Apples, peaches, cherries – and snow… these are the mind pictures that thoughts of Ceres produce.
Having sampled a pair of pleasing wines from the upland and historic farm of Koelfontein, the viticultural potential of this fruitful valley adds a further dimension, although this farm is the sole registered producer to date.
Wine – witblits in particular – was produced in the old thatched cellar on Koelfontein for more than a century. This barn started life as a farmstead in 1832 when the farm was established, then put into service as cellar when a larger home was built. Koelfontein developed into one of the valley’s top fruit producers, and biggest processor, packer and distributor of dried fruit.
But, just as the 19th century copper still has been preserved, kept operational and licensed, so the Conradie family, seventh-generation custodians of the farm, decided the time was ripe to produce fine wine, planting chardonnay and shiraz early in the 1990s. Maiden vintages of chardonnay were applauded, and Ceres was demarcated as a Wine of Origin region, while the family added shiraz, merlot and cab.
The 2002 chardonnay walked off with trophies in local contests, and the 2004 shiraz was hot on its heels, winning double gold at Veritas. More awards and accolades followed which helped Handri Conradie decide to open Koelfontein to wine lovers. The talent of Dewaldt Heyns of Saronsberg, a winemaker renowned for a decade of quality, is acknowledged as he has made Koelfontein wines since 2005.
Today, visitors are welcomed to that old former cellar, which has been restored by Handri to act as a tasting room and named Die Kelder. Along with earlier vintages, the 2010 chardonnay and 2008 shiraz will be poured – and both should please fans of these cultivars.
The 2010 chardonnay (R90) presents classic aroma and flavours – tropical fruit, citrus, nuttiness and a long finish. It’s lively and elegant, with alcohol levels of 13.7 percent.
* Open on Saturday mornings, but they will open any other time to suit, provided you phone ahead to 071 413 3869 or e-mail [email protected]
Friday dinners to pair range of top labels
The Vineyard hotel will present its popular wine-paired Friday dinners throughout winter to October.
First up is the five-course Partners’ dinner (Simonsig, Klein Constantia, Warwick, Waterford and Meerlust), where diners taste and the discuss the wines before savouring courses designed to complement a specific label.
Future events include presentations by Villiera, Iona, Muratie, Hartenberg, Mooiplaas, Oldenburg and Haut Espoir, among others. Dinners cost R265 (four courses) or R315 (five courses). For details and to book, e-mail [email protected]. - Weekend Argus