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Wildy Good Wines on the West Coast!
I've had some great times along the west coast, from the picturesque village of Paternoster to sublime weekends on a houseboat near Kraalbaai, but believe it or not, I've never before been to visit any of the West Coast wine farms. Until now!
So, it was time for a bit of a road trip and admittedly, I didn't realize that it was going to be quite the road trip that it was, since it was a fair drive outside Cape Town, but we certainly had fun getting there.
We traveled out on the N7 through the most beautiful and picturesque landscapes and rolling hillsides past Piketberg, the 100% full Clanwilliam dam and on to Klawer where we turned off and headed out to Doringbaai where we paid a visit to Fryer's Cove Vineyards.
At first, my photographer, Mark and I were a bit confused by the odd location of the tasting rooms. Seemingly, the disused harbour buildings was where we were heading as the signs led the way. Our raised eyebrows were soon raised even further when we made our way to the cosy and quaint tasting room which has been done up so beautifully by the Fryer's Cove team. A very pleasant surprise indeed. |
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There to meet us were co-owner and assistant winemaker, Jan van Zyl and marketing manager Alberta who were eager to share the history and background to this cool-climate wine farm situated less than 1km from the Atlantic shore.
In 1985, aspiring winemaker Wynand Hamman had a dream to cultivate this land with the most scenic views and produce fantastic wine from its fruits, but the initial going was tough. Not only did the winemakers have to contend with the unknown factors of wind and sea, but the area was drought prone. Without a reliable water source the venture wouldn't get out of the starting gates. They investigated using existing groundwater, but the salt content was too high and desalinisation proved too expensive.
A 29,5km long pipeline from Vredendal was the only solution and they had to cross three adjacent farms to get there. After the neighbours agreed to the pipeline, Jan built it himself in 1999, with the aid of his farm workers. In exchange for their co-operation, the neighbours received water from the pipeline..../more
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Sulphur – The good, the bad and the not-always ugly
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is the most widely used and controversial additive in winemaking. Its main functions are to inhibit or kill unwanted yeasts and bacteria and to protect wine from oxidation.
Unfortunately for many people, they suffer intolerances and allergic reactions to the sulphurs, especially where there are slightly higher concentrates than one should be ingesting. Reactions range from severe headaches, blocked noses and itchy eyes to rashes and hives and in very extreme cases, could even result in death. Are you allergic to sulpha in medication?
Work it out… Sulpha = Sulphur…
SO2 is added at several points in the process of conventional vinification and is present in the finished wine in the form of sulphites, which occur naturally in all living things and are present in small quantities even in unsulphured wines.
Sulphur dioxide should not be confused with the powdered sulphur which is sometimes dusted onto vines to protect them from powdery mildew (called oidium in French), even in organic viticulture.
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It is often claimed that the Romans used sulphur to preserve their wines, but the evidence for this is vague. The first explicit mention of its use in winemaking is a German royal decree in 1487. This permitted winemakers to burn sulphured woodchips in barrels used for storing wine.
A natural winemaker would only ever use sulphur dioxide at bottling, only in white wines, and only in very small quantities. Many natural winemakers use none at all.
If you find a wine that you particularly enjoy, you can take a look at one of the following two options that will help break down the sulphites:Read more.... |
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This month the Taste Team had the pleasure of sampling some of the favourite wines that were showcased at the Wine Show Road Show in Port Elizabeth in June this year.
Due to the warm reception and appreciation that the inhabitants of Nelson Mandela Bay and the surrounding areas has shown, we thought it only fair to highlight their favourite wines and show the rest of the country that these guys have got pretty good taste when it comes to their wine.
On a separate note, we bid farewell to team member David Porter, who's work contract has been extended yet again and finds himself in Cape Town on a semi-permanent basis. .../more
Click here to meet the team |
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| WINE LAID BARE CALENDAR 2012
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20th Edition - August 2011
19th Edition - July 2011
18th Edition - June 2011
17th Edition - May 2011
16th Edition - April 2011
15th Edition - March 2011
14th Edition - Feb 2011
13th Edition - Dec 2010
12th Edition - Nov 2010
11th Edition - Oct 2010
10th Edition - Sep 2010
9th Edition - Aug 2010
8th Edition - July 2010
7th Edition - June 2010
6th Edition - May 2010
5th Edition - April 2010
4th Edition - Mar 2010
3rd Edition - Feb 2010
2nd Edition - Jan 2010
1st Edition - Dec 2009 |
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Michaelangelo winners announced - This year 226 producers entered a record total of 1 385 wines. A total of 475 wines received medals from the 15 international judges, of which 35 were Grand D'Or, 179 gold and 261 silver. In accordance with the rules of the Michelangelo International Wine Awards only 30% of entries may be awarded a medal which adds to the prestige of a wine bearing a Michelangelo medal. In the event of several wines attaining the same score at the cut off for specific medals, all wines with that score are awarded a medal, which may lead to the 30% being exceeded. See the winners here…
Marilyn Merlot unveils limited edition Marilyn Monroe wine bottles - Wine and beauty, both look perfect when seasoned. One such seasoned and ageless beauty was Marilyn Monroe, who did live a short life but left a mark on everything with her eternal beauty and that included wine as well. Marilyn Merlot, a famous wine brand which is a tribute to the blonde bombshell, is launching a special edition wine in September that was aged in 2009 at Napa Valley winery. Read more…
Absolut and Brancott produce vodka-Sauvignon blend - Swedish vodka producer Absolut has paired up with Pernod Ricard stablemate Brancott Estate to produce a 'sparkling fusion' of vodka and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. A spokesman for the new blend, called Absolut Tune, said he would not be 'sharing the specifics' on how the sparkle was created other than that it was a 'fusion process'. More info… A spokesman for the new blend, called Absolut Tune, said he would not be 'sharing the specifics' on how the sparkle was created other than that it was a 'fusion process'.
Champagne copes with 'difficult vintage' - The 2011 Champagne vintage is being hailed as one of the most unusual in the region's history, as vignerons deal with the aftermath of one of the most difficult growing seasons on record. Oenologist Herve Jestin, who consults for several properties in the Côte des Blancs, including Russian-owned Chateau D'Avize, told Decanter.com that an unusually warm spring followed by a cool, wet summer and intermittent hail storms would present many challenges for the region's winemakers. More…
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Teddy Hall launches the Sgt. Pepper – On 15 September at Union in Bree Street from 18:00 to 20:00. Teddy will be there himself if you would like to chat to him about the new wine. Please note that this is very much an informal tasting.
Shiraz Showcase 2011 – On 20 September from 17:30 until 20:30 you can join in a unique opportunity to taste South Africa's wide selection of award winning, top scoring wines produced from Shiraz. The event will be hosted at The Vineyard Hotel in Newlands and tickets cost R100pp and are available from Webtickets]. For more information, contact Sandra Lotz at info@shirazsa.co.za.
Heritage weekend at Solms Delta - At Solms-Delta wine estate, to celebrate our heritage, Fyndraai restaurant has a special Heritage Menu, which includes the Veldkos of the indigenous Khoi and San who inhabited this region thousands of years ago. Wine tasting takes place in the Museum van der Caab which chronicles the heritage and social history of the 325-year old estate. Book a Dik Delta Tour around the Dik Delta Fynbos Culinary Garden and learn about the edible side of our heritage. This will all be taking place on the 24th of September. For more information or to book please call 021-874 3937 or email info@solms-delta.co.za.
Exclusive Lanzerac barrel tasting – From 28 to 30 September, you can enjoy a fantastic tasting from the estate's maturing barrels. R170 buys you the tasting, conducted by winemaker Wynand Lategan, a meal and a gift. Booking is essential and can be done by emailing winesales@lanzerac.co.za or calling 021-886 5642.
Riebeek Valley Shiraz and arts festival – The very popular Riebeek Valley Shiraz & Arts Weekend is to be celebrated again on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd October 2011. Instigated in 2005, this intimate and tasteful weekend has been bringing discerning wine, arts and food lovers to the beautiful Riebeek Valley ever since. This year the programme will again include performing arts, along with the usual quality exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and photography held at wine cellars, restaurants and galleries. It is an opportunity to savour the delicious creations of the many wine makers in the Swartland region, including Kloovenburg, Allesverloren, Pulpit Rock, Het Vlock Casteel, Meerhof, Riebeek Cellars, Mullineux, as well as some outstanding garagiste wines. Visit www.riebeekvalley.info for more information.
Durbanville 'Season of Sauvignon' – White wine season kicks off at the Season of Sauvignon on 12 farms in the verdant Durbanville Wine Valley (winner of the 2011 SA Terroir Award as the country's top terroir for quality wines). Take a helicopter flip, party with pink paisleys, go wild at a Sauvignon Saloon, linger over le picniques, revel in a West Coast feast and pair local food with live music, fresh air and debutante summer wines. The festival takes place over two days on 1 and 2 October from 11:00-18:00 and participating farms include De Valley, Durbanville Hills, Hillcrest, Bloemendal, D'Aria, Diemersdal, Meerendal, De Grendel, Klein Roosboom, Altydgedacht and Phizantekraal. For more info, visit www.durbanvillewine.co.za.
Head out to Rawsonville for the Breedekloof Festival – Splash your mountainbike through a clear mountain stream, race your mates at the vineyard night run, or watch the sun settle behind the mountains as you sip award winning wine and listen to your favourite local artist performing under an African sky. These are some of the unforgettable experiences offered by Breedekloof Outdoor & Wine, our annual celebration of wine, food, adventure and music, which takes place from Friday 7 October to Sunday 9 October. Yes it's a wine festival but the magnificent Breedekloof natural playground also hosts plenty of family-friendly activities including a Mountain to Mountain bike race, a vineyard night run and a tagged fishing contest. Check out www.dutoitskloof.co.za for more info.
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel turns 40 – Savour the true spirit of this Stellenbosch Cap Classique legend at one of four spectacular evenings and celebrate Simonsig's ingenuity for giving South Africa its first sparkling wine made according to the French tradition of secondary bottle fermentation back in 1971.
Your exclusive Kaapse Vonkel anniversary festivities kick off with flutes of Kaapse Vonkel and fresh oysters on arrival followed by a trip down memory lane exploring the chronicles of this famous sparkler through the estate's open air museum. Here you can revel in the presence of antique winemaking machinery and some of the first bottles of Cap Classiques made by the late Frans Malan, beloved patriarch of Simonsig, four decades ago.
Guests will have the rare opportunity to degorge their own bottle of Kaapse Vonkel in the working cellar which will be transformed into a joyous Cap Classique encounter with canapés and soothing music to indulge all your senses.
This sparkling affair will culminate with a lavish three-course indulgence at Simonsig's signature restaurant, Cuvée, while talented musicians including South Africa's leading electric cellist, Carol Thorns, will add rhythm to this uplifting, sensory indulgence.
The 'Kaapse Vonkel Turns 40' celebrations take place on 8, 15, 22 and 29 October and cost R400 per head or R350 for group bookings of six or more. Seating is limited and early bookings are advised. The ticket includes your degorged bottle of Kaapse Vonkel for you to take home as a precious memento of an unforgettable experience.
Tickets are available at Computicket or directly from the estate.
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Robertson Wine Valley Festival at Kloofzicht Lodge – A convenient and comfortable 40 minute drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, take the time to escape from the urban hub-bub and head out to the country for a fun-filled outing amidst the untrammelled beauty of nature at Kloofzicht Lodge and meet the Robertson Wine Valley's winemakers. Fine wine will be the order of the day, as just short of thirty acclaimed and boutique wineries afford Gautengers the opportunity to enjoy Robertson Wine Valley wines on their doorstep. Hours are 10:00-17:00 (Sat, 17 September) and 10:00-16:00 (Sun, 18 September). Tickets cost R130 per person per day or R210 for a weekend pass. Ticket sales via Webtickets and for more information please visit www.robertsonwinevalley.com.
The Jo'burg Bubbly Festival – This enchanting event, taking place on the 17th and 18th September at Hyde Park Corner Shopping Centre, will be showcasing the finest of South Africa's Cap Classique producers as well as highly acclaimed Champagne Houses. Entrance is R250pp and tickets are available from www.webtickets.co.za and at the door. Live music will add to the ambience and an array of delectable fine foods will be available for purchase. Dress up in black and white and be sure to plonk a hat on to add to the atmosphere. For enquiries please email info@dnaevents.co.za or call Darielle Robertson on 084 207 3820.
The Juliet Cullinan Standard Bank Wine Festival 2011 – On 21 and 22 September you should make your way down to Wanderers where 60 handpicked, icon Cape wineries offering traditional, innovative and rare wines can be sipped in the unique wooden cellar environment created by Riverwoods, while Pick n Pay will treat us to their imported deli foods and Perfectly Cool Wines, the wine cellar experts, will be displaying their product range. On the international front you can sample wines from Great Domaines, Domaine Grier & Wines of the World. Tickets are available from Webtickets [www.webtickets.co.za] and cost R130 per person if booked online, and R150 at the door. This includes a wine glass, catalogue and an evening of unlimited tastings. Visit www.julietcullinan.co.za for more information.
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Coq Au Vin
This hearty chicken dish with red wine is a favourite with the menfolk. Use a full-bodied dry red wine and serve the same wine with the dish at the table. The quantities of onion, mushroom, bacon and chicken don't matter. The only rule is about 1 bottle of wine to one kilogram of chicken. The recipe below is based on 2-2,5kg of chicken pieces, such as drumsticks, breasts and thighs.
Ingredients:
 400ml Flour, mixed with salt and pepper
80g Butter or Olive oil
250g Bacon rashers
250g Button onions (peeled)
2 Garlic cloves (chopped)
200g Mushrooms (chopped)
1tbs Any herb, i.e. Thyme, Marjoram, Oregano or Basil
2 Bottles of yummy wine
Chopped parsley
Method:
Put the flour, salt and pepper in a large paper bag and shake the chicken pieces in the bag until thoroughly coated with flour. Heat the butter or oil in a heavy, wide pan and brown the pieces, removing them to a bowl when golden.
Add the peeled, whole onions to the pan with the garlic and rashers of bacon and a spoonful of flour. Cook, mixing together until everything is browned. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the pan and put the entire contents, plus the chicken in a large ovenproof or flameproof pot.
Add the mushrooms, herbs and enough wine to cover the chicken. Cover with a lid and cook slowly, either on top of the stove or in a pre-heated (180°C) oven for 1-1½ hours until the chicken is tender and falling off the bones and the sauce has thickened and reduced somewhat through evaporation.
If, during cooking, too much liquid evaporates, add more wine. Just before serving, chop a small bunch of parsley and sprinkle over the dish. Serve piping hot.
Note: The alcohol in wine evaporates through long cooking – the dish is not as potent as it looks!
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If you have any wine-related news or want to inform us about an event in the winelands and would like to contact our editor, Maryna, please feel free to email her maryna@wine-extra.co.za. We're always looking for competition sponsors, wines to be reviewed by Maryna on the Weekly Wine Roundup or by the Taste Team and opportunities to visit the winelands.
| Funny of the Month |
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A real man is a woman's best friend. He will never let her down. He will comformt her and after a bad day, he will inspire her to do things she never thought she could do. He will enable her to express her deepest emotions. He will enable her to be confident, sexy, seductive and invincible....NO wait...sorry...I'm thinking of wine. It's WINE that does all that... Never mind !!! |
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