Ses’fikile Wines is owned and controlled by empowered women, three pioneering ex-school teachers actually, in one of the largest black townships, Khayelitsha, in the Western Cape.

Although they don’t own their own vineyards the wines are made in conjunction with the winemakers from the Flagstone winery.
Showing a distinct ‘estate’ character and an over-riding style, the wines come highly recommended. The style encapsulates a new-world level of sweet upfront fruit married with old-world structure – exactly what one should expect from a decent South African wine.

Ses’fikile ‘we have arrived’. These three words are built on a foundation of personal and communal struggle, yet they also look forward positively, with the hope of a better tomorrow. Most importantly the words sparkle with a sense of adventure. This is a pioneering exploration of new South African opportunity in one of our most glamorous and exciting industries.”

Other wines from Ses’Fikile are listed by Marks and Spencers.

Review0.3
Wine Tasting Note: Ses’fikile Folklore Chardonnay, 2007, South Africa
Price: £8.99 [More on Adegga]
A delicious unoaked Chardonnay enlivened with a touch of Viognier (2%).
Andrew BarrowScribblings Rating – 92/100 [4 out of 5]

Review0.3
Wine Tasting Note: Ses’fikile Rainsong Chardonnay, 2007, South Africa
Stockist: Marks and Spencers Price: £6.99 [More on Adegga]
A Chardonnay with a small proportion fermented and aged in oak, giving a smooth, creamy palate. Pear and spice flavours abound.
Andrew BarrowScribblings Rating – 94/100 [4.25 out of 5]

Review0.3
Wine Tasting Note: Ses’fikile Rainsong Pinotage, 2006, South Africa
Price: £7.19 [More on Adegga]
A fresh, juicy Pinotage. I love the idea of matching this, as they suggest, with Calves Liver with Bacon and Mustard Mash Potatoes. A touch of upfront sweetness initially that folds into a smoky, deep fruit whole.
Andrew BarrowScribblings Rating – 88/100 [3.5 out of 5]

Review0.3
Wine Tasting Note: Ses’fikile Folklore Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa
Price: £8.99 [More on Adegga]
A blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. Superb structure and deliciously drinkable. Alcohol 13.5%
Andrew BarrowScribblings Rating – 88/100 [3.5 out of 5]

Review0.3
Wine Tasting Note: Ses’fikle Matriarch Shiraz Reserve, South Africa
Price: £18.19 [More on Adegga]
Excellent depth, good concentration and depth and a complexity of flavour that is quite captivating.
Andrew BarrowScribblings Rating – 90/100 [3.75 out of 5]

With thanks to Cooksister for providing the two images, snapped at the recent London International Wine and Fair, where the wines were tasted.