ASLINA Umsasane (2019)

In her own words “Aslina is the realization of a dream for South Africa’s first black woman winemaker”. From humble beginnings in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Ntsiki Biyela has smashed through the glass ceiling in the traditionally male dominated industry. She was working as a domestic worker after finishing school when she received a bursary to study Viticulture at the University of Stellenbosch as a result of her ability in the field of science. She dived into the opportunity and worked her way up the ranks, spending 13 years at Stellekaya (which means Home of the Stars) before launching her own label, Aslina, in 2016. The label is dedicated to Ntsiki’s grandmother, who was her greatest influence instilling in her strength and determination. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc and petit Verdot. Umsasane being an umbrella tree, grandmother’s nickname. As umbrella tree gives shade and protect what is under it, so as grandmother’s characters to all who were near her. The bold structure, smoothness and complexity of this wine relates to the characters of Aslina, as the matriarch of the family.