Category Archives: News
Celebrating Women @ The Red Table At Nederburg
Pay homage to the special women in your life at The Red Table restaurant at Nederburg outside Paarl on Friday, August 9. Located in the historic manor house, the restaurant will serve a special brunch in celebration of Women’s Day.
This year the restaurant offers a varied menu at R195 per head, with a refreshing drink served on arrival. The brunch starts with a nibble of Danish pastries, fruit salad and a selection of cured meats and cheeses. Platters containing an assortment of quiches, tartlets and French toast are to be served followed by buttermilk flapjacks with a selection of delectable toppings. Vegetarians and those with special dietary needs can also be accommodated.
The Red Table will be serving its Women’s Day brunch from 10:00 to 12:30. An à la carte service is available between 12:30 and 16:00. From 18:00 onwards the bistro-style eatery will offer patrons a choice between set seasonal menus, and à la carte dishes. Kids are also catered for. The focus is on fresh-flavoured, light dishes, using mostly locally-sourced ingredients. The fireplaces in the manor house will be lit to create a relaxed, warm and intimate atmosphere – perfect for cosying up to that special woman in your life.
Booking is essential. For reservations, please call 021 877 5155 or send an email to theredtable@nederburg.co.za well in advance.
The Nederburg visitors’ centre will be open for wine tasting and sales from 09:00 to 17:00 on that day. Take advantage of the centre’s August special offer where you will receive a complementary bottle of wine from the winery’s popular Winemaster’s Reserve range when purchasing any 11 bottles of wines from the same range.
A cellar tour will be offered at 10:30 and 15:00. To book, contact Sunette Rust of Nederburg on 021 862 3104 or on nedwines@distell.co.za.
Celebrate Woman’s Day With Lanzerac And The Giggling Gourmet
In honour of Woman’s Day, the Lanzerac Wine Estate, set in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands, will be hosting an exclusive gourmet evening on Friday, 9 August. The hotel’s Executive Chef Stephen Fraser together with celebrity chef Jenny Morris, aka The Giggling Gourmet, will ensure that guests are treated to an unforgettable culinary experience.
Arrive at the hotel on the afternoon of 9 August where you’ll check into your luxury five-star accommodation for the night. Executive Chef Stephen Fraser, with Jenny Morris as the evening’s MC, will tantalize your taste buds with a delicious and beautifully prepared three-course dinner in the Governors Hall Restaurant, which includes a cooking demonstration. Wines for the evening will be sponsored by Lanzerac Wine Estate. After dinner, you’re invited to enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure before turning in for the night.
Enjoy a hearty hotel breakfast the next morning before making your way to the Lanzerac Tasting Room for a not-to-be missed cook off between Stephen and Jenny, which you’ll be able to enjoy as a light lunch with the Estate’s Mrs English Chardonnay, before making your way back home. A tribute to Elizabeth Katherina English, the first woman to bottle Lanzerac wine, the newly launched Lanzerac Mrs English Chardonnay is a limited selection of the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc barrels.
To ensure an exclusive and premier experience booking is essential as seating is limited. The full cost for this experience is R1 250 per person sharing and includes the following:
• Luxury accommodation at the Lanzerac Hotel & Spa for the night of 9 August, including breakfast the following morning.
• A gourmet Woman’s Day dinner on 9 August, hosted by Executive Chef Stephen Fraser and celebrity chef Jenny Morris, The Giggling Gourmet. Dinner is a three-course set menu with complimentary wine for the evening sponsored by Lanzerac Wine Estate.
• An interactive cooking demonstration with Stephen Fraser and Jenny Morris, The Giggling Gourmet, on 10 August. Guests will enjoy a light lunch, served with Lanzerac’s Mrs English Chardonnay sponsored by Lanzerac Wine Estate.
• A complimentary goodie bag for each guest to take home.
For reservations and queries contact 021 887 1132 or res@lanzerac.co.za
History Meets A Modern Wine
Opstal Estate is proud to release their Premium Chenin Blanc, Carl Everson 2012
Opstal Estate originated in 1847 when JC Rossouw first acquired the farm named De Opstal bij de Fonteine. Initially the soil on the farm was used for grazing and gardening, with no record of when the first vineyards were planted unfortunately. All the farms in the Slanghoek Valley had their own small wineries. Grapes were picked in cane baskets and on horse driven carts taken to the wineries. Later the wine was again transported by wagons to the local and national merchants where rebate wine and dessert wine was made.
It was in 1950 that Carl Everson, fourth generation descendant and great grandfather of the current winemaker, Attie Louw began running the farm. In a bold move, Carl decided to make his own wine instead of joining the local co-op winery as well as producing sherry for the Sedgwick and Taylor company, a decision taken with belief not only in himself and his vineyards, but in the generations that would follow in his footsteps.
Carl Everson passed away in July 1970 at which stage Attie and Ansie Louw took over the reins and, ultimately, the destiny of Opstal. Carl Everson only had two daughters of which Ansie Everson was the heir to the Estate.
Modernization of the winery was very important and in 1974 the old winery was rebuilt and in 1978 the first wine under the Opstal Estate label was produced and marketed in the local arena.
Made from 33 year old vines, naturally fermented and matured in old oak French barrels with minimalistic cellar intervention, the Slanghoek terroir is brought to the fore in this new release Premium Chenin Blanc, the Carl Everson 2012.
The result is a wine boasting complex notes of white peach, squashed pineapple and pear on the nose, whilst the palate is well rounded due to ten months on the fermentation lees, yet a balanced acidity retains the fresh elegance of this varietal.
Says winemaker, Attie Louw, “We always knew that this specific Chenin Blanc vineyard, was special, bearing fruit loaded with complex flavours and wine with a beautiful elegance in structure. As early as 1987 this vineyard received the accolade as the champion vineyard block in South Africa. This is a premium vineyard from which a premium wine was made. It is thus a great honour and privilege to name this Chenin Blanc, the first wine in our Heritage Range, after our great grandfather, Carl Everson”.
The Premium Chenin Blanc, Carl Everson is available at Vino Pronto, Wine Cellar and Wine Concepts in Newlands, retailing for approximately R120
Simonsig Gewürztraminer Back In Vogue
Simonsig is back in vogue with their Gewürztraminer as more and more top dining establishments are jumping on board the current sweet wine dominated, world wide trend this season.
Simonsig Gewürztraminer 2012, enjoyed as a sundowner or fireside tipple or served as a dessert wine at dinner parties, is a versatile naturally sweet wine with a gentle palate and an elegant freshness.
This star-bright, pale golden straw coloured wine is ideal as a soul warmer on its own and beautiful when introduced to friends over rich and spicy winter dishes such as Green Thai curries and Kashmiri curries. Lighter dishes such as smoked salmon or smoked cheeses also complement the Gewürztraminer 2012 exceptionally well. 
Simonsig was the first wine farm to plant Gewürztraminer on South African soil in 1973. This grape variety is notoriously difficult to grow, with small bunches and extremely low yields, which explains why there are only 122 hectares of Gewürztraminer vines in South Africa.
Simonsig Gewürztraminer has an excellent track record as a delicious, well balanced wine enriched by the complex flavours of full sweet late harvest grapes. The 2012 vintage can be enjoyed while youthful and fresh but also promises excellent ageing potential.
The Simonsig Gewürztraminer 2012 is available at selected wine outlets country wide and sells for R65 at the cellar door.
For more information or wine orders contact Simonsig Estate at Tel: (+27)21 888 4915 or visit www.simonsig.co.za.
Laborie’s Winter Warmers
With winter upon us Laborie Wine Farm, situated in the heart of the picturesque Paarl Winelands, will ensure that you stay warm throughout the chilly season with an array of incredible winter offerings.
• Purchase six bottles of Laborie Shiraz directly from our Cellar Door and receive a slab of Laborie tailor made Milk Cape Spice Malay chocolate. OR purchase six bottles of Laborie Chardonnay and receive our decadent White Lemon Verbena chocolate, also paired with the wine to enhance its flavours.
• Treat yourself to mouth-watering comfort food from our acclaimed restaurant, Harvest at Laborie with their winter inspired menu. The carefully thought out menu features an array of sumptuous dishes, ranging from grilled black mushrooms with a garlic and herb crus
t and brown butter for starters, to slow-roasted pork shoulder with roasted apples and onions, spinach and bacon for mains. For those with a sweet tooth be sure not to miss out on the sticky toffee pudding with caramel sauce and vanilla crème fraîche for dessert. Patrons can choose between a two course menu at R130 per person and the three course option at R155 per person. This menu is available for lunch (Monday to Friday) and dinner (Wednesday and Thursday).
• And last but by no means least be sure to make the most of Laborie’s luxurious and comfortable accommodation, perfect for these cold winter months. The recently refurbished suites consist of eight 4-star guest rooms as well as a special room in the historic Manor House, all of which offer that extra bit of warmth and charm during this time.
This winter guests booking for two consecutive nights for two guests will only pay R2 785 and includes the following:
• A complimentary bottle of Lazy Days wine in your room;
• A sumptuous breakfast daily for the duration of your stay;
• Two-course dinner on one of the evenings at Harvest to the value of R200 per person;
• Two-course lunch on one of the days at Harvest to the value of R180 per person;
• A wine tasting and farm tour.
All of the above mentioned winter offerings are valid from June until end September 2013. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information visit www.laboriewines.co.za.
Franschhoek Winter Wines – 17 August 2013
Bid a fond farewell to winter in style and make your way to the Franschhoek Motor Museum, L’Ormarins Estate on Saturday, 17 August for this year’s Franschhoek Winter Wines. Regarded as one of South Africa’s leading wine and culinary destinations, some of Franschhoek’s finest wineries will be showcasing their top winter wines at this intimate event.
Participating wineries include, amongst others, La Bri, Morena, Colmant, Môreson, Anthonij Rupert Wines, Franschhoek Cellars, Bellingham, Noble Hill, Leopard’s Leap, La Motte, Solms-Delta and Haut Espoir. As you sample the wines on offer make use of the opportunity to engage with the winemakers, affording you their undivided attention.
Relax and unwind in a warm and cosy environment, taking in the beauty of your surroundings as live entertainment throughout the day assures you of a memorable experience. Car enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice as the Franschhoek Motor Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to look back at more than 100 years of motoring history. This includes an extraordinary and exciting collection of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and memorabilia in the magnificent setting of L’Ormarins.
The festival will be open from 12pm until 5pm, and the tickets cost R180 per person, which includes your entrance fee to the event, tasting of all the wines on show and admission to the Franschhoek Motor Museum. Tickets can be purchased directly from www.webtickets.co.za and booking is essential as tickets are limited.
Those wishing to spend the night will be spoilt for choice with accommodation ranging from the finest bed and breakfasts to luxurious boutique hotels, all nestling in a picturesque and safe environment.
For more information or bookings contact the Franschhoek Wine Valley office on 021 876 2861 or office@franschhoek.org.za. Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #fhkwinter.
A Pure Expression Of Chenin Blanc – Kleine Zalze Welcomes A New Wine To The Family Reserve Range
“A pure expression of South African Chenin Blanc with a real regional identity.” That’s been the avowed aim of Kleine Zalze cellarmaster, Johan Joubert, for several years, ever since he heard an international judging panel comment on South African Chenins and criticise them for being too commercial, and lacking fruit and complexity. As the maker of some of the country’s finest chenins within the ‘rich and ripe’ and ‘fresh and fruity’ categories, Johan felt that he still had even more to offer in terms of crafting a wine with clean, pure Chenin fruit, lower alcohol and no botrytis or noticeable residual sugar to confuse the palate. With the support of Kleine Zalze’s MD and co-owner, Kobus Basson, he set out to follow his Chenin dream.
Johan’s first move was to do a thorough analysis on the soil types currently available to him, to see if he could identify wines which offered the purity he was seeking. After two years of intense work and much experimentation, he identified three different soils – Granite, Oakleaf and Duplex – in three different and specific areas of Stellenbosch.
Each vineyard was planted with bushvines and by careful canopy management, Johan ensured that the fruit remained healthy throughout the growing season with no botrytis to confuse the fruit’s elegance and delicate purity.
The result is the 2012 Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Chenin Blanc, a wine which joins the flagship range of this family-owned farm. The very best bunches were selected from the three blocks identified as offering the desired fruit and structure, and the wine was then fermented first in stainless steel and then in 400 litre oak barrels (20% new, 40% each of second and third-fill) for a lengthy and slow ten-weeks in order for the wine to reveal its beauty. Lees contact was maintained throughout, adding richness and additional layers of complexity to the wine.
For Johan, the ability to produce a Chenin Blanc at such a high quality level is a great endorsement for the variety. The entire team at Kleine Zalze has always believed in the versatility of Chenin Blanc and its ability to consistently over deliver at all price-points, whilst still having the potential to produce very fine, premium wines. “The wine is fresh, pure and elegant and reflects its origins without too much emphasis being placed on the winemaking” he says. “For a wine to be part of the Family Reserve range, it must be something different, something which is worthy of the thought, development and focus which we have put in to making the wine, and I am very pleased and proud of the results.”
The 2012 Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Chenin Blanc is available at the cellar door for R130. Please contact the farm on 021 880 0717 for more details or visit www.kleinezalze.co.za
New Vintage Release
We have come a long way since 2006 and the release of the very first KWV Mentors wines. From modest beginning we have expanded the range from three to ten wines with the new vintage releases in May 2013, establishing KWV the Mentors brand as one of exceptional quality and integrity.
The release of the latest vintages is, in our view, the best range of wines yet to appear under the Mentors label, displaying an expression of greater fruit purity, better structure and a noticeable stylistic evolution.
Red wines from 2011, include a Shiraz, Pinotage, Petit Verdot, The Canvas (Shiraz based blend) and The Orchestra (Cabernet Sauvignon blend). The white wines from the 2012 harvest comprise a Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay and two Sauvignon Blancs.
The KWV Mentors range allows our team to express winemaking excellence and the pure expression of some very exceptional vineyards. Our goal is to pay total respect to terroir. To provide the necessary diversity, we source fruit from throughout the Western Cape, focusing on vineyards which produce outstanding quality and reflect regionality.
Top Row : Chardonnay 2012, Chenin Blanc 2012, Sauvignon Blanc Darling 2012, Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 2012 and Semillon 2012
Bottom Row : Canvas 2011, Orchestra 2011, Petit Verdot 2011, Pinotage 2011 and the Shiraz 2011
Among the new offerings are The Mentors Shiraz 2011, recently awarded a Grand Gold Medal at Concours Mondiale de Bruxelles International Wine Championship and a Gold Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London. The 2011 harvest which reflected a quality red varietal year highlights fruit concentration, soft tannins with good structure and intense flavor, and whilst particularly evident in the Shiraz, it is clearly evident in the other red varietals in the range.
Included in the new releases are two origin-specific Sauvignon Blancs from 2012, the fruit hailing from Darling and Stellenbosch respectively. The Darling Sauvignon Blanc is bursting with fruit flavor, while the Stellenbosch wine displays more restraint and minerality.
“With the 2012 harvest season being one of the best for whites since 2009, we are particularly pleased to release The Mentors Chenin Blanc 2012. The last Chenin Blanc to be released under this label was in 2008”, says Johann Fourie, Chief winemaker for KWV. “This wine is a great example of South African Chenin, displaying typical tropical fruit, guava with underlying lime and minerality complemented by raw almonds and subtle integrated oak.”
In the years since the inception of our premium Mentors wines, the range has had a global reach, with local and international awards stacking up. It has attracted an ever-increasing following. With limited allocation, Mentors wines have become sought-after worldwide
The new KWV The Mentors vintages will be available at selected retail outlets and will retail for approximately R180 for the whites and R250 for the reds.
Overgaauw’s Innovation Extends To New Labels For New Vintages
‘The more things change, the more they stay the same’ as the historic Stellenbosch estate
embraces change while retaining their rich legacy‘
More than a century old, this historic fourth-generation-owned Stellenbosch wine estate is one of the ‘first families of Cape wine’, and boasts a laudable reputation as ‘leader of the pack’ (John Platter’s South African Wine Guide 2001). While Overgaauw is synonymous with innovation – most recently reflected in the release of top-quality new vintages across the Overgaauw wine range, all sporting brand new labels – the team is careful not to allow modernization to detract from their rich legacy.
Overgaauw’s many ‘firsts’ in the industry establish the historically rich estate as eminently pioneering. The illustrious estate has the following litany of claims to fame: the first South African estate to bottle a varietal Merlot (in 1982); joint-first to produce Cape Bordeaux-style Blends; among the first Chardonnay producers; the only producer, since 1971, of the full-bodied, aromatic and spicy Sylvaner; the inaugural estate to break the R1000/case plateau at the 1994 CIWG Auction; among the first to mature Cabernet Sauvignon in French barriques in 1970; the maiden estate to plant Portuguese Port cultivars and the first estate to drop the contentious name ‘Port’ from their labels in 1996.
David van Velden in the Overgaauw barrel cellar
Fourth-generation winemaker and University of Stellenbosch graduate, David Van Velden’s youthful energy and passion and an enviable legacy of a century of winemaking and excellent Stellenbosch Kloof terroir served him exceedingly well when he took over the reins at Overgaauw in 2007. “Experience and some school fees helped me identify a clear view of what I would like to achieve. First and foremost is a continuous focus on expressing a sense of place in all our wines and increase the purity and cleanliness of fruit in our wines across the range. This is what our unique terroir deserves and I guess the three generations before me expect as well. I want to express fresh and cleaner Overgaauw fruit identity in the reds and mid palate fruit and balance in the white wines.” And this is certainly evident in the new Overgaauw red and white wine releases.
His philosophy in winemaking starts with his meticulous vineyard management; applying practices to maintain the natural balance in the soil and assisting the vines to produce the best fruit the site and vintage has to offer. “In the vineyards experience has shown that our vines only start expressing their sense of authenticity after about 10 years and our picking decision is based predominantly on berry tasting rather than lab analysis. I have also spent the last 18 months exploring methods and options to be a better custodian of the land: how I can lower and ultimately eliminate the use of synthetic fertilizers and weed-killers in the vineyards, to explore ways to communicate the terroir I inherited more accurately and more sustainably, with the determination to leave the soil in a better state than when I received it.”
In the cellar the focus is on retaining as much of the varietal’s unique ‘Overgaauw’ character, with minimal cellar manipulation and the judicious use of wood. Overgaauw’s ongoing focus on pristine cellar hygiene culminated in the cellar receiving HACCP accreditation in time for the 2011 harvest. (HACCP: International accreditation, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point is a management programme that reduces wine safety risks, usually the result of biological or chemical factors, and assures the consumer that they are purchasing a high-quality, safe product. “Three harvests later we can see the huge impact of this noteworthy accreditation on our cellar hygiene and ultimately on the purity and cleanliness in our wines,” enthuses David.
The overall modernisation and improvement in Overgaauw’s wines is stylishly reflected in the new labels that adorn all their recent new vintage releases. The task of label redesign was given to Fanakalo, the trio of talented young Stellenbosch-based designers who are making a name for themselves in the design world. The result is an elegant modern label: uncluttered and innovative but still embracing the heritage of this historic family farm.
Left to right – Overgaauw Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Overgaauw Chardonnay 2012, Overgaauw Sylvaner 2012, Overgaauw Tria Corda 2011, Overgaauw Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Overgaauw Merlot 2011, Overgaauw Touriga Nacional 2012, Overgaauw Shepherd’s Cottage Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2011, Overgaauw Cape Vintage 1993
OVERGAAUW ESTATE WINES: NEW VINTAGE RELEASES IN NEW LABELS
The 2013 Overgaauw Sauvignon Blanc
(Maiden vintage 1983)
Multi-dimensional, with aromas of lime zest, green apple, bell pepper and pineapple complemented by fleshy fig undertones and a touch of minerality; the estate’s 2013 Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp refreshing wine with a lasting citrusy impression. The 2013 Overgaauw Sauvignon Blanc is being released in June and will be available nationally at select retail outlets at approximately R67.
The 2012 Overgaauw Chardonnay
(Maiden vintage 1986)
This beautifully lime-tinged pale gold wine offers an elegantly textured mélange of citrus, stone-fruit and vanilla with a touch of fresh biscuit that follows through onto a mouth-filling palate. Although 100% barrel fermented in French barriques with a lengthy period of lees contact, the wood has integrated seamlessly with the fruit still placed centre stage. With its silky texture and delicious crisp drinkability this wine has the potential to age perfectly for another 2-5 years. This wine retails at approximately R84 and is available nationally at select retail outlets.
The 2012 Overgaauw Sylvaner
(Maiden vintage 1971)
First produced in 1971, the Overgaauw Sylvaner is still the only Sylvaner produced in South Africa. Expressive and refreshing, an off-dry wine with inviting aromas of pear and tropical fruit and traces of floral and spice notes, the 2012 Sylvaner follows through with a racy citrusy finish. This wine can be enjoyed on any occasion and has a great ageing potential. It is available at select retail outlets nationally for around R56.
Overgaauw three generations – L to R David, Braam and David (senior) van Velden
The 2011 Overgaauw ‘Tria Corda’
(Maiden vintage 1979)
Tria Corda (meaning three hearts) was the joint first Bordeaux-styled blend (together with Welgemeend) produced in South Africa. This delectable elegant barrel-matured, full-bodied wine comprises: cabernet sauvignon (53%), merlot (40%) and cabernet franc (7%). A seductively perfumed nose, accompanied by nuances of fine ripe tannins, rich deep cassis, and raspberry cedar, and interspersed with spices and minerality, makes for a well-rounded, silky palate and long concentrated finish. Its structure and rich fruit ensure at least 10 years ageing potential. Only released in good years, the previous vintages were 2009 and 2006. The 2009 vintage was awarded the highly acclaimed Top 100 SA Wine Award in 2012. The Tria Corda retails at about R195, and is available nationally at select retail stores.
The 2011 Overgaauw Cabernet Sauvignon
(Maiden vintage 1970)
The deep dark velvet colour and intensity of this wine draw you into a complex wine of great finesse; with its dark plum core and intriguing layers of roasted spice and cedar wood, a mélange of succulent blackberry and mulberry fruit and a full rich round palate and lengthy finish. Its elegant, soft tannins make for a velvety texture. The 18 months spent in 100% new French oak barrels imparts a well-integrated luxurious elegance. Although accessible, the firm but ripe tannins give it the structure for 7 to 12 years cellaring, when it should reach its full potential. The Overgaauw 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is available at select retail outlets nationally at approximately R141.
The 2011 Overgaauw Merlot
(Maiden vintage 1982)
The Overgaauw Merlot was the first varietal Merlot bottled in South Africa. David van Velden selects certain pockets within the vineyard showing great fruit concentration reflecting the uniqueness of Overgaauw’s Merlot. It is a well structured, medium bodied wine with a rich combination of sumptuous black cherry fruit, hints of dark mocha chocolate and elegant spicy oak notes from the 18 months in French oak barrels. Smooth tannins ensure a lingering, full complexity. The Overgaauw 2011 Merlot is available nationally for around R103.
(The Overgaauw Merlot 2010 was recently voted among South Africa’s Top 100 Wines at the 2013 Top 100 SA Wine Challenge).
The 2012 Overgaauw Touriga Nacional
(Maiden vintage 2011)
This unique wine offers mulberry, plum and rich raspberry fruit with soft tannins and a spicy finish. Succulent, full and round on the palate with soft fine tannins and a lengthy fruit-driven aftertaste, the Overgaauw 2012 Touriga Nacional is available nationally at select retail outlets, retailing at around R80.
The Overgaauw 2011 Shepherd’s Cottage Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
(Maiden vintage within the Overgaauw Classic Range)
This blend is voluptuous, soft and well-rounded with rich black berry flavours coupled with hints of chocolate: ideal for meat dishes. The 2011 vintage is released under a new label reinforcing the estate’s re-alignment of the Shepherd’s Cottage Red within the Overgaauw Classic Range. Available nationally at select retail outlets, the Overgaauw Shepherd’s Cottage Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2011 retails at approximately R52.
The 1993 Overgaauw Cape Vintage
Made from six Portuguese varieties harvested and fermented together and fortified with brandy spirit, the Overgaauw Cape Vintage is matured in classic Port tradition and bottled unfiltered. Released only when ready for drinking, this wine shows the impressive integration that time can bring. Tantalising layers of stewed prunes, berry fruits, orange zest and seductive spice fuse seamlessly on a luscious velvety palate and in a long satisfying finish. The oldest new release in the winelands, David’s father and grandfather matured their Vintage Port for 10-15 years before release, but David has stretched this to a record 20 years. Overgaauw’s Port is housed in its own beautiful, unique packaging. This wine is available nationally at select retail outlets, retailing at approximately R170.
(The Overgaauw Cape Vintage 1993 was recently voted among South Africa’s Top 100 Wines at the 2013 Top 100 SA Wine Challenge).
SUSTAINABLE FARMING: CUSTODIAN OF THE LAND
David asserts that his challenges are not dissimilar to those of his great-grandfather. He suggests, “It’s just nature and circumstances which have changed”. In terms of succession, however, he concludes: “My generation needs to diversify, create a permaculture where all activities on the farm are sustainably interrelated and interdependent”, a practice he’s committed to and a philosophy by which he lives. David stresses the importance of the preservation of the natural eco-systems, and he has committed himself, as a ‘custodian’ rather than a ‘landowner’, to honour the love of nature of past generations and to ensure that their children will likewise enjoy this natural heritage. His wish is to “leave the soil in a better condition in which he received it” and therefore endorses all practices which promise sustainability, and has explored methods, over the past eighteen months, through which he is able to keep practising good guardianship of the land. Overgaauw joined the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative in 2010, and David and his team have since been dedicated to rigidly adhering to the BWI guidelines to ensure this preservation.
For more than 100 years this historic Stellenbosch estate has embraced change and innovation while maintaining enormous respect for their rich heritage. And this vision and passion is clearly evident today as current Overgaauw custodian, David van Velden junior, proudly upholds the Overgaauw tradition to honour the land and strive to produce the best quality wine, from the vineyards to the cellar, and ultimately into the glass.
VISIT OVERGAAUW ESTATE
This proud family tradition of producing wines of excellence and one of the most beautiful settings in the Cape make Overgaauw Wine Estate well worth the visit.
Open for tasting: Mondays to Friday: 09h00 until 17h00
Saturdays and public holidays: 10h00 until 14h00
Wheelchairs: The Overgaauw tasting room is wheelchair friendly.
For further details please contact Suzanne De Kock (née van Velden)
Overgaauw Wine Estate, Stellenboschkloof Road, Vlottenburg, Stellenbosch
Tel: 021 881 3815
E-mail: info@overgaauw.co.za
Website: www.overgaauw.co.za
GPS Coordinates: 33 56‘ 55.0S; 18 47‘ 34.0E
Social Media
