Bonita Malherbe |
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| Fraai Uitzicht 1798 |
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| Robertson Wine Valley |
| 02 December 2005 by Robertson Wine Valley |
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| Summer Newsletter |
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From the office:
The end of the year is quickly closing in and like so many other I look forward to spend some time with my husband Eduard and daughter Anika. It's not always easy juggling a career and a family and all too often they are the one's compromising and I am truly thankful to have the support I do. At the end of any year one looks back and reflects on what has been and not. 2005 was a great year for the Robertson Wine Valley - in all aspects: events, awards, people, etc. I would like to extend my thanks to each and every supporter of the Robertson Wine Valley - whether you drink our wine, attend our events, write of us, sponsor some of our activities or simply keep us close to heart, it's much appreciated! Have a great festive season, drive safely and enjoy a well deserved rest.
Cheers Bonita
Training clear winner in Robertson Wine Valley!
The Robertson Wine Valley recently facilitated the training of some 223 farm and cellar workers in partnership with the Vineyard Academy, Protea Training and Anida de Villiers HR Services. This follows training that took place in 2002 when funds were made available by Devco. Numerous producers made inquiries in the winter of 2004 after which contact was made with the service providers. Lelienfontein Vinegrower of Wellington came to the party with a financial contribution which made it even more cost-effective for producers and enabled them to send more workers for training. The following training was give: Pruning (55 workers), Operating of a tractor (20), Health and Safety (8), Working with chemicals (17), Irrigation (40), Basic management principles (22), Pest & Disease Management (38), Canopy management (23).
The certificate ceremony took place 22 November 2005 and was attended by students, producers and other key role-players. It was a proud and inspirational moment when the students took hold of their certificates, some for the first time ever. Magda Vorster of Graham Beck Wines told the students of the proposed Graham Beck Learning Academy, a multi-million rand project that will make training in various fields much more accessible and urged the students to dream big and bold. Until this centre opens its doors towards the end of 2007 the Robertson Wine Valley will continue to facilitate training.
Cloverfield brings home Gold!
The 2005 Cloverfield Winemaker Selection Wooded Chardonnay that received Gold at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards is now available to the public. Also a firm favourite with visitors is the 2005 Four Clover Savignon Blanc that received silver at the same awards ceremony. Other great buys include a unwooded Chardonnay, Chenin blanc and Shiraz. Visit them during the festive season and meet the Marais Family - you're bound to have an unforgettable time! Congratulations to Charmaine and Bruce Little with the arrival of Jason, born 2 November 2005.
Conservation: Rooiberg shows the way
Rooiberg Winery recently became the first wine producer in the Robertson Wine Valley (and the first co-operative winery in South Africa) to contribute to sustainable wine production by embracing the principles and qualifying as a member of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI).
The wine industry, Cape Nature and the Botanical Society of SA recently launched the ambitious BWI project to safeguard the natural areas on or near vineyards. The award to Rooiberg was made at a gala function in Stellenbosch by Dr. Bruce McKenzie of the SA Botanical Society.? This partnership between the wine industry and conservation bodies is very exciting. And it is just the beginning! We hope that increasing numbers of wine producers will come forward to help us save our natural areas?, he said. The CEO of Rooiberg Winery, Mr. Johan du Preez, noted that healthy ecosystems contributed significantly to sustainable wine production.? We want to work in harmony with nature as far as possible and we are quietly proud of what has already been achieved?.
Eight farms were selected for the Rooiberg project, representing approx. 65% of the total area of all farms belonging to the Winery. Some 6343 hectares or 57.3% of the total area were then identified as areas with natural vegetation. These are areas that have not been ploughed, wetlands, rivers and mountain regions. The Breede River valley between Worcester and Ashton provides a remarkable meeting place for the floras of the Karoo, renosterveld and fynbos. The number of plant species found here is exceptionally high and cannot be matched anywhere in the world for a comparable dry area of the same size. No less than 43 plants grow in this valley only and of those 83% have Red Data (highly threatened) status).
Preliminary analyses of flora, fauna and avian species were made and due regard was given to both the occurrence and the protection of highly threatened species. One such species is a 15cm long fish, Burchell?s Redfin, found in the deeper pools of the upper Noree River in the Vinkrivier area.
The state of natural vegetation and possible threats to ecosystems were also investigated in the Rooiberg project. Considerable emphasis was placed in meetings with farmers on the promotion of formal conservation status for such areas and the subsequent development of Conservation Management Plans. The removal of alien plants was accorded a high priority and attention was also given to general land management on farms, in particular the prevention and rehabilitation of soil erosion. It was hugely encouraging that seven of the farmers have already started negotiations to gain formal conservation status for the natural areas on their farms. The initiative at Rooiberg Winery was conducted by Dr. Johan van Zijl, a conservationist from McGregor.
Rusticus
Rusticus Vintage Wine Cellar would like to welcome Mariana Nelson to their cellar. She will be working in the tasting room on Saturdays and in the week during December and January. Rusticus has extended their trading hours and will now be open on Saturdays between 10h00 and 16h00 starting 3 Dec 2005. They look forward to a fantastic summer season with lots of visitors to the area discovering the truly traditional wine making style that has become such a huge part of Rusticus Wines. With regret, the Rusticus Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 is sold out after the Robertson Food and Wine Festival. Wine fans will have some time to wait before our next vintage is released in 2006, we?ll keep you posted!
Wine lovers and travelers can now have the option of staying in luxury whilst visiting Rusticus Vintage Cellar on the Pat Busch Private Nature Reserve. Two new luxury suites sleeping four in each cottage are now complete with spa baths and beautiful views of the vineyards and mountains. Bookings are already being taken from December onwards.
Van Loveren celebrates 25 years of Success
Recently a client of Van Loveren recalled how years ago an excited little boy called his father saying "Daddy, here's someone to taste wine". Time flies and today that boy, Phillip Retief, is heading the department of finance and marketing of a winery that has won the people's hearts and has become one of the South Africa's leading wine brands. In a time when businesses change hands within a blink of an eye, it is a great achievement and we look forward to what they have to offer the next 25 years! Congratulations !!!
New Face @ Goedverwacht
When visiting Goedverwacht this summer you're bound to run into a friendly new face. Henry Conradie (or better known to locals as Flem) has just been appointed winemaker and will take over winemaking duties from owner Jan du Toit who will now concentrate mostly on the viticultural side of the business.
Viljoensdrift ends year on high note!
The Viljoensdrift wines are gaining more than just a little recognition, with their Viljoensdrift River Grandeur range, which over the past year has garnered an award or high recognition for each of the varietals on offer.
This includes the 2004 Pinotage claiming gold at the 2005 Veritas Awards as well as 4 stars in the 2006 John Platter Guide, the 2004 Chardonnay a double gold at the 2005 Michelangelo Awards and 4 ½ stars in the November 2005 Wine Magazine.
The 2005 Sauvignon and Chenin Blancs have been selected for SAA?s Premium and First Class wine list for 2006. In the recently launched 2006 John Platter Wine Guide, South Africa?s only resident international Master of Wine, Cathy van Zyl gave four stars to the latest Viljoensdrift offering, the 2003 Serenity. She also bestowed four stars on the River Grandeur 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 Pinotage, 2004 Shiraz, while the Viljoensdrift inaugural 2003 Cape Vintage Port received 3 and a half stars.
News from Wolvendrift
Michael Klue jnr recently joined the rest of the Klue?s in this family run business and is responsible for the marketing of Wolvendrift?s wine. He invites all to pay a visit to the farm ?We have a great picnic facility overlooking the Breede River and adjacent vineyards that can accommodate up to 50 people. And as you are to bring your own picnic ? it?s a great (inexpensive) way to entertain family and friends. You bring the food, we?ll supply the wine!?
For more information contact Michelle or Michael on (023) 616-2890.
Pink Feet @ Clairvaux
Congratulations to Pieter & Ria van Aarde who welcomed their first born son, Pieter jnr born on 16 November 2005, weighing a healthy 3.92 kg. Mother and baby is doing great and dad Pieter is as proud as can be! Pieter is Clairvaux's winemaker while Ria is responsible for public relations. Selmarie Steyn stands in while Ria is on maternity leave.
New Guest House @ Van Loveren
Need to break away from routine? Neil and Stefanie Retief recently opened the doors of the Van Loveren Farm Cottage. Only two hours drive from Cape Town this picturesque cottage is fully equipped, sleeps 6 and boasts a private splash pool. It is within walking distance of the Breede River and a great place to relax and chill with friends.
For more information contact 084 626 5196.
Kranskop
Newly released, the 2003 Kranskop Shiraz and 2003 Kranskop Cabernet Sauvignon has owner/winemaker Nakkie Smit very excited. The wines were awarded with silver medals at Veritas and is part of his very informative cellar tour that he offers visitors to this boutique winery. When in the area and wanting to learn more about wine, the industry's history and some very interesting facts - Kranskop should definitely be on your list for a visit.
Extended hours @ McGregor Winery
For the duration of the Xmas holiday, McGregor Winery has extended their trading hours on Saturdays to 10h00 ? 15h00. Be sure to ask of their SUMMER PROMOTION at the tasting desk with lots of bargain buys. The 1st Friday of every month is also PENSIONERS? DAY (only ex cellar) with 15% discount offered.
Richard & Judy show (UK) visits Bon Courage
The Richard & Judy Show in England is shown daily at 5pm on Channel 4. It?s a chat show that covers travel, books and lately also wines. It was decided to introduce 6 new world countries ? Australia, New Zeeland, South Africa, California, Argentina and Chilli ? to the viewers.
Through Direct Wines Bon Courage Estate was chosen to represent South Africa. Bon Courage Colombard 2004 was the chosen wine as the cultivar is typical, as a white wine, to South Africa and in particular Robertson. End of September Cactus TV of London arrived at Bon Courage to do the filming for the show (also capturing Andre on his motorbike and Jacques fishing) ? it lasted a full 3 days and was lots of fun!
New Faces at Viljoensdrift Wines
Claude Agneessens and Erna Steytler joined the Viljoensdrift team in November. Claude is involved in export administration as well as public relations, whereas Erna co-ordinates and handles boat cruise reservations and functions.
Claude has wide experience in the wine industry, she has been a representative at Simonsig for almost 10 years. Erna was born and raised at ? Goudmyn? near Robertson.
She obtained her degree in archeology and anthropology at the University of Stellenbosch. Working at Viljoensdrift means she is back on her old hunting ground.
Viljoensdrift welcomes both to the team !
Wine-Of-The-Month: Another great year for Van Loveren
After being named Best Cellar and Best Winemaker in 2004 by Wine-of-the-Month, Van Loveren defended this title to take second place in 2005. The following wines were selected as class winners: Colombar/Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Special Late Harvest and Blanc de Noir Shiraz.
News from Graham Beck Wines
Pieter Ferreira, Cellar Master at Graham Beck Robertson for the past 16 years takes charge of both Franschhoek and Robertson cellars. He is ably assisted by Erika Obermeyer in Franschhoek and Irene Waller in Robertson. Graham Beck Wines is also proud to announce that it has appointed Etienne Heyns as Global Marketing Manager who will also look after sales for Africa & surrounding islands. Etienne was previously involved with M-NET (as Marketing Director, Director for Africa and Director of Channels respectively) and, most recently, director of International Operations for Distell. With the restructuring of Graham Beck Wines? Marketing, Sales & Winemaking departments, Graham Beck Wines has great new opportunities to explore. These opportunities have created exciting challenges to the management team and we are all delighted to be part thereof.
Weltevrede Rhine Riesling rated best in SA
The November 2005 issue of Wine Magazine rated the Weltevrede Rhine Riesling the best in South Africa with four stars.
Describing the wine as ?Golden in colour. Nose shows turpene character along with honey and spice. On the palate the wine is full-bodied and rich with some fruit, as well as plenty of bottle-aged character. Firm acidity lends balance. Drink now.? The Weltevrede Rhine Riesling is a dry Rhine Riesling with only 3.9g/l sugar.
Jancis Robinson noted that Rhine Riesling could claim to be the finest white grape variety in the world on the basis of the long life of its wines and their ability to convey the characteristics of a vineyard without losing Riesling?s own incomparable style. This is something that Philip Jonker from Weltevrede likes to hear. With his terroir specific focus it is wonderful to work with a variety which has a sense of place. Planted in marl soil (a crumbly combination of limestone and clay, very good for white wines) it is generally known that this soil type gives wines with broader flavours, more body and weight.
The rich oily turpene characters are typical of a high quality Rhine Riesling and is more apparent with bottle age.
Also among the top scores in Wine Magazine is the other aromatic food wine from Weltevrede, the Weltevrede Gewürztraminer. The Weltevrede Gewürztraminer has always been one of the estate?s best selling wines. It is the perfect partner for the spiciness of Asian food. The Weltevrede Gewürztraminer has flavours of Turkish delight and roses balanced with only 11g/l sugar (off-dry). Most people prefer an off-dry Gewürztraminer to a sweet one.
Following on the success Weltevrede had at the Veritas Awards last month, with three gold medals for the Weltevrede Philip Jonker Brut 2000, Weltevrede Ouma se Wyn 2003 (Gold Muscat) and the Woolworths WHAT?! Chardonnay (Weltevrede), everyone at Weltevrede is feeling ?well-satisfied?. Weltevrede translates as ?well satisfied?.
News from Rietvallei
Lots of hard work and perseverance has paid off for Rietvallei Estate and in a very big way ... The Rietvallei Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2005 has not only scored the highest amount of points at a recent Robertson Wine Valley cultivar tasting, but was also awarded Business Class status on South African Airways on 5 November. Another great achievement was when they cracked the Swedish market with the Rietvallei Natural Chardonnay Unwooded recently. Rietvallei has been exporting their Special Select Chardonnay since earlier this year and it was within about seven months that the Natural Chardonnay was listed. This makes Rietvallei Estate one of the fastest growing South African producers in Sweden. Look out for the John B range that is being introduced to the market ... definitely a wine to have for every occasion, " Celebrate Life".
Janeza expands tasting facility
Janeza Private Cellar in the picturesque Bonnievale recently expanded their tasting room to better cater for visitors. Not only do they now offer picnics and cheese platters (pre-booking only) in the rustic, stone-floored room, but in winter months this will be a popular stop with a big fireplace and even bigger couches where visitors will be able to taste wine, read books and just chill out.
For more information call (023) 616-3547.
Kingsriver now Estate status
One of the newest members of the Robertson Wine Valley received ESTATE status by the Wine & Spirits Board on 31 October 2005. To Ruud de Clerque, proprietor, this is no little achievement and one he clearly is very proud of!
Bon Courage expands Café Maude
At the end of a very successful year Bon Courage Estate is expanding its restaurant, Café Maude. Bon Courage?s ever popular restaurant are attracting more and more visitors to the estate. The new Café Maude will be able to accommodate much more than before. Bon Courage has done all of their best to make the new restaurant a lovely place combining charm, hospitality and also to blend with the old manor house. Whether you have been there or not: Café Maude is an absolutely must. Relax under the magnificent pepper tree and leisurely enjoy a delicious lunch whilst enjoying the tranquil scenery of the Long Mountains in the distance.
Fraai Uitzicht now 24/7
The award-winning restaurant at Fraai Uitzicht 1798 is now open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Enjoy the real vineyard experience! Bookings are essential. The restaurant at Fraai Uitzicht 1798 opens this year for Christmas and offers an exciting 4-5 course gourmet menu and for New Year Eve?s Dinner a gourmet buffet.
For more details please contact Fraai Uitzicht 1798 at (023) 626-6156.
Graham Beck's Golden Year
For the guys at Graham Beck Wines 2006 was a year which brought about plenty of awards and well deserved recognition. Just some of the most recent awards they received:
Michelangelo:
* Grand D?Or Winner (Double Gold) - Graham Beck Pheasants? Run Sauvignon Blanc 2005
* Gold Medal - Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs Brut 1999
WINE Magazine Amorim Cork Cap Classique Challenge:
* 4 Stars - Graham Beck Brut Blanc de Blancs 1999, Graham Beck Brut 1994 1.5l
Winemakers' Choice:
* Diamond Award - Graham Beck Pheasants? Run Sauvignon Blanc 2005, Graham Beck The William 2001, Graham Beck The Ridge Syrah 2002
* Highly Regarded Wines - Graham Beck The Joshua 2003, Graham Beck Brut Blanc de Blancs 1999
Veritas
* Double Gold - Graham Beck Pheasants? Run Sauvignon Blanc 2005, Graham Beck The Joshua 2003
* Gold - Graham Beck Lonehill Chardonnay 2003, Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs Brut 1999, Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs Brut 2000
John Platter Guide
* 4½ Stars - Graham Beck The Ridge Syrah 2003, Graham Beck The William 2003, Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2000
Bon Courage scoops Gold, Silver and Bronze at the Veritas Awards 2005
In the last 4 ? 5 years, Bon Courage has been among the top 5 performers in South Africa when it comes to the Veritas Awards. The father-and-son team of Bon Courage Estate affirmed once again that they produce wines of outstanding quality. André and Jacques Bruwer, continued riding a wave of success by winning two double gold, three gold, four silver and several bronze medals at the Veritas Awards 2005.
The Robertson Wine Valley Office commented: ?Bon Courage once again lead the pack as the top achiever of the region with both the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2003 Inkará Cabernet Sauvignon being awarded double gold medals as well as three Golds (Colombard 2005, Riesling 2005 and Inkará Shiraz 2003). Father and son, André & Jacques Bruwer does it so effortlessly that it is easy to forget how hard one has to work to consistently produce the goods?.
Bon Courage Riesling 2005 was rewarded a gold medal ? the first Riesling to receive a gold! Bon Courage is also proud that two of the five Double Gold Cabernet Sauvignon?s came from Bon Courage.
Weltevrede Weltevrede Weltevrede Tripple Gold Veritas
We are glad to announce three Veritas gold wines produced at Weltevrede Estate. The three course Weltevrede experience is as follows ...
For starters Weltevrede has confirmed its growing prominence as Cap Classique producer by receiving gold for the Weltevrede Philip Jonker Brut 2000. This Cap Classique also received four stars in the latest Wine Magazine following on its successful history of being rated a runner up for the Diner?s Club Winemaker of the Year Competition last year and winning the Wine Magazine Amorim Cork Cap Classique Challenge the year before that.
For the main course you have to go shopping at Woolies. Emphasizing its identity as Chardonnay specialist Weltevrede excelled receiving gold for an unwooded Chardonnay supplied to Woolworths. This comes as no surprise as the previous vintage of Woolworths What?! Chardonnay (Weltevrede) was also rated White Wine of the Year at the Woolworths awards function last year. This is the best performing Woolworths wine of all at Veritas this year.
For dessert Veritas gold goes to the trusty Weltevrede Ouma se Wyn (Gold Muscat) 2003, a wine deeply rooted in the family heritage of Weltevrede. This full sweet Muscat de Frontignan is a lovely match for ripe cheese, foie gras and crème brulée or citrus based desserts.
For availability of these wines of Weltevrede the estate can be visited, close to Bonnievale in the Robertson Valley.
Or else, contact us at info@weltevrede.com, Tel: (023) 616-2141.
Bonnievale's wines fly SAA
Two wines of Bonnievale Winery was recently chosen to be served on SAA's economy class flights: The 2004 Bonnievale Chardonnay (187ml) for national flights and the 2003 Bonnievale Shiraz (750ml) for international flights. Well done guys!
More awards for Bon Courage
Winemakers? Choice Awards 2005: Over 600 wines were judged by top South African winemakers and the quality evident in the winning wines pays tribute to the abilities of these winemakers! This, the only exclusive winemaker-judging competition in South Africa, attracted some of the top wines. This year 13.8% of wines entered has won awards. 32 Wines won Highly Regarded Awards (5%) and 51 has won a Diamond Award (8.5%), which means 83 wines in total has been awarded. Bon Courage Inkará Shiraz 2003 was rewarded as a Highly Regarded Wine and Bon Courage Colombard 2005 received a Diamond Award.
Wine Magazine?s Best Value Awards 2006: At the Best Value Award Competition Bon Courage was awarded the following:
* Bon Courage Colombard 2005 ? three stars
* Bon Courage Gewürztraminer Special Late Harvest 2005 ? three-and-a-half-stars, also the Top Scoring Dessert Wine.
* Bon Courage White Muskadel 2003 ? three stars
* Bon Courage Sauvignon Blanc 2005 ? two-and-a-half-stars
These awards bear testimony to Bon Courage?s continuous commitment to quality as well as good value.
Bon Courage represent South Africa in the sky:
Bon Courage Sauvignon Blanc 2005 has been selected for First and Premium class on South African Airways to be served during August 2006. This achievement reaffirms the outstanding quality of Bon Courage wines.
New face @ McGregor
Seems local is lekker as Andre Scriven (ex Ashton) is the 2nd winemaker to make a inter-regional move this year. He will be joining McGregor Wine Company as from 1 December 2005 and can?t wait for the 2006 harvest to get down to action.
Rietvallei looks back on 2005
As the year draws to a close we have to reflect back to all the ups and downs and measure the successes of 2005. It was definitely a very big year for Rietvallei Estate in every way you can think of. But none of this would have been possible without people behind the scenes and we would like to thank them all for the great effort that they have put in to make this a great year for Rietvallei. There has also been a few very nice introduction to the farm: Lezaan & Neels Rheerder's daughter, Lee-Ann, was born on 12 September 2005 Koos Swart was appointed on 1 October 2005 to the farm.
Janeve Jonas is taking the Big Leap and is getting married on 19 November 2005.
The daugther of Rietvallei Estate, Analize Burger, also got engaged recently! Congratulations!!!!
We would also like to thank Este Kaltwasser who have been of great help in the office when Lezaan was on maternity leave. To the RWV and all the people involved, producers, workers and everyone not mentioned...we wish you a blessed Festive Season, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May 2006 be even greater ... Rietvallei Wine Estate.
From the kitchen of Wolvendrift
It?s summer and we?re all in a hurry, but never the less want to serve something nice for friends & family. Try this quick recipe:
Wolvendrift Marinated Cheese ? either as a snack or desert.
- Camembert/ Brie in bite size bits
- Green figs in bite size bits
- Put on a skewer and marinate in Wolvendrift Muskadel for 15 minutes.
And ENJOY!!!
Janeza Xmas Market / Family Day
Join the Wentzels of Janeza on Saturday 3 December 2005 from 09h00 ? 14h00 for a day of good food and great wine. Various stalls will offer a wide range of Xmas presents and there will be plenty of kids? activities to keep the children happy. Entrance tickets is already for sale and can be used as discount tickets of wine purchased on the day.
For more information contact Eza on 082 978 7020 or (023) 616-3547.
Fraai Uitzicht 1798 presents ?African Spirit?
Be enthralled and excited by voices so unique, by spirit and enthusiasm which surrounds you, as the performers from the Makukhanye Gospel Choir entertain you with traditional song and dance from the Xhosa culture. The concerts will be performed in traditional Xhosa outfits.
Date:
23 November 2005
07 December 2005
04 January 2006
25 January 2006
08 February 2006
22 February 2006
Time: 19h00
(A donation of R50 per person will be added to the final account)
Seating for these evenings are limited, therefore bookings are essential and preferably done well in advance.
Please book at (023) 626-6156. |
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