Category Archives: SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA, Swartland

Lammershoek

The journey out to Lammershoek Winery in the Swartland was so worth it. The entire team there is relaxed but you can tell the desire to make excellent wine is paramount. There was a passion here for the land, the vines and enjoying it all along the way.  The terroir is what astonished us. Just under 40 miles from Stellenbosch and the soils were sand like and the R45 road approaching it reminds you of death valley in Nevada with some stunning mountain backdrops.

Schalk Opperman showed us around and did a great interview with a superb backdrop of the vineyard. A personal wine tasting with Schalk and Charl Van Reenen, Viticulturist,  revealed some great wines. A different but great style of Pinotage which was zesty and fruity but without the more standard mocha notes enlightened.  However, the star of the show and our favourite on this session was the white blend they have put together for their new reserve range: Terravinum. Once the new Lammershoek tasting room has finished its refurbishment these guys will be getting many more visitors to taste the minerality and complexities from an astonishing terroir.

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Constantia, SOUTH AFRICA

Constantia Glen

Constantia Glen is a fantastic looking place lying not far from Cape Town at the foot of the Constantia Nek with great views south to the coast in the distance.

Justin Van Wyk, winemaker, met with us and spent time doing an interview. A great tasting room has views across the lush green vines. The difference in terroir was striking on the eye compared to Stellenbosch. It was just so green.

When we asked about recent accolades Justin said: “Most recently we got a Platter five star and it was the first five star achievement for Constantia Glen which was really rewarding. Also a couple of years ago we got a trophy for the best white wine from South Africa at the International Wine Challenge.”

A full tasting of the range was done and it was tricky to pick a favourite here. A superb blend from the 5 but we are going to give the favourite spot to the Constantia Glen Saddle Rose 2015. Excellent long finish after a rush of strawberries and cream and an almost bubble gum like burst of flavours on the palate. An outstanding Rose.

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SOUTH AFRICA, Stellenbosch

L’Avenir

L’Avenir is another lovely looking place and a tranquil spot to while away a tasting hour or two in Stellenbosch. More great mountain views surround you and the winery and tasting venue are nested on the edge of a small lake.

The favourite wine from the five tested was the L’Avenir Pinotage 2013. The 100% Pinotage wine spends 13 months in oak barrels. A nice mix of black and red berry fruits on the palate with a little spice and leather thrown in on the finish.

 

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Paarl, SOUTH AFRICA

Fairview

A great afternoon at Fairview. We chatted with Charles Back and viewed the winery and cheese and wine tasting areas.

The farm has been in the hands of the Back family since Charles 1 bought the farm in 1937. Today it is a third-generation of Back winemaking.

Charles Back is known for developing new, hitherto-unexplored viticultural sites across the Western Cape and experimenting with lesser-known varieties. He also expanded the dairy goat herd into a fully fledged cheesery.

In April 2006, South African WINE Magazine voted Back the second most influential person in the South African wine industry, after Nelson Mandela. In 2014, he was awarded the prestigious International Wine Challenge (IWC) Lifetime Achievement Award – a coveted accolade bestowed upon leaders in the global wine industry who deserve special recognition for the work they have done throughout their lives.

Our favourite wine of the few we tasted here was the 100% Mourvedre 2014.

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SOUTH AFRICA, Stellenbosch

Vredenheim

Most places in Stellenbosch have pretty good mountain views. Vredenheim is no exception with some nice gardens and even a big cat park which is home to lions, tigers and leopards.

it’s Manor House is very distinct, dating back to 1789 and has been declared a National Monument. Some of the decor and furniture are still the originals.  Vredenheim was once the home to Stellenbosch’s first female winemaker, Elzabe Bezuidenhout , after her parents bought the farm in 1986. The favourite wine from tasting here was the Vredenheim Rose 2015, a light bodied good value drinking wine at just 50 South African rand for pleasant strawberries on the palate.

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SOUTH AFRICA, Stellenbosch

Aaldering

The favourite wine from tasting at Aaldering was the Pinotage 2012. Red fruits, medium tannins and a touch of leather on the palate. Pinotage is a grape variety specifically created for the hotter conditions found in South Africa and boy is it hot right now at almost 33 degrees. Locals say it is due to get hotter next week as well.

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