In my job I am privileged to know what is happening in our wine industry and am often given the opportunity to meet many of the wonderful people behind some of the world’s best wines. We, as South Africans, often believe that wines from abroad are superior to our local wines.
My wish is to change that perception and share with you what is happening in the South African wine industry - not from a wine connoisseur's point of view (although most days after 5pm I'm to be found with a glass of proudly South African wine in my hand while I deal with my three-year-old twin daughters after a long day at the office, allowing me to believe that I am a true oenophile - even if it's by default).
I wish to share with you the many international accolades our South African wines are achieving, and hopefully inspire you to try something different next time you pop into your wine shop.
We shall be keeping it simple and informative. Wine is a personal choice - there's no right or wrong, and price often has no relevance on the quality of wine.
My late mother was born in McGregor in the Western Cape and loved the sweet Hanneport and Muscadel wines synonymous with the area. As a child I recall visiting family in the area and on Saturday mornings we would drive to the co-operative and stand in line with the locals with our 5-litre glass bottles to have them filled with sweet white wine from the tanks.
Times have changed and nowadays the wines are receiving the international accolades
they deserve.
I recently spent a few days in the Breedekloof Valley, near Rawsonville. The valley is known for producing world-class Chenin Blanc and produces 25% of South Africa’s Chenin Blanc. More than 90% of the farms are farmed by their owners, with up to 80% of the farmers being third generation.
Olifantsberg Chenin Blanc
Olifantsberg wine estate is in the Breedekloof Wine Valley. It is just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town and home to many award-winning wines, including the Olifantsberg Chenin Blanc 2014.
Elizma Visser is the winemaker who has crafted the Olifantsberg Chenin Blanc.
She says she was inspired by former public protector advocate Thuli Madonsela, when she made the wine.
“Advocate Madonsela’s courage and work ethic is truly inspiring and she is a great role model for all women, and worthy of raising a great glass of Chenin Blanc to.”
This wine has been rated as one of 10 Stellar Chenin Blancs from South Africa by international wine commentator Darren Smith for the international publication, The Drinks Business.
It has a delicious aroma of crisp apples on the nose, followed by layers of pineapple and stone fruit and subtle hints of oak. It's made in a more opulent style, which means it has a full-mouth feel reminiscent of honey, largely due to it being made from vineyards that are 35years and older, something not often encountered in local wines.
Matched with racy acidity, this makes it a great food partner for mild Thai dishes, seared tuna
with a soya-based sauce and fillet on the braai.
This international award winning Chenin Blanc retails for around R90 a bottle - in comparison to a bottle of French Chenin Blanc - Clef de Sol Blanc, from Loire for about R300.
Raise your glass of Olifantsberg Chenin Blanc 2014.
For more information about the Breedekloof Valley wines, call the tourism office at 0233491791 or email [email protected].
Cheers until next week!