Visiting Exclusive Wine Estates

WINE PRODUCERS

Estate wineries, which under the original legislation could make wine only from grapes grown on their own land. In 2004, a new dispensation did away with traditional 'estate' and focuses instead on 'estate wine' which must be produced in contiguous vineyards farmed as single units. These units must also be equipped with facilities to enable all processes up to final certification. All previously registered estates have now automatically been registered as Units for the Production of Estate Wine. For the first time, they can use their names to brand their total wine production (i.e. estate as well as non-estate) but only certified estate wine may be labeled and marketed as such.Co-operatives, which on a communal basis process the grapes of their farmer member shareholders into wine - these co-operatives alone have invested vast amounts in production equipment and they press about 80% of South Africa's total wine harvest. Independent cellars and a number of wholesalers who buy in both grapes and wine, and make wine for bottling under their brand names, as well as making wine from grapes grown on their own wine farms.

        Red wine varieties include:

• Cabernet Franc - Related to Cabernet Sauvignon, this variety is usually softer, has a lower sugar content and contains less alcohol. Used as a component in classic, Bordeaux-style blends but also for varietal wines. Small but increasing vineyard area. Unless specified, 'Cabernet' refers to the Sauvignon and not the Franc variety.

• Cabernet Sauvignon - An increasingly significant variety at the Cape, it's the foremost variety of the Bordeaux region of France. Cabernet Sauvignon produces top-class wines that develop well with age into spicy, full, complex wines. As in Bordeaux, it may be blended with Merlot or its relative, Cabernet Franc.

• Carignan - Flourishes well in warm, dry areas. Originated in Spain, also widely planted in the south of France and grown in North Africa. Insignificant plantings in South Africa. Produces a light dry wine or is used as a blending component, particularly in Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz.

• Cinsaut - Previously known as Hermitage. A strong bearer and very versatile variety - it can be used to blend with Cabernet, to produce reasonably priced early drinking wines, or as quality wine for brandy distilling. It is also often used for rosé, port and jerepigo wines. South Africa's most widely planted red varietal, it is fast being replaced by more noble varieties.

• Gamay Noir - Mainly light red wines in the nouveau style are made of this grape in France's Beaujolais region. Several reds are made locally in a similar early drinking style.

• Grenache (Noir) - One of Spain's most important varieties, this hardy grape is resistant to drought, wind and sun. Typically used for blending with Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Malbec - Once a significant part of Bordeaux’s blend but no longer found in the region’s best vineyards, this spicy variety is now mainly grown in Cahors in western France where it’s known as 'cot’. Argentina’s signature variety, it’s also grown in Chile. Very small plantings in SA, varietal and blended bottlings.

• Merlot - An early ripening variety, traditionally used as a blending partner to add softness and breadth to Cabernet Sauvignon but now increasingly being bottled as a varietal wine, with some superb results locally. Planted in increasing quantities, particularly in the Stellenbosch and Paarl regions.

• Mourvèdre - Originated from Spain, where it's known as Monastrell (in California and Australia it's known as Mataro). The spicy notes make it a good blending partner with cultivars like Shiraz. Small vineyard area locally.

• Muscadel - This variety produces a very popular sweet red wine, particularly in the Little Karoo. Miniscule plantings in South Africa.

• Nebbiolo - Big, tannic wines with lengthy ageing potential are made from this grape in its home terroir of Piedmont in Italy. Tiny plantings here.

• Petit Verdot - This superb variety is used in small percentages in Bordeaux-style blends and can also be made into cultivar wines. Limited plantings locally.

• Pinot Noir - The king of Burgundy but notoriously difficult to grow elsewhere. Although not yet widely planted, this variety is now producing excellent wines in the cooler viticultural areas of South Africa. Wines tend to be lighter in color with distinct vegetal flavor and aroma. A large proportion is used in Cap Classique sparkling wines.

• Pinotage - A local cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (Hermitage), created by Professor Abraham Perold in 1925, this variety combines the noble characteristics of the former with the reliability of the latter. Unique to South Africa, it can produce complex and fruity wines with age but is also often very drinkable when young.

• Roobernet - A 1960s local cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Pontac, it has an unusual (for reds) grassy character. Withstands diseases particularly well. Can be made into a cultivar wine, also a good blending partner, particularly in combination with Pinotage for a uniquely South African blend.

• Ruby Cabernet - A Californian cross between Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon, this prolific producer is suited to warmer areas.

• Shiraz - A noble variety of French origin. Better known as Syrah elsewhere, the largest production of Shiraz is now found in Australia but local plantings are increasing strongly. Made in several different styles here, it yields deep purple smoky and spicy wines which develop a complex character with age.

• Souzào - Originally from Portugal, this is one of the traditional port varieties. Its high fruit sugar content and strongly pigmented skin give taste and color.

• Tinta Barocca - Considered one of the best varieties for the production of port in South Africa. It produces earthy, organic red wines and is excellent for blending.

• Touriga Nacional - Regarded as the best variety for port, it's one of the oldest cultivars in the Douro area of Portugal. Produces wine with a very dark color and a strong ripe berry character with around 13% alcohol.

• Zinfandel - This leading Californian variety is planted on a limited scale in South Africa.

The list of Wine Estates that AFRICAN CLASSIC ENCOUNTERS have access to (amongst others):  

·         Rupert & Rothschild          ·         La Motte     ·         L' Ormarins    ·         Meerlust

·         Ken Forrester    ·         Haute-Cabriere   ·         Rust en Vrede   ·         Beyerskloof

·         Steenberg   ·         Kanu   ·         Morgenhof   ·         Mulderbosch   ·         De Wetshof

Detailed Wine Tour Itinerary

Depart Cape Town city for the Winelands region in the nearby Boland Mountains, for a leisurely exploration of the historic Cape Wine Route towns, the liquid delights and famed hospitality.

Estates visited will vary according to YOUR preferences which is unique as most other tours follow a fixed routing.

Our tour though will include the region's major wine producing areas, and there are chances aplenty en route for tastings of high quality reds and whites as well as Cap Classiques (South African "Champagnes") in areas including Stellenbosch, Simonsberg, Paarl and Franschhoek.

Natural and historic heritage abounds in this area and your tour may take in sights like the Afrikaans Language Monument with its panoramic Boland views, the historic estate of Boschendal with it's beautifully preserved Cape Dutch buildings and priceless period furniture, while idyllic Franschhoek, nestled in the valley where the French Hugenots settled in 1688, is a delight for antique lovers and gastronomes  

Stellenbosch, South Africa's second oldest town provides another glimpse of classic 17/18th century Cape style with a chance to visit quaint Dorp Street, visit the museum or explore the many galleries and shops of this University town.