Luc Mo Wines, crafted by Mmatlali Lucia Motloung, reflects untold African stories and heritage, offering a unique experience. As part of Food For Mzansi’s Faces of Summer campaign, she introduces her rich African wines.
Mmatlali Lucia Motloung, the visionary force behind Luc Mo Wines, pioneered this exceptional wine brand in response to the glaring absence of African cultural representation across various industries.
After extensive research into African heritage, culture, and history, Motloung collaborated with the AmaNdebele and Bakoena Ba Mopeli royal family to weave untold stories through their wines. As the proud owner of the brand, she is dedicated to sharing African stories, one bottle at a time.
“We grow our grapes in Stellenbosch and Kuils River [in the Western Cape]. We have a beautiful cultural and colourful tasting room based in the agricultural holdings of Johannesburg, Midrand,” she explains.
The untold stories of African history
For Motloung, wine transcends mere sipping, tasting, or drinking. It embodies an untold story, unfolding from the soil where the vines grow to the dedicated labour involved in producing the final products.
“In the wine industry, there were not many stories told about the African culture, and I thought it was a significant responsibility for me to do so, especially considering my background,” she explains.
Crafting this wine brand is important work for her. It not only brings hope to the AmaNdebele and Basotho community but also instils a sense of ownership.
Youth and beauty in a bottle
Motloung proudly presents her summer selection by introducing the Queen Sekhothali Mabhena, Chenin Blanc 2022, and the Queen Mother Mathokoana Mopeli Chardonnay 2020 from the Free State.
The chenin blanc tells the story of a young queen married to King Makhosonke II. One of the most intriguing aspects highlighted is her beauty, she explains.
“Whenever people drink the chenin blanc, they experience her character. It is a young and beautiful wine that complements the brand well,” Motloung says.
The chenin blanc boasts amazing fruit aromas such as lime and citrus. The grapes were harvested in 2022, followed by an eight-month bottling process.
“It is an amazing summer wine, with an ageing potential of between three and five years. This is a wine that you can simply enjoy,” she says.
The queen’s choice
Her second choice is the Queen Mother Mathokoana Mopeli Chardonnay 2020, based in the Free State. The beauty of working on this brand lies in collaborating with people unknown to the world and bringing forth the authenticity of their stories, Motloung shares.
“A chardonnay is renowned for its sophistication and luxury. The chardonnay is 100% fermented, making the queen mother older in comparison to the chenin blanc and much more mature in taste,” she says.
The chardonnay retains a crispness in its maturing stage. The wood maturation gives it the potential to develop over 3-5 years. It lingers in your mouth and pairs well with spicy foods.
Experience these Luc Mo Wines this summer and immerse yourself in the authentic history of African Royals and the proud communities they represent.
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