Cape Town - It may not be official, but while writing this column on the first day of September it certainly felt like spring had arrived.
Along with welcoming the new season the focus is on nurturing the environment as we spotlight all things organic, with wine, of course, upfront. The planet marks International Organic Day on September 22.
Join the organic revival this spring by matching natural wines with organic food that is fresh, local, and sustainably produced. As the number of organic wines in our stores increases, so does the choice, ranging from topnotch labels to affordable quaffers, while more restaurants are including organic wines on their winelists.
Support sustainable farming, buy organic produce at local markets, attend their workshops, try organic cosmetics, practise organic gardening…
Earthbound wines, a range in the Cape Legends portfolio, are produced at Papkuilsfontein in the Darling area, and are both certified organic and are Fairtrade-accredited.
Having recently brought home a trio of medals from the Decanter World Wine Awards in London, winemaker Samuel Viljoen is particularly proud of the fact that organic wine held its own against others, as it is only the second year that the range has been introduced. Lower sulphur levels are an additional attraction.
There are two reds, (R54 each) a 2012 pinotage, plum-coloured and fruity with some caramel and spice and a 2012 cabernet, with upfront red fruit, blackcurrant and soft tannins. A pinot noir is expected to join the range soon.
The white duo (both R45) consists of 2013 sauvignon blanc, a dry balance of green and tropical fruits, and a chenin blanc, frisky and crisp, aromas of guava and pear followed by wafts of apricot. The farm is a member of the BWI (Biodiversity & Wine Initiative) so ticks the boxes for environmentally friendly production.
Biodynamic farming produces fine blends
Reyneke Wines in Stellenbosch is renowned as a trailblazer not only for organic but biodynamic farming and wines, producing wines rated five and never less than four stars.
Quality with integrity is Johan Reyneke’s motto. He is on his way to becoming one of South Africa’s top estates, embracing a holistic philosophy that extends to his way of life and one that benefits those of the farm families.
This mode of farming is not only time-consuming and costly, but involves far more work than conventional agricultural practices. But his results are proof indeed of quality, and the fact that two recent releases both sell for under R100 is little short of amazing.
Pour a glass of the 2012 Reyneke Biodynamic syrah and read the inspiring back label while you sip.
This new vintage is sure to join its predecessors with high ratings, classic nose and flavours complemented by impressive purity and freshness. Enjoyable now, and for several years to come.
An even better bargain is the 2012 Reyneke Organic shiraz /cabernet at about R55 – just 8 percent cab contributes to a juicy, berry-rich wine, with herbiness, spice and that same alluring freshness. Visit this Polkadraai hill farm on weekdays, or see www.reyneke wines.co.za for more information.
* To Paarl, where Johnathan Grieve has spent a decade rejuvenating Avondale, a historic mountainside farm that presents an impressive example of the combination of cutting-edge technology and ancient wisdom. Organic and biodynamic principles are taken a step further in a registered process called BioLOGIC, which has produced an extraordinary eco-system.
The fine range of wines is proof of Grieve’s endeavours. The 2012 vintage of Avondale’s white blend Cyclus is a hedonistic wine that deserves to be sipped and contemplated and tasted again, as elegant layers of complexity are revealed. Made from viognier, chardonnay, roussanne, chenin blanc and semillon, it sells for R225 ex-cellar. See www.avondalewine.co.za.
Weekend Argus