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Lost Horizons Discovered... by Wendy Gordon Reisman
Lost Horizons wines are from the majestic area of the Cape of Good Hope,
where superior wines have been grown for over 300 years. The Cape of Good
Hope is approximately equal distance South of the equater as the Bordeaux
region of France is to the North. All the important factors to make noble
cultivars are in the region: soil type, annual sunlight, rainfall, prevailing
winds, average temperature and position on the slopes. The harvest takes
place in March, which is the six month reversal to the September harvest in
France. In early 1652, the Dutch Indies Company established the first
permanent colony in the Cape of Good Hope, at the very bottom of Africa. The
early pioneers believed they had reached the land of Lost Horizons where the
view never ends and civilization passes away. This settlement was used as a
replenishment station for the company's ships sailing to the East Indies.
Vineyards were promptly planted. French expertise came in 1687 with the
arrival of the Huegenots. Today, the wines of Lost Horizons from this area
are considered to be among the best in the world.
Lost Horizons wines are made in accord with a joint venture of the historic Simonsvlei Wine Coop and Chambord et Cie, and produced under the direction of Chambord experts in the simonsvlei state-of-the-art winery located in Paarl. Special Lost Horizons viticulturists select the best area to grow each
varietal. For example, Chardonnay grapes grow best in loamy soil with stony drainage
conditionss and extensive sunlight, whereas Merlot grapes need high clay
content and drainage conditions with higher water retention properties. This
selection applies to each varietal made by Lost Horizons. Extreme care goes into the development of the grapes. The grape development is enhanced by limiting the vines per hectre; thereby providing more nutrients to the vine, which must be at least five years old prior to their usage. Younger vines don't provide the full character and succulent grapes bneeded to produce the high quality of the Lost Horizons vintages. Once the grapes
are picked, they're rushed during the early morning hours, in the cool
weather, to the winery. The grapes are transported in small baskets to avoid
damage. Once the grapes arrive at the winery, they're quickly inspected and
immediately crushed to preserve their full, natural flavor and character. All tanks and crushing facilities are stainless steel. Lost Horizons wine presses are innovative in that they gently crush the grapes rather than mechanically maul them. Fermentation is maintained at cool temperatures to prevent unpleasant flavors from developing during the
fermentation process. Barrel aging takes place in a large area with
specially controlled ventilation. Laboratories permit careful analysis of
the wine during each stage of development. All work is done under the expert
care of a master wine maker, trained at Ellsenburg College which is
considered to be one of the foremost wine colleges in the world. Each barrel
is tasted by the French Chambord experts, in order to achieve the right
marriage of different production days to meet the high quality standards of Lost Horizons.
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Charles Jacquin Et. Cie, Inc.of Philadelphia, long known for their liquors as well as being the importer of Chambord Liqueur Royale de France, is
venturing into the world of fine wine with the Lost Horizons portfolio.
Lost Horizons are set at a moderate price point, allowing virtually every
consumer the opportunity to enjoy a very fine wine without stretching their
pocketbooks.
The wines are unique, both for their wonderful taste and character as
well as their packaging. Crisp delightful white wines include Classic White,
Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay, Fume Blanc and Chardonnay.
Soft, velvety red wines offered are Classic Red, Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot,
Majestic Ruby Red, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Each bottle of Lost
Horizons comes in a special flange topped, sculptured blue bottle which is
made in a mold designed by a world famous artist. Each type of wine has its
own distinctive design in the center of a stark blue lable. The designs
represent different interpertations of the vista of Lost Horizons. The
bottles are sealed with blue wax to prevent deterioration and discoloration,
as well as creating a singular creative finish. A special bottle tag is
attached with a detailed description of the wine. The wine will be a
standout not only for its character and taste, but for its aesthetic appeal
on table tops and on wine lists, but also on display and in the hands of any
sommalier.
