Chateau Libertas 2019
Chateau Libertas is the only South African wine to have “Chateau” as part of its name.
In 1935, the country signed an agreement with the French that prevented the use of the term by any local producer from then on. Why the exception for Chateau Libertas? It was established in 1932, before the deal was signed, so it escaped the prohibition. South Africa signed what became known as the Crayfish Agreement with France. In return for importing South African crayfish, the French government would hold exclusive rights to French geographical names, including Chateau, Champagne and Bordeaux amongst others.
Chateau Liberas in a 1970s livery
At almost 90 years old, this fine, classic, Cabernet Sauvignon-led red blend is still exceptional. Earlier this month the 2019 vintage featured as a top ten wine in the 2021 Prescient Signature Red Blend Report. The winning wines in the line-up scored between 94 and 91 points each. Chateau Libertas achieved a highly respectable 92. There’s more. It was also selected as the very best buy of all, retailing as it does for a mere R59 a bottle.
Here are some other interesting facts about Chateau Libertas, the name given by the South African wine community to this granddaddy of red blends.
Crazy price
A bottle of the 1957 vintage fetched R93 800 on a Strauss & Co Virtual Live Auction in September 2021.
No stopping this nonagenarian
Chateau Libertas is one of the country’s longest-established red blends in that it has been made every single year since 1932 without interruption. Neither war, drought nor pandemic has ever held up production.
Dr William Charles Winshaw
The founder of Chateau Libertas, a medical doctor, Dr William Charles Winshaw, created the smooth, easy-drinking, juicy and delicious blend because he believed it could be part of a healthy adult South African lifestyle. Must have worked for him. He lived until the ripe old age of 96 and continued to work until he was 92. He didn’t have to. He wanted to. Could making Chateau Libertas have been part of the reason?
The Royal Family Visit in 1947
When the British Royal Family visited South Africa in 1947, Chateau Libertas was served on the White Train which took the family around South Africa.
Chateau Libertas, Bag in Box
Go big AND go home
Won’t be long before you can buy Chateau Libertas in a smart, convenient 2-litre box, which means less time at the shops and more time at home. The price will be super-friendly at R120 per box.
Read more about Chateau Libertas – CLICK HERE
