I just love this groovy Wines of South Africa production. It highlights many reasons to celebrate Cape Town and our gorgeous wines.
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Category: What’s New
Wines of South Africa soccer movie
Tags: Cape Town, South Africa, wine, WOSA
Tim James announces the Top 20 South African wineries
Writing on the independant wine blog Grape, Tim James wine writer and judge, compiled with the help of other Cape Town wine professionals a list of South Africa’s top wineries.
The last time that such a poll was undertaken was in 2006. Reviewing the results Tim points out several aspects such as the fact that the top five wineries were in a league of their own; that ten of the Top 20 wineries were not even mentioned in the 2001 poll and that four wineries are complete newcomers to the poll.
From a perspective of production areas the winning wineries represent only one of the five South African wine regions, Coastal Region, and within that only the wine districts of Cape Point, Stellenbosch, Paarl and Swartland. The Overberg and Walker Bay districts where Paul Cluver, Hamilton-Russell Vineyards and Bouchard Finlayson are found do not fall into a particular region.
Parameters were set for the judging so that each winery had to have had at least three vintages of marketed wines.
In order of votes received the wineries are:
Boekenhoutskloof
Kanonkop and Sadie Family Wines which tied.
Cape Point Vineyards
Vergelegen
Hamilton-Russell Vineyards
Paul Cluver
Rustenberg
De Trafford, Meerlust and Thelema which tied
Bouchard Finlayson
Jordan and Tokara which tied.
Hartenberg
Le Riche, Neil Ellis and Steenberg which all tied.
Chamonix and Morgenster which tied.
On the voting panel were wine writers Tim Atkin, Michael Fridjhon, Joanne Gibson, Edo Heyns, Tim James, Angela Lloyd, Melvyn Minnaar, Fiona McDonald, Christine Rudman, Cathy van Zyl, Philip van Zyl.
Retailers: Carrie Adams, Carolyn Barton, Ingrid Motteux, Roland Peens, James Pietersen, Caroline Rillema
Sommeliers and others who took part were Miguel Chan, Neil Grant, Higgo Jacobs, Cathy Marston, Andre Morgenthal, Joerg Pfuetzner, Kent Scheermeyer and Jonathan Steyn.
For the complete article visit www.grape.co.za
Tags: Angela Lloyd, Boekenhoutskloof, Bouchard Finlayson, Cape Point Vineyards, Cape Town, Cathy van Zyl, Chamonix, Christine Rudman, De Trafford, Edo Heyns, Fiona McDonald, Hamilton-", Hamilton-Russell Vineyards, Hartenberg, Joanne Gibson, Jordan, Kanonkop, Le Riche, Meerlust, Melvyn Minnaar, Michael Fridjohn, Morgenster, Neil Ellis, Paul Cluver, Philip van Zyl, Rustenberg, Sadie Family Wines, South Africa, Steenberg Vineyards, Thelema, Tim Atkin, Tim James, Tokara, Vergelegen, wine
South African Cheese Festival 24 – 27 April 2010
The ever popular cheese, wine, olives and olive products festival will be happening once again at the idyllic Bien Donne farm near Franschhoek.
South African entertainer Nataniel
From earthy, innovative, artisanal cheeses from tiny producers to those made by South Africa’s dairy giants, they will all be there. More cheeses under one roof than could be imagined. To compliment the cheese will be award-winning wines, breads, pestos, nuts and preserves on sale.
Cooking demonstrations with Cape Town celebrities Soli Philander of Cape Talk radio station, Beyers Truter winemaker at Beyerskloof wine farm, Johan Badenhorst and Sari Magazines‘ food editors will inspire and entertain.
Not to be missed will be performances by singer, songwriter and entertainer Nataniel and the band, BRAWOU.
This is a fantastic event for the whole family. Children will be entertained in their own zone or get up close and personal with cows, goats and sheep while learning from start to finish how cheese comes to be on their sandwiches.
The festival will be open from 10h00 to 18h00 daily and tickets will cost R110 per person on the weekend days and R90 per person during the week. Tickets will not be sold at the gate and must be bought from Checkers or Computicket.
For more info visit www.cheesefestival.co.za
Tags: Beyers Truter, Beyerskloof, Biene Donne, BRAWOU, Cape Town, Franschhoek, Soli Philander, South African Cheese Festival 2010, wine
South African Chardonnay ranked with the best of Burgundy
Chardonnay du Monde 2010 compared Chardonnay wines from thirty-five different countries.
Amongst the top ten best Chardonnays of the world are wines from France, Greece, Austria, Spain, Germany, Canada and South Africa, the only new world wine producer to be included in this elite group. Our best Chardonnay on this list is Lourensford Winemaker’s Selection Chardonnay 2009.
CHARDONNAY DU MONDE 2010
Also winning a gold medal is The Abacus Chardonnay – True to Terroir 2008 made by Spier Wines.
Silver Medal winners are:
Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Chardonnay 2008
Spier Private Collection Chardonnay 2008
Tokara Reserve Collection – Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2008
Riebeek Cellars Chardonnay 2009
Glen Carlou Chardonnay 2008
Eikendal Chardonnay 2009
Durbanville Hills Chardonnay 2009
Danie De Wet Limestone Hill Chardonnay 2009
De Wetshof Estate Bon Vallon Chardonnay 2009
Graham Beck Brut Blanc de Blancs 2009
Bronze medal winners:
Stellenbosch Drive Chardonnay 2009
Moreson Blanc de Blancs Brut Methode Cap Classique Solitaire
De Wetshof Estate Finesse Chardonnay 2008
Tags: chardonnay, Chardonnay du Monde 2010, Danie de Wet, Durbanville Hills, Eikendal, Glen Carlou, Graham Beck, Groot Constantia, Lourensford, Moreson, Riebeek Cellars, South Africa, Spier, Stellenbosch, Tokara, wine
Su Birch of Wines of South Africa at ProWein 2010
Michael Kriess, reporter for ProWein Trade Fair, interviews Su Birch in this video.
Su has been CEO of WOSA for the past ten years and last year was named Drinks Business Woman of the Year. During her tenure the export of South African wine has increased from 100 million liters per year to 400 million. Here she speaks about the impending Soccer World Cup and the benefits which this event could bring to local wine marketing.
Tags: ProWein 2010, s, Soccer World Cup, South Africa, Su Birch, WOSA
Cape Town wine industry mourns Ross Gower
Sadly, we learned of the passing of Ross Gower, acclaimed, successful and respected South African wine maker.
Ross Gower
Ross decided at a young age to become a winemaker and qualified locally before studying at the Weinsberg Wine School in Germany. He was offered a position at a winery in New Zealand where he became head winemaker. Dougie Jooste bought the historic Constantia estate – Klein Constantia – and sought Ross out to be the winemaker there. Acheiving many awards for his wines, he revived the legendary 18th and 19th century wine Constantia, which was lauded by Napolean, Frederick the Great, Bismark and the kings of France and England. Ross crafted the modern Vin de Constance as closely as possible to the original formula from extremely ripe, unbotrystised Muscat de Frontignac grapes. This is an exquisite dessert wine which Simon van der Stel would have been proud of. More recently Ross and his wife Sally and their three sons moved to a neglected apple farm in the Elgin Valley wine ward where he planted vineyards and built a winery. One of his top wines is a Pinot Noir Brut and Ross has been known to comment:
If I could invite any person to a wine tasting at my winery I would invite Madame Bollinger, because I admire her tenacity and style in creating the Bollinger brand and more importantly – hopefully – she would bring a couple of bottles of her R.D.
Our heartfelt condolences go to all of the family and friends who remain behind.
Tags: Cape Town, Dougie Jooste, Elgin, Klein Constantia, Ross Gower, South Africa
Mining to go ahead on 56 year old Pinotage vineyard
Just when we believed that sense had prevailed, Peter May reported on Pinotage Club blogspot that Bellvue Estate is to be mined for clay by the South African mining company, Corobrik.
Bellvue Estate cellar
Dirkie Morkel is the fourth generation farmer on Bellvue farm which is situated in the Bottlery area between Stellenbosch and Kuilsriver. It was as far back as 1861 that the Morkels began to farm this land. Some of the vines on the land that is to be mined are 56 year old Pinotage vines.
The Department of Mineral and Energy Affairs has given the go-ahead for the mining to take place. Dirkie Morkel is appealing against the decision and needs as much international and local help that he can get.
Emails can be sent to Corobrik and to the government at the following email addresses:
Department of Mineral and Energy Regional Manager Mr Sivuyile Mpakane sivuyile.mpakane@dme.gov.za
MD of the the mining company Corobrik Mr Dirk Meyerintmktg@corobrik.co.za
Western Cape Manager Mr. Christie van Niekerkchristie.vanniekerk@corobrik.com
I believe that those of us who live in the Western Cape should boycott Corobrik’s products and write to Mr Meyer telling him why.
Bricks can be bought any time but vines that have taken two generations to reach maturity are irreplaceable.
Tags: Bellvue Estate, Corobrik, Department of Mineral and Energy Affairs, Kuilsriver, mining, Pinotage, Stellenbosch
Wine pic of the week
When exploring the Southern Cape wine area we stopped at Napier, home of Jean Daneel and his wonderfully sophisticated Chenin blanc wines.
This sign board with its quirky use of language, is at the entrance to the Napier Farm Stall and restaurant. Brekfis is a corruption of breakfast. Wail Trail vegetarian breakfast is a reference to the coastline where hundreds of Southern Right Whales spend Winter and Spring mating and giving birth to their young. I suppose not getting bacon with your breakfast is what causes the wail of grief.
In the container are King Proteas and Pincushion Proteas as well as fynbos blossoms which grow wild from the Cape Peninsula to the Eastern Cape. The Cape Floral Region is a World Heritage Site and is home to 20% of Africa’s flora.
Menu at Napier Farmstall and Restaurant, Southern Cape
Tags: Cape Floral Region, Cape Peninsula, chenin blanc, Jean Daneel, Napier, Southern Right Whales, wine, World Heritage Site
Winelands mining debacle seems to be over
Grape, reported that this matter has now been resolved. The Winelands Action Group issued the following statement which covers the initial scare, conflicting government reports, the resolution and suggestions for future mining policy.
Autumn vine leaves
The following is the full text of the statement put out by Winelands Action Group:
Following weeks of overwhelming pressure from producer groups such as the various Farmworker Forums, the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG), Wines of South Africa (WOSA), Stellenbosch and Durbanville Wine Routes, conservation groups such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and WWF’s Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI), the Bottelary Conservancy, the Greater Cape Town Civic Alliance, influential international wine writers, heritage groups from all over the country as well as the public at large in South Africa and around the world, the Department of Mineral Resources today confirmed in writing that state-owned African Exploration Mining and Finance Company (AEMFC) had officially withdrawn their Cape Town and Stellenbosch prospecting rights applications in the Western Cape.
Hailing the news as “a victory for social justice and democratic rights” the Winelands Action Group had been cautiously optimistic on hearing reports a week and a half ago that the Director General of the Department of Mineral Resources, Adv Sandile Nogxina had announced that the applications would be withdrawn, but then had to continue with legal and public protest action when subsequent communication with AEMFC staff as well as their consultants GCS revealed that despite the assurances given in a press release issued on behalf of the Chairman of AEMFC, the state company and their consultants were still going ahead with the application process. Staff of the Regional DME office in Cape Town also confirmed that the applications were going ahead and that ‘the statement issued was incorrect’. Read more of Winelands mining debacle seems to be over
Tags: 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer, Bottelary Conservancy, Cape Winemakers Guild, De Grendel, Grape, Greater Cape Town Civic Alliance, Jordan, mining, Saxenburg, winelands, Winelands Action Group, Wines of South Africa, World Wide Fund for Nature, WWF's Biodiversity and Wine Initiative, Zevenwacht
Baboons lay waste to Franschhoek vineyards
According to Mark Dendy-Young, owner of La Petite Ferme, his vineyards have lost 40% of the annual crop and as much as two to three tonnes a week, enough to make 2,000 bottles of wine.
Male Chacma Baboon
The troop of about fifty marauding baboons have been driven closer to farm lands in search of food because recent bushfires have driven them down from the mountains surrounding the Cape’s wine district, Franschhoek. Dendy-Young told Decanter.com that the animals know just when the fruit is about reach optimal ripeness and scavange the vines just before they are harvested.
Also affected are the Moreson Pinot Noir vineyards which are situated on high slopes.
These primates are agressive, invasive animals and thrive in the Cape Town mountains where they seemingly have few, if any natural predators to control their numbers.
An ongoing problem is that people feed them in spite of many warnings and the baboons associate a human being with food. This results in cars at sight-seeing stops and picnic areas being trashed. Many homes in areas bordering on the mountain reserves have been ransacked and people have been attacked while the baboons attempt to snatch away food.
Tags: baboons, Cape, Franschhoek, La Petit Ferme, Mark Dendy-Young, Moreson, Pinot Noir, wine
Wellington Western Cape, Wine Harvest Festival 2010 – 20th, 21st, 22nd March
Just 45 minutes drive out of Cape Town lies Wellington on the banks of the Kromme River surrounded by the majestic Groenberg and Hawequa mountains. Known for fruit production, grapevine nurseries and home of an historic religious seminary and college, Wellington has 26 wineries
Wellington Wine Harvest Festival
within a short distance of each other. Some of the Wellington wineries stretch over alluvial terraces towards the Swartland’s rolling hills and
wheat fields, while others are found in the foothills of the towering Hawequa mountains, where folds and valleys create unique meso-climates. The predominate varieties grown here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Chenin blanc.
Happening this weekend is the annual Wine Harvest Festival from Saturday until Monday with all of valley’s wine farms offering events such as musical entertainment; wine, brandy and grappa tasting; vintage cars and cricket; gourmet food tasting and much more.
The participating wine farms are 5 Mountains, Alkmaar Boutique Vineyard, Andreas, Bontebok Ridge, Bosman Family Vineyards,Bovlei Winery, Diemersfontein, Doolhof Wine Estate, Douglas Green, Dunstone Wines, Mont Du Toit Kelder, Nabygelegen Private Cellar, Oude Wellington Estate, Schalk Burger and Sons, Val Du Charron, Wamakersvallei Winery, Wellington Cellar and Welvanplas.
My wine recommendations? Don’t miss the Andreas Shiraz and Dunstone’s award winning Shiraz. Schalk Burger & Sons have a big Bordeaux blend, Cricket Pitch and in the Meerkat range Burrow Blend is fantastic for everyday drinking. The Meerkat Chenin blanc is made from grapes off extremely old vines and has character you won’t expect from such a well priced wine. Diemersfontein wines are bold, beautifully crafted wines and offer an excellent example of pinotage.
Tags: Adreas, Alkmaar Boutique Vineyard, Bontebok Ridge, Bosman Family Vineyards, Bovlei, cabernet sauvignon, Cape, chardonnay, chenin blanc, Diemersfontein, Doolhof Wine Estate, Douglas Green, Dunstone Wines, festival, lkmaar, Mont Du Toit Kelder, Nabygelegen, Pinotage, Schalk Burger & Sons, shiraz, Val Du Charron, Wamakersvallei, Wellington, Welvanplas, wine
South African white wines lauded by Wine Spectator magazine
Under the heading “17 Impressive White Wines”, James Molesworth, the senior editor and South African wine expert of Wine Spectator magazine, raves about the consistency, diversity and value delivered by Cape Town Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Chenin blanc based wines. Eben Sadie’s delicious chenin-driven blend Palladuis is one of the applauded wines and his comments are,
Local Chenin blancs are finally coming into their own and it is definitely encouraging to see so many Chenins and Chenin-driven blends making a top listing such as this one in Wine Spectator. I think wine lovers are becoming more adventurous by trying lesser known varietals and eventually enjoying the complexity of flavours offered by a great Chenin blanc.
The wines are here listed together with the wine district or ward where they are produced.
SADIE FAMILY Palladius Swartland 2008
Wine Spectator
KEN FORRESTER Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch The FMC 2008
BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Chardonnay Overberg Crocodile’s Lair 2008
DE MORGENZON Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2008
BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Chardonnay Walker Bay Sans Barrique 2008
BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Chardonnay Walker Bay Missionvale 2008
HARTENBERG The Eleanor Stellenbosch 2006 •
HARTENBERG Chardonnay Stellenbosch 2007
RAATS FAMILY Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2008
BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Sauvignon Blanc Walker Bay Reserve 2009
KEN FORRESTER Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2009
BACKSBERG Chardonnay Western Cape 2007
BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Sauvignon Blanc Walker Bay 2009
MAN VINTNERS Chardonnay Coastal Region 2009
BACKSBERG Chenin Blanc Western Cape 2009
BACKSBERG Sauvignon Blanc Western Cape 2009
KEN FORRESTER Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 2009
Tags: Backsberg, Bouchard Finlayson, Cape Town, chardonnay, chenin blanc, De Morgenzon, Eben Sadie, Hartonberg, James Molesworth, Ken Forrester, MAN Vintners, Palladuis, Raats Family, sauvignon blanc, South Africa, The Eleanor 2006, The FMC 2008, wine, Wine Spectator, Wlaker Bay Sans Barrique 2008
Santam Classic Wine Trophy Award Winners 2010
The Santam Classic Wine Trophy is unique in South Africa as it only awards a set number of medals and trophies each year to ensure legitimacy and credibility for winning wines. This is the 12th year that the competition has been running.
Santam partners with La Revue Du Vin De France and the judges of the competition are:
Christophe Durand
Owner of Vins D’Orrance.
Marc Friederich
Owner of Chez Marc’s restaurant, Paarl, Western Cape.
Patrick Landanger
Owner and winemaker of the Domaine de la Pousse in Burgundy, Cote d’Or.
Laure Gasparotto
French journalist for the magazine Le Point and Figaro. Wine Writer.
Claude Gilois
French wine importer. Owner of Vins du Monde.
Germaine Lehodey
General Manager of Aquila Private Game Reserve.
Jean Yves Muller
Co-owner of Caveau and Headquarters restaurants.
Olivier Poels
Editor/Journalist RVF
Miguel Chan
Deluxe Brands Sommelier for Southern Sun Hotels.
Pieter De Villiers
C0-owner of Domaine Mas Angel in Faugeres.
Philippe Dietrich
Winemaker/Director of Michael Partzold Wine Services (Pty) Ltd.
Denis Garret
Chef sommelier export at Gefimag Chateau Peyrat Fourthan.
And all of the winners are:
SANTAM CLASSIC WINE TROPHY – OVERALL WINNER
Warwick Wine Estate
BEST WHITE WINE TROPHY
Hoopenburg “Integer” Chardonnay 2006
BEST RED WINE TROPHY
Vriesenhof Pinot Noir 2007
BEST SWEET WINE TROPHY
Klein Constantia Vin De Constance 2005
GOLD MEDALS – WHITE WINES
Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2009
Rudera Chenin Blanc 2008
Villiera Traditional Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2009
Vriesenhof Chardonnay 2009
GOLD MEDALS – RED WINES
Cederberg Shiraz 2008
Chamonix Greywacke Pinotage 2007
La Motte Shiraz 2008
Oal Valley Pinot Noir 2008
Reynecke Reserve Red 2007
Rietvallei Esteana 2007
Sumaridge Pinot Noir 2008
Veenwouden Classic 2006
Warwick Trilogy 2006
GQ CHOICE AWARDS
Hoopenberg “Integer” Chardonnay 2006
Sumaridge Pinot Noir 2008
Reynecke Reserve Red 2007
Tags: Award, Cederberg, Chamonix, Hamilton Russell, Hoopenburg, Klein Constantia, La Motte, Oak Valley, red wine, Reyeneke, Rietvallei, Rudera, Santam, Sumaridge, Veenwouden, Villiera, Vriesenhof, Warwick, white wine, wine
First wine festival in Cape Town’s deep south- Old Cape Wine Festival
I was so excited to meet Charlotte Noon at the Steenberg Vineyards barrel tasting event last night as she is one of the organisers of this fantastic first time wine fest taking place in Kommetjie this coming Saturday. Some of my favourite winemakers will be represented there like Adi Badenhorst, Duncan Savage of Cape Point Vineyards, Abri Bruwer of Springfield, Boela Gerber of Groot Constantia Estate and Adam Mason of Klein Constantia Estate. Super-stars in wine for sure.
Old Cape Wine Festival 2010
Here is the press release:
The one-day festival will see the largest gathering of wine producers and enthusiasts in the Far South ever. Visitors will be treated to the ultimate tasting experience with the opportunity to sample over 100 of South Africa’s best known wines. Over 20 wine producers – including some of South Africa’s most reputable and award-winning labels – will be there. These include Lazanou, Diemersfontein, Springfield, Teddy Hall, De Wetshof, Badenhorst, Cape Point Vineyards, Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia.
Every corner of the Cape Winelands map will be represented, including Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Robertson, Wellington, Constantia and the West Coast. Every cultivar grown in the Western Cape is also expected to be showcased, so there is definitely something for everyone. All of the wines available for tasting will be on sale at special festival prices at the Old Cape Wine Shop, while stocks last.
Tickets will be on sale on the day at just R40 per person tasting. This includes a wine glass, unlimited wine tastings and sumptuous food tastings. There will also be live music, scenic surroundings to relax in and entertainment for kids. Visitors are welcome anytime between 10am and 5pm and additional parking will be made available on site. There is also a Free Range Coffee Shop and restaurant for those who would like to include a delicious meal. The Blue Water Café offers fresh free range food, stunning views and a great kids’ entertainment area, so booking is essential (021 783 2007).
Adi Badenhorst
Organiser of the Festival and owner of the Old Cape Wine Shop, Rael Abramowitz, said: “We are very excited about the amazing response we have had – both from the wine producers attending and from the many people who are very much looking forward to enjoying the wines, the food, the music and the atmosphere at the Old Cape Wine Festival. It’s great to be able to put on a wine festival of this size in the Far South. We have many local wine enthusiasts who can now enjoy a great day out locally. With Kommetjie only being a 35 minute drive from the City Bowl, we are also looking forward to welcoming our city neighbours who will no doubt relish this leisurely day out in the country.”
Date: Saturday 6th March 2010
Time: 10h00 till 17h00
Where: Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie Road, Kommetjie
For more information about the Festival, call 021 783 50 54 or visit www.ocws.co.za. For more information about the many other attractions at Imhoff Farm, visit http://www.imhofffarm.co.za
Tags: Badenhorst Family Wines, Cape Point Vineyards, Cape Town, Constantia, cultivar, De Wetshof Estate, Diemersfontein, Franschhoek, Groot Constantia, Imhoff Farm, Klein Constantia, Kommetjie, Lazanou, Robertson, Springfield, Stellenbosch, Teddy Hall, Wellington, wine
South Africa’s most expensive wine ?
Kanonkop has released for sale, in limited quantities to negocients only, the black label Pinotage 2006. This wine is made from the oldest vines on the farm, possibly 60 year old bush vines and sells for R1,000.00 ($132) per bottle.
Kanonkop Estate
One of the premier Cape Town wine farms, Kanonkop bottled for the first time in 1973 and continues to gather awards - like three top International Wine and Spirit Competition 2009 placings. They were Winemaker of the Year for Abrie Beeslaar, Best Red Blend for the Paul Sauer and Best South African Producer overall.
Wade Bales Wine Society and Cyber Cellar are the sole suppliers. The philosophy behind this exclusivity is explained by the estate co-owner, Paul Krige:
This wine is a highlight in Kanonkop’s history since the release of our first label in 1973. The first allocation to our two negocients will be 600 bottles with the next tranche of 400 bottles released a few months later once the market has determined the value of the wines.
With two negocients controlling the supply and demand, they will be able to buy back stock from willing sellers to sell on to parties willing to pay a higher price. This secondary market which the South African wine industry needs more of so as to establish itself as a producer of really premium wines, will open up a totally new set of dynamics in the wine industry, as well as create an appreciation for, and collectably of fine local wines.
Tags: Abrie Beeslaar, Cape Town, International Wine & Spirit Competition, Kanonkop, Paul Krige, Pinotage, South Africa
The new Catch 22
While many people do not intend to be unethical, I believe that wine writers, critic and judges should take to heart the influence they have over the wine drinking public. Just as court of law judges are true to their calling no matter what.
How can a wine judge, having been shown the height of hospitality by a particular winemaker in as far as being flown in a private jet to the winery and entertained there, remain impartial? If they believed it, would they be able to report that the wines are not up to standard?
It must be very difficult to do and would surely be construed as unmannerly behaviour.
If the wine turns out to be superlative and the critics write rave reviews, then would many people not doubt that outcome considering the lavish hospitality bestowed upon the writers/critics/judges?
How can this catch 22 scenario be avoided?
Cape Town wine farms threatened by mining corporation
As reported in the South African media and on Jordan Wine’s website, wine farms like Zevenwacht, Saxenburg and Jordan in Stellenbosch as well as De Grendel in the Tygerberg wine district, are under the threat of mineral prospecting on their lands.
Threatened dwarf chameleon found only on Jordan farmlands
Stop Mining the Cape Winelands
2010-02-25
African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (AEMFC) has applied for prospecting rights for tin, zinc, lead, lithium, copper, manganese and silver on the farms Annex Langverwacht 245 (which includes Saxenburg, Jordan, Langverwacht and Zevenwacht Estates), Haasendal 222 and the remaining extent of Rosendal 249. The Department of Mineral Resources has provisionally accepted these prospecting rights.AEMFC is state-owned and funded by the Central Energy Fund. It has been exempted by the Minister of Minerals and Energy from many provisions of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act in regard to prospecting rights, mining rights and mining permits. According to the Chamber of Mines these provisions normally require applicants to submit environmental management programmes and to consult with interested and affected parties.
To date, many of the landowners and most of the interested and affected parties have not been consulted nor received notification regarding the above prospecting rights and possible mining activities.
Meeting to be held at Zevenwacht at 10h00 on Saturday 27th February 2010:
A meeting of concerned residents as well as interested and affected parties has been called by Mr. Gary Jordan of Jordan Wine Estate, which will take place at the Conference Centre at Zevenwacht Estate at 10h00 on Saturday 27th February. All interested and affected parties are welcome to attend. None of the farmers and landowners affected as well as their employees in the surrounding area wish the prospecting and mining activities to go ahead. Not only are these farms all members of the Bottelary Renosterbos Conservancy, but they do not wish to see their vineyards and farmland being bulldozed or disturbed in any way. Mining activities would inevitably impact on tourism while the lowering of production and quality of wines from the wine estates in the area would result in the loss of farming jobs. Property values in the surrounding area would decrease.
For more information regarding the meeting, please contact 021 – 8813441 or follow our Facebook page, STOP Mining the Winelands. Were adding new information every day and appreciate any support from the public.
Tags: Cape Town, Jordan wines, mining, Saxenburg, wine, Zevenwacht
Cape Town wine farm bought by former chateau owner
May Eliane de Lencquesaing formally owned Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtess de Lalande, in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. Although, she acquired Glenelly Stellenbosch, in 2003, the formal opening of the estate has been delayed until the 2008 vintage wines, which were crafted solely from grapes grown on the estate, have been released for sale.
Glenelly Estate
An environmentally sensitive 600 ton cellar, created by Swiss, French and South African architects was completed last year. Some of it’s features are that fewer chemicals are used to clean tanks because water at high temperature does the job and under-floor cooling cuts energy costs. The cellar structure blends into the Simonsberg hills because of carefully coloured concrete thus minimising visual impact.
The winemaker is Luke O’Cuinneagain and Adie Badenhorst is the consultant, formally of neighbouring farm, Rustenberg. Cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, shiraz and chardonnay are the cultivars planted here.
de Lencquesaing is quoted in Decanter.com as saying,
I now intend to spend six months of the year in South Africa. I am very keen to ensure this is a truly South African estate, not to impose too much of my Bordeaux sensibilities on to the land.
I will be running the estate and continuing with the set up of numerous social structures for the employees from estate housing to child care to education and training courses.
All of this at the age of 84 years!
Tags: Adi Badenhorst, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, Glenelly Estate, merlot, petit verdot, shiraz
Celebrate sauvignon blanc at Constantia Fresh festival 26 – 27 February 2010
One of the first South African wine festivals to feature sauvignon blanc of the Constantia Valley, regional and international producers, will celebrate the distinctive freshness of the “wild white” grape and it’s compatibility with food. The festival features four palate stimulating events which are supported by the participating producers – Constantia Uitsig, Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, Steenberg Vineyards, Eagles Nest, Buitenverwachting and Constantia Glen. The program consists of:
Constantia Fresh 2010
INTERNATIONAL SAUVIGNON BLANC TASTING Date: Friday 26th February 2010
Time: 14h00 – 19h00
Cost: R1,500 per person
Venue: Buitenverwachting old cellar
Taste over 40 local and international wines from some of the best producers in the world, including wines from the Loire Valley in France and Marlborough in New Zealand. The tasting will be conducted by representatives from the regions and hosted by Master of Wine, Cathy van Zyl.
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Date: 26th February 2010
Time: 19h30
Cost: R1,500 per person
Venue: La Colombe Restaurant, Constantia Uitsig
Experience matured sauvignon blanc and classic red wines from Constantia Valley and the Loire Valley, matched perfectly with dishes from award-winning chef, Luke Dale-Roberts.
INTERNATIONAL FRESHNESS IN RED WINES TASTING
Date: Saturday 27th February 2010
Time: 11h00 – 13h30
Cost: R700 per person
Venue: Groot Constantia Production Cellar
This international tasting has the objective of exploring and showcasing the freshness found in red wines, including wines from the Constantia Valley, France and Australia.
SAUVIGNON BLANC AND FOOD PAIRING EXHIBITION
Date: Saturday 27th February 2010
Time: 15h00 – 20h00
Cost: R400 per person
Venue: Lawns of Buitenverwachting Wine Estate
30 Local and regional sauvignon blanc producers will showcase their wines alongside canapes from the top chefs of the Cape. The walk around tasting will be followed by a picnic with live entertainment rounding off the event. Expect to find producers’ wines from all of the main sauvignon blanc districts in South Africa – taste, sample and compare.
Tickets for the event can be obtained from the tasting room at Steenberg Vineyards or from Lida Van Heerden.
Tel: (27) 21 7132211
Email: lida@steenberg.co.za
Tags: Buitenverwachting, Constantia Fresh, Constantia Valley, Groot Constantia, La Colombe Restaurant, Loire, Marborough, sauvignon blanc, Steenberg Vineyards
