Cape Town - One of the Klein Karoo’s prettiest towns is, once again, pulling out all the stops to persuade city dwellers to forsake their firesides for the rural delights of a weekend of warming activities.
The Calitzdorp Port & Wine festival takes place from June 15 to 17 with a programme of tried and tested favourites and new attractions. To underscore the fact that the region produces its fair share of unfortified wines – many of which offer quality at a bargain – the producers are launching the Calitzdorp Blend, made from Portugese cultivars from Axe Hill, Boplaas, Calitzdorp Cellar, De Krans, Du’SwaRoo, Peter Bayly, TTT and Withoek. There is plenty to please gourmets, with cooking demos using the port cultivars, olive oil and olive tastings, and Small Plates of the Karoo, an event which pairs nibbles with local wines.
Another appetising pairing, that of chocolate and port wine, should make a good finale. The Long Table Brunch has become an annual institution where guests dine at the Calitzdorp cellar overlooking the vineyards and olive groves of the Gamka West valley.
The railway station barn will house the port and wine tastings, which will include wines from other Klein Karoo cellars. Live music shows include a recital of Spanish songs. Arts and historic meanders through the town, organ recitals and entertainment for children are also on the programme.
See www.portwinefestival.co.za for more information.
Few trophies as quality bar is raised
Raising the quality bar was one of the reasons that fewer trophies and medals were awarded at this year’s Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show, said chairman Michael Fridjhon.
But, for the consumer there is more than enough to contemplate, with a pleasing range of winners in most categories, as well as one or two surprises.
The 1 038 entries were judged by a panel of local fundis plus British, Australian and French input, all of whom contributed interesting reports and opinions. Gold medal awards fell from 42 last year to 31 and silver from 178 to 77.
Entries in the Museum Class grew, probably indicating that more producers are keen to publicise the ageability and age-worthiness of their top wines.
Trophy winners include Stark-Condé Wines (most successful producer who took home trophies for both best cab and best shiraz), Rijks Chenin blanc Reserve (which won best white wine and best chenin blanc,) Jordan’s 2008 Riesling (Best Museum Class wine), JC le Roux Scintilla 2003 (best sparkling wine), Delaire Graff Botmaskop 2010 (best red wine) and Diemersdal MM Louw Estate red 2011 (best Bordeaux-style blend).
While no lover of muscadel will be surprised to read that Nuy scooped the trophy for best dessert wine fortified for their 2007 Wit Muskadel, the fact that they also took home the Best Museum Class chardonnay award for their 2009 chardonnay will be of interest to an even wider group of consumers.
Cellarmaster Christo Pienaar reports that stocks of both winners, which are limited, have been allocated to a city outlet, but visitors to the cellar will find many other praiseworthy budget-priced wines, both fresh and fortified.
Those flocking to the Breede River valley for this weekend’s Wacky Wine weekend should add two gold medallists to their tasting list – Ashton Cellar’s 2011 Roodewal, a smooth blend of cab, pinotage and merlot, and Graham Beck’s Bowed Head Chenin Blanc 2011.
The Trophy Wine Show public tastings take place at the city’s International Convention Centre on Thursday, from 5 to 8.30pm.
Just over 100 wines in 38 categories that have achieved a minimum of 80 percent, will be presented for tasting. Tickets at R150 can be booked at Computicket or bought at the door. See www.trophywineshow.co.za for more details.
With the Cape of Storms doing its best to live up to its name, it makes good sense to haul out one of our excellent and affordable fortified wines for fireside aperitifs.
Muskadel SA announced the results of their 2013 award contest last week, with Orange River Cellars taking top honours. Their red muscadel 2012 was the only wine to attract a platinum award this year, and their white muscadel got gold.
Breede River valley cellars Rooiberg and Mooiuitsig both won gold for their 2012 red muscadels while Du Toitskloof representing the Breedekloof, claimed gold.
Turning to jerepigo, Badsberg near Rawsonville is proud of its 2011 red. Rich in berry and Christmas cake flavours, it seemed appropriate to sip while admiring the snow-clad peaks of the Sonderend and Langeberg mountains. It is rated four-star by Platter and sells for R48. This is a wine which you can savour now or keep for years. - Weekend Argus