And such is the quality and good value of the Break a Leg Chardonnay and Merlot, both 2020 … that everyone should hope that the Break a Leg range grows. Neither is a dumbed-down version of these mainstream varieties, and all but the most left-field-radical of wine lovers will enjoy the dry, light-feeling freshness that accompanies the excellent varietal expression. The Chardonnay declares just 12% alcohol and, while it’s delightfully unfruity, doesn’t lack appropriate weight (though there’s no grandeur, of course, and it’s for drinking young). The label of the also rather easygoing but sufficiently structured Merlot says 14% alcohol, but I swear you’d never guess it.”
Break A Leg Blanc de Noir Cinsaut 2020
The past vintages of the Blanc de Noir have already set this wine up as one of the “go to” pink wines for restaurants and anyone looking for a decent rosé for around R150 retail. Always dry and well-structured, the 2020 is a lot more vinous than previous vintages. More nuance and elegance.
Christian Eedes: “Subtle aromatics of red cherry, apple, orange and spice. The palate is juicy and fresh – there’s a slight impression of sweetness upfront but the finish is gently savoury. Very open and engaging.“
The Polkadraai Chardonnay was picked early-ish (12% alc) but does not lack flavour because of this. It is not a huge buttery monster, but it is not supposed to be. Tight, mineral on the nose with some reduction that soon blows off, this wine is precise, elegant, and savoury.
Christian Eedes: “The nose shows some struck-matched reduction before pear, lemon with a little oatmeal character in the background. The palate shows wonderful balance with lovely fruit purity, zesty acidity and a pithy finish. Light-bodied and ultra-refreshing.“
Break A Leg Merlot 2020
Finally we have a straight Merlot we are able to offer! And what a wine. This is a serious little drink. Perhaps better suited to Cabernet drinkers who don’t want to spend Cabernet money. Classy stuff.
Christian Eedes: “The nose shows dark berries plus subtle notes of violets and fresh herbs while the palate has good fruit density, bright acidity and a nicely dry finish (alcohol is 14% so by no means under-ripe). While so many local examples have something more or less discordant about them, this is really well judged.“
Break A Leg 2020s from Van Loggerenberg
The new wines from Lukas van Loggerenberg
We have been waiting for these wines for some time. In mid-2019 we took a winter break with the Van Loggerenbergs to the Karoo. While drinking some beers and braaiing some kaaswors for the kids, we spoke about the possibility of expanding the Break A Leg range:
“The Blanc de Noir is a great wine”, I said.
“Do you think we should do a Chardonnay and Merlot also?”, Lukas asked.
“Oh, hell yes”, was my reply.
Lukas van Loggerenberg
Thus the Break A Leg range has expanded this year from one to three wines: the original Cinsaut Blanc de Noir, a new unwooded Chardonnay, and a Merlot.
The first wine named Break A Leg was from Van Loggerenberg Wine’s maiden vintage 2016. Lukas ripped his knee apart in an accident just prior to this first solo harvest. He had already borrowed heavily to get the money together for the first vintage of Van Loggerenberg Wines, so his good friend David Sadie (of David & Nadia fame) suggested that Lukas make a rosé-styled wine to help with the hospital bills, and Break A Leg was born.
The purpose of the Break A Leg range is to offer high quality wines at very affordable prices. When skilful and dedicated farming of quality sites meets the artistry and talent of a top winemaker, the results can be irresistible. Such is the character of the three wines we are offering today.
Tim James has this to offer: “Lukas van Loggerenberg has, in just the few years since the release of his 2016s, built a brand of real stature. He’s now taken the sensible step of expanding his Break a Leg Blanc de Noir into a small brand of wines that should connect to a public beyond that willing to spend quite a lot on new-wave-fashionable styles and varieties. And such is the quality and good value of the Break a Leg Chardonnay and Merlot, both 2020 … that everyone should hope that the Break a Leg range grows. Neither is a dumbed-down version of these mainstream varieties, and all but the most left-field-radical of wine lovers will enjoy the dry, light-feeling freshness that accompanies the excellent varietal expression. The Chardonnay declares just 12% alcohol and, while it’s delightfully unfruity, doesn’t lack appropriate weight (though there’s no grandeur, of course, and it’s for drinking young). The label of the also rather easygoing but sufficiently structured Merlot says 14% alcohol, but I swear you’d never guess it.”
Break A Leg Blanc de Noir Cinsaut 2020
The past vintages of the Blanc de Noir have already set this wine up as one of the “go to” pink wines for restaurants and anyone looking for a decent rosé for around R150 retail. Always dry and well-structured, the 2020 is a lot more vinous than previous vintages. More nuance and elegance.
Christian Eedes: “Subtle aromatics of red cherry, apple, orange and spice. The palate is juicy and fresh – there’s a slight impression of sweetness upfront but the finish is gently savoury. Very open and engaging.“
Van Loggerenberg ‘Break A Leg’ Chardonnay 2020
R175.00Break A Leg Chardonnay 2020
The Polkadraai Chardonnay was picked early-ish (12% alc) but does not lack flavour because of this. It is not a huge buttery monster, but it is not supposed to be. Tight, mineral on the nose with some reduction that soon blows off, this wine is precise, elegant, and savoury.
Christian Eedes: “The nose shows some struck-matched reduction before pear, lemon with a little oatmeal character in the background. The palate shows wonderful balance with lovely fruit purity, zesty acidity and a pithy finish. Light-bodied and ultra-refreshing.“
Break A Leg Merlot 2020
Finally we have a straight Merlot we are able to offer! And what a wine. This is a serious little drink. Perhaps better suited to Cabernet drinkers who don’t want to spend Cabernet money. Classy stuff.
Christian Eedes: “The nose shows dark berries plus subtle notes of violets and fresh herbs while the palate has good fruit density, bright acidity and a nicely dry finish (alcohol is 14% so by no means under-ripe). While so many local examples have something more or less discordant about them, this is really well judged.“
Please contact david@exanimo.co.za if you have any queries.