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OUR HERITAGE
THE FAMILY
Alberto Bottega was born in Milan, Italy in 1942. After spending his childhood in the Friuli region of north-east Italy, Alberto emigrated with his parents and sister to Cape Town in 1950. He met his wife Valerie in 1960 and together they have three children – Roberto, Laura and Silvana. Idiom was the vision of Alberto Bottega and Valerie Bottega as a legacy to pass onto their three children and grandchildren. The family wine farm has seen many great achievements – including the massive project to build a signature tasting centre and restaurant in 2016 undertaken by Alberto and Roberto.
DA CAPO VINEYARDS
The vineyards that bear the fruit of Idiom are called “Da Capo” which means “from the beginning” or “from the Cape” in Italian, a reference to the fact that the vineyards were carefully laid out and planted on the farm for the first time in 1999. The true inspiration for the farm’s name was drawn from an unforgettable Three Tenors concert back in July 1990. So special was the night that when Luciano Pavarotti asked the President of Italy which song he should perform as an encore, the reply was simply “Da Capo!”.
TERROIR
Nestling at the foot of majestic granite mountains, the slopes vary in height from 200 to 350 metres above sea level and have aspects which face north, west and south. The 150 hectare property can be seen from far due to the distinctive mountain shape which is known as the Idiom Conical Peak. The soils contain decomposed granite which is relatively shallow and stony in patches with a clay base. The distinctive northern, western and southern aspects create several micro-terroirs, which add character and complexity to the wines.
TERROIR
Granite/Tukulu (decomposed granite) and Table Mountain Sandstone.
MOUNTAIN
Vineyard carefully laid out to match height and aspect of the slopes.
MARITIME
Proximity to the sea with views of the False Bay peninsula and cooler climatic influence of the ocean.
WIND
Powerful wind ensuring limited berries and intense flavours.
THE WINEMAKER
Reino Thiart started his career by helping clients navigate and appreciate a broad spectrum of fine wine from around the world while working for various wine merchants in the U.K. When he moved back to South Africa, he continued in the sales area with various boutique wine shops. Through this experience, he grew an appreciation of what constitutes great wine from South Africa, around the world and an understanding of what clients enjoy. He was intrigued by the inner workings of how to create the perfect blend that is richly layered and a really iconic single varietal wine that expresses that grape.
THE IDIOM COLLECTION
The range consists of 19 different varietals and provides a unique and direct comparison between the famous French wines of Bordeaux and Rhone and Italian wines of Tuscany and Piedmont – but expressed in the Cape terroir.
With 19 varietals grown on the estate, the Idiom Collection is a selection of our best single varietals and blended wines. At Idiom, we favour lesser seen single varietals and iconic classic blends.
Named after the limited number of bottles in each collection, the Idiom 900 Series is a rare expression of 900 bottles or less. Each bottle is carefully selected to express the best of Idiom.
These wines are the embodiment of the European heritage of the Bottega family who own the Da Capo Vineyards. Exceptional quality but perfect for drinking every day.
The name ‘Imperium’ comes from the Latin verb ‘imperare’ which means ‘power to command’. This limited range of wines deserve attention for their unusual expression, flavour, and story.