Sebeka Western Cape Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Following a trend that's long in the tooth, wine giant Gallo is using the Cheetah as their symbol for marketing the new Sebeka line. Everyone is saying the "critter craze" has run its course and we need to move on. But what's a brand manager to do when given the task to come up with a marketing icon for a new $7 South African wine; one that will compete with Yellow Tail?

Evidently Gallo believes heavy marketing and promotion plus an over the top floor display will make this Cheetah hunt. But from an informed wine consumer's point of view it's somewhat of an insult. Animals on labels are still fair game but one needs to be more creative with them and do a better job of connecting the animal, the brand and the wine's story. If South African wine is a bit mysterious, how does hitting us over the head with a cheetah help tell the story?

The name Sebeka is just as superficial and non-explanative. It was recently posited (at Grape.co.za) that "Sebeka in the isiXhosa and isiZulu languages means something that is (has been) stored or laid down", but is seems more likely that Gallo just thought it sounded good. Are they aware that Sebeka is a town in Minnesota, population 710?

Gallo is working with Swartland Winery for the source of wine for the Sebeka brand, using fruit from the Western Cape region north of Cape Town.

Very nice value ($7). Closure: Neocork. Alcohol content: 13.5%.

Style: Crisp, citrusy, grassy, lightly fruity, palate cleansing.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Pale straw. Aromas: Melon, grass, and slight hints of sweet marshmallow and banana that reminds me of a compound flavorists use called "ethyl maltol". The mouthfeel is light and tart, with lemon, green apple and lime rind flavors that finish nicely dry and palate cleansing.

Comment: If you can get past the Cheetah coalition, the price is right on this wild white.

Comments

[Rafael Caran]

I tasted this wine in Boston, I thought it was good for the price and I bought a bottle of the Cabernet-Pinotage recently. The wines are good, OK for everyday drinking, I like their label. I will say that when I talked to some of the folks at the booth they mentioned the name was inspired by an orphaned cheetah baby named Sebeka and that the brand donated a portion of funds for wildlife conservation in South Africa. I thought that was pretty cool, at least there was a story behind the name. I Googles Sebeka and Cheetah and got one of the links below... Seems to connect with what the people in the booth say. I tried to checkout their website but there's no information there???

africanadrenalin.co.za/campjabulani/hoedspruit_endangered_species_centre.htm

[jerry]

Good job Rafael! That link and your information certainly helps to connect the dots, so to speak. Hopefully when Gallo fills out the website there will be more about the "pay it forward" program for conservation. -Jerry