About Kumala Wines
Kumala was among the first South African wine brands to put the country on the map in terms of approachable and affordable wine styles. Kumala is a brand that was created in the early nineties by a small, private owned English wine importer, with property interests in South Africa. From small beginnings, the Kumala brand took the market by storm, coinciding with the wave of success that Australian wine brands were enjoying.
At that time, South Africa was just beginning to emerge from the years of Apartheid, and only a few wines, predominantly from the state controlled KWV winery, were available, mainly in restaurants and in specialist off-licences. These, in themselves, were hardly suited to the modern styles we have now.
The Kumala brand was positioned firmly as a range of modern style wines, with many similarities to the styles of wine emanating from Australia at the same time – fruit driven, juicy, ripe, approachable. It was also, somewhat uniquely, targeted purely at supermarket distribution, and it was here that it began to make its mark; with little competition at that stage, it was the beacon that led the way for the numerous South African brands that occupy the wine shelves today.
The company sent over international winemakers to define and set up new vineyard management practices, and work on styles of wines, previously unknown in South Africa; at that stage, it was very much a journey of discovery, at every single stage of the process.
Kumala was also one of the first brands to adopt the now infamous ‘critter’ label, a name now commonly given to wines who use various animals, as the symbol for their label, in this case the Kumala lizard!
From its small origins, the Kumala brand has grown into a multinational success, and now produces a wide range of wines, from all of the key wine producing regions in the Cape, from Stellenbosch, and Paarl, to Worcester and Robertson, and right up to Lutzville, in the more northern Olifants River area.
What Styles Of Wine Do Kumala Produce?
Kumala produces a wide range of wines, all from South Africa, under different names, or sub brands, to bring the best out of their styles. The style is generally smooth, fruity with lots of upfront fruit and a soft, refreshing finish.
Kumala Cape Classics – These are the easy drinking, and affordable introduction to the Kumala brand, fruit-forward, lively, juicy soft and ripe.
Kumala Zenith – The Kumala Zenith range came into being a few years ago and comprises just 3 wines, all focussed on delivering up front, juicily fruity and easy drinking wines, with ripeness and flavour. The range comprises a zesty Chenin Chardonnay, a red berry scented dry Rose, and a soft, ripe, smooth Merlot Cabernet Shiraz.
Kumala Reserve – These are a range of single varietal wines designed to give a sense of provenance from regions in South Africa. They are among the best quality of Kumala's wines.
Range Favourites
Kumala Reserve Malbec – A succulent and plummy wine, smooth textured with ripe blackberry fruit flavours that give an elegant finish.
Kumala Reserve Shiraz – An elegantly structured wine with deliciously intense flavours of ripe plum, blackberry and a hint of spice. Fruit rich and well rounded
Kumala Reserve Sauvignon Blanc – A fresh and fruity white wine with citrus aromas and hints of grass. This delicious Sauvignon Blanc wine is great on its own or perfect with chicken salad or seafood.
Kumala Reserve Chenin Blanc – A refreshing & aromatic wine with ripe melon, green apple and pear flavours. This delicious chenin blanc is great on its own or perfect with chicken salad, spicy dishes and seafood.
Kumala Zenith Merlot Cabernet Shiraz – Juicy and full bodied. Full of red berry and plum flavour with a hint of spice and chocolate for a rich, smooth finish.
Kumala Zenith Chenin Blanc Chardonnay – A soft creamy texture and a subtle hint of oak. A full-bodied and balanced white wine. Tropical fruit aromas of pineapple are married with toasty vanilla oak flavours to give a delicious, creamy finish.
Kumala Zenith Rose – A medium-bodied rosé with notes of ripe red fruits, strawberry and watermelon on the palate. Delicious and refreshing on its own or perfect served with salmon, chicken, salads and any seafood.
Kumala Sauvignon Blanc – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc that has flavours of green apple and quince with a touch of tropical fruit and a herbaceous finish.
Kumala Shiraz – A deep, full-bodied Shiraz. It has dark, jammy fruit flavours and a touch of leather and spice on the finish. Perfect with hearty meat dishes or chunky tomato sauces.
Matching Kumala Wines With Food
The Kumala range of wines covers many different styles, but overall, they are fruity, upfront styles that go with most types of food. Here are some suggestions:
Chenin dominated blends – the traditional white grape variety used in South Africa, the wines are fresh and very fruity – great with pork with apple sauce, fish with ginger and garlic and barbecued chicken.
Chardonnay dominated blends – the rich, tropical fruit flavours work well with buttery roast chicken, creamy fish dishes, and soft cheeses.
Sauvignon Blanc and Colombard dominated blends – fresh, zesty, with very fruity, vibrant flavours, these refreshing wines work with seafood, Indian and Chinese dishes, and fresh salads, such as goats cheese or tuna.