Cape Town - La Bri Estate in Franschhoek is a relatively small farm producing a remarkable number of varietals, with which cellar master (mistress?) Irene Waller does some very interesting and experimental things. Like putting a dash of viognier in with the shiraz.
The tasting room is elevated and the balcony offers a gorgeous view across the vineyards and the Olifantshoek mountain range. Wikipedia says before it was called Franschhoek, the “valley was named Olifantshoek (Elephants’ corner) because of the elephants that crossed into the valley to calve”.
Perhaps coincidentally, if you look at the mountain in the right light from the right angle, it looks like an elephant. You can decide for yourself which story you prefer.
Besides a basic wine tasting you can add a cheese platter of five cheeses from Dalewood, watermelon preserve and olives all locally sourced, or do pairings with biltong or chocolate. Or take your time and do all of it.
For the chocolate pairing, the confectionery comes from Huguenot Chocolates in the village, and is specially crafted for La Bri. The selection changes when new vintages are released. At the moment, these are a cranberry delight with 2012 merlot, mint truffle with 2012 syrah, and salted macadamia with the 2012 Affinity, which is a Bordeaux blend.
If your preference is savoury instead of sweet, the same three reds are paired with beef biltong, droë wors, and ostrich biltong respectively. As with almost any pairing you will find the hard work behind the scenes has ensured the perfect match, but you’re welcome to mix them around to see for yourself.
Prices range from R35 for a wine tasting (redeemable if you buy two or more bottles on your way out) to R55 for the pairings, and R85 for the sharing cheese platter.
l To get to La Bri, drive all the way to the end of the Franschhoek main road to the three-way stop at the Huguenot monument. Turn right, and it’s just a little further along on your right hand side. For more information call 021 876 2593, e-mail [email protected] or see www.labri.co.za
Weekend Argus