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… and the epitome of quality, class, elegance and luxury
Late last year, Siphiwe Katjene’s lifetime dream came true when she launched her very own Cap Classique brand called House of Azari. The Pretoria-based wife, mother of three children and an Industrial Psychologist by profession, Katjene is the co-founder of PsychWell, a consulting firm she has been running for the past 11 years with her husband as Chief Operations Officer, Forensic Specialist, Expert Witness and Corporate Consultant. She is also the owner of House of Azari Cap Classique and will be showcasing her three bubblies at the Johannesburg Cap Classique & Champagne Festival which is being held at Inanda Polo Club in Sandton on March 25 and 26 from 11h00 to 16h00.
We spoke to Katjene ahead of the festival to find out how it all began and what visitors to the festival can expect from her three Cap Classiques.
Can you tell us how and when Azari all started?
It was established in December 2022, with its first Cap Classiques being a Brut Rose and a Nectar Rosé. House of Azari was inspired by the vision of a classy, elegant and sophisticated woman whose dream has become a reality.
Where did the name Azari come from?
Azari is a Hebrew word, which means ‘God helped me’. As a spiritual person I wanted the name that speaks to my character, personality and life experiences. People that bear the name Azari are trailblazers, torchbearers, researchers, teachers and they show others the way. They are leaders, motivators and idealistic visionaries who are aware of their own innate powers.
Who produces your Cap Classique?
House of Azari MCC is produced by Hoopenburg Wine Farm in Stellenbosch. Hoopenburg is the only Cape farm where 100% of the wine originates from grapes produced by bush vines.
Can you tell us a bit about the bubbly you will be pouring/selling at the festival? What can bubbly lovers expect?
In our collection we have a Brut Rosé 2020 and a Nectar Rosé 2020, both of which are a lovely light pink colour and made from Pinot Noir grapes, with upfront aromas of strawberries, raspberries and subtle hints of flowers and spices. The palate is extremely fresh and fruity with fine grained mid palate tannins. We also have a Brut Blanc De Blancs 2020 which we will be launching at the festival. It is a sun-kissed, yellow, fine mousse, vibrant Chardonnay bubbly with upfront yeast notes, followed by brioche and orange rind, a full, rich palate with brioche, citrus, and green apple and a beady, cream finish with hints of cashew. It’s particularly lovely when enjoyed as an aperitif. House of Azari is an exceptional brand that is an epitome of quality, class, elegance and luxury and elevates all occasions and turns them into memorable and magical moments.
What are the best food pairings with your bubbly?
With the Brut Rosé I’d go with smoked salmon, shrimp, duck, a fresh red berry salad, watermelon, feta cheese while the Nectar Rosé goes well with seared tuna steak, grilled duck, crème brûleé or blue cheese. The Brut Blanc De Blancs is best paired with mussels, oysters, salmon, fried calamari, roast chicken with herbs or soft cheese and almonds.
What are your plans for Azari and where do you see Azari in 5 years’ time?
House of Azari will consistently raise the bar in terms of quality and distinction to ensure that it becomes a household, national, sub-Saharan and international brand.
How can bubbly lovers follow you and find out more?
They can follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @azari_bubbly or by visiting our website www.houseofazari.com.
Other bubbly producers at the festival include Black Elephant Vintners, Bon Courage, Boschendal, Champagne Deutz, Graham Beck, Guy Charbaut’s Carrol Boyes Champagne Kleine Zalze, Krone, L’Ormarins, Paul Renè, Steenberg and Villiera as well as several brands courtesy of WCellar including WCC Brut Cap Classique and Nectar Royale Cap Classique, both from Villiera, Signature Cap Classique and Comtesse Alexia Brut Champagne and Comtesse Alexia Rosé Brut.
The Johannesburg Cap Classique & Champagne Festival will be held at the Inanda Polo Club in Sandton on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26 from 11h00 to 16h00. Tickets cost R450pp and include entry to the venue, a souvenir branded glass and 10 tasting coupons. More bubbly will be available to purchase at the event. Book at https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1524956833
