Cape Town - “Fine wine and fast horses”, the logo used by Avontuur estate, is particularly apt right now.
It is in the middle of foaling season with its trusted veterinary surgeon on hand as brood mares give birth to potential racecourse winners, with several arrivals most weeks.
The wines are more than holding their own, with the release of new vintages along with a new label – a pinot noir/chardonnay (R65) – already finding favour with diners.
Michael, middle of the three Taberer sons, took over the family business interests after Tony Taberer’s death. He is helped by youngest brother Philip and both are finding the wine side of the estate an enjoyable learning curve.
Jan van Rooyen took over in the cellar early in 2011 and the last of his maiden red vintages have been released. Consumers are responding enthusiastically to new styles and labels. There are two ranges, the estate and premiere, to consider. From the former, I particularly liked the cab franc 2010, (R100) which displays a fine balance between fruit and tannic structure, while the sauvignon blanc (R62) is low-alcohol summer enjoyment with a distinctive aroma of passionfruit.
The wines in the top range pay tribute to racehorses from the farm’s stables. The 2013 Sarabande is a lightly wooded reserve sauvignon blanc (R110) with agreeable complexity and ageing potential.
Their famous brood mare Luna de Miel is honoured with a 2010 wooded chardonnay of classic character. The 2011 shiraz (R145), an intense and elegant tribute, is named after renowned stallion Dominion Royal. Their flagship 2009 Bordeaux-style blend Baccarat (R190) presents aromas of fynbos ahead of a full-bodied and well-integrated blend of cab, merlot and cab franc.
Chef-patron Melanie Paltoglou offers a balanced menu geared to please both her local fans along with a sizable contingent of Germans who visit every year. There’s no pretence at gourmet, but generous portions of seasonal and classic fare, including two platters – a smoked trout and meat – which make satisfying summer options, while her Norwegian salmon, roast duckling and fillet steak are always in demand.
Avontuur is open seven days a week, except for Christmas day. Festive season visitors should find mares with their new foals in the paddocks as they drive to the tasting room and restaurant.
* See www.avontuurestate.co.za.
Wine Calendar
* A new weekend food and wine affair takes place at Lourensford from November 15 to 16.
It is geared to families, with fun-filled activities offered for children that include an obstacle course, tractor rides and water slide.
The farm’s wines will be poured, micro breweries will tempt with their brews, and food trucks will cater for all tastes, serving charcuterie and sushi, hamburgers and schwarmas.
Local artistes will provide music to enliven the scene. The fun starts at 10am on Saturday, and 11am on Sunday.
Tickets, which include a tasting glass, cost R80 for adults and are available through Computicket. Under 18s enter free.
* The Haskell Vineyards Open Day takes place on Saturday, November 29, from noon.
Entry, which includes a tasting glass, costs R20. Sample new releases from the estate or take in cellarmaster Rianie Strydom’s Master Class when she will examine similarites and differences between our chardonnay, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon and those of the rest of the world.
The class costs R150. To book your seat, e-mail [email protected]
The Long Table restaurant will be open for breakfast and lunch.
Weekend Argus