Sagila Wines

2005 marked the maiden vintage of Sagila wines being released onto the South African market. Made by Mzokhona Mvemve, Sagila is a tribute to his ancestors, specifically his great grandfather who was a dignified man known for his rebellious spirit. The name Sagila refers to a traditional mace he carried with him. The abstract elephant logo is his family’s symbol as his Zulu family name is Gasela, meaning “charge”.

Currently a small range comprised of the Sagila Sauvignon Blanc and Sagila Chenin Blanc. Grapes were sourced from Bottelary, Stellenbosch region, selected south-west facing vineyards of one farm. Vines vary between 15 – 20 years in age and approximately 40% are bush vines and the balance trellised. Yield was between 6 tonnes per hectare and all fruit was hand sorted on tables prior to destemming and crushing. Extended lees contact, (both the Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc received about 4 months), produce a fuller mouth feel, yet each wine retains its individuality and varietal characteristics.

The Sagila Chenin Blanc has fabulous pear and marmalade aromas that follow through from the nose to the palette. Perfectly balanced acidity and crispness produce a wine perfect for ‘stand alone’ drinking or as a food accompaniment.

The Sagila Sauvignon Blanc displays typical characteristics of the varietal, grassiness, asparagus, followed with tropical fruit and dried pineapple. Crisp and well balanced it has low alcohol; the 2006 vintage has 13% v/v.

Mzokhona studied Chemical Engineering in Durban following this with a short stint at a petrol company, after which one of his lecturers pointed him in the direction of winemaking, encouraging him to apply for a scholarship to study at Stellenbosch University. Graduating from Stellenbosch University with a degree in Viticulture and Oenology he has worked at Kanu with Teddy Hall and Delaire with Bruwer Raats, before becoming the winemaker for Cape Classics, a position he currently still holds. His wife, Lerato is a medical doctor and gave birth to their first child, Madlozamahle, in September 2005.

Mzokhona is involved in various aspects of the wine industry, namely; panel judge for numerous wine competitions (Veritas, WINE magazine and Fairbairn Capital Trophy), tasting panel for John Platter guide and SAA wine selection judge, trustee of the Pebbles Project Educational Trust – an initiative to support children with special educational needs.

The 2006 vintage was a great success for Mzokhona, and a small increase in volumes is planned for the 2007 vintage, which is looking promising. A joint project with Bruwer Raats under the name of ‘De Compostella’…has just been released, more about that another time.

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