Interview with a winemaker
What led you on the path to become a winemaker?
To be honest, it was a tough choice I had to make. I was pondering on either a career in the wine industry or to become a Veterinarian. I decided to take a gap year and landed a harvest at Cape Chamonix. After that harvest, it was pretty easy to decide that the wine industry was where I wanted to be.
Where did you develop your skills to become a winemaker?
I would say, spending long hours in the cellar, constantly “stealing with the eyes”, asking questions- (whether it sounds dumb or not). Always be willing to learn from those who know the industry and to position myself in areas which challenge me. A hunger and willingness to learn is important.
Who would you regard as your mentor?
Wilhelm Pienaar
Apart from the noble grape varieties and varieties currently produced by your cellar , is there one other variety with which you would really like to work?
Before we received it for the first time this season, I would have to say Rousanne. As a single variety, one can make so many different styles of wine, whether un-wooded or wooded, medium bodied or full bodied wine, or even as blending component, this grape variety does pretty well.
You seem to be quite innovative with new wine styles – what leads you there?
Something I learnt from Wilhelm, was to constantly try and set the benchmark in the industry. This comes through trial and error unfortunately. The industry today has evolved in such a way, that we as winemakers are constantly being pushed to “re-develop” our ways of thinking and making wine.
We have to know what the consumer want’s, we need to study the trends.
We must determine if our “formula” in the way we make wines is working or not.
Always be willing to go back to the drawing board and start again.
So to answer the question in a one liner: passion and determination to set the tone in the industry.
If you could choose anywhere in the world to make wine other than where you are now, where would it be?
It might sound cliché, but definitely my garage.
And what grape type would you use?
Sauvignon Blanc
It is difficult asking a father to choose his favourite child, but which one of your wines is your current favourite?
Perdeberg Dry Land Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Your greatest bottle of wine ever? [And you can’t say one of your own!]
Chateau Yquem NLH 2001
Do you enjoy cooking to show your wines off at their best or do you leave that to others?
Whether I cook or not, there is always a bottle of wine on the table, but I prefer to leave the cooking to my amazing wife or if I really have to, I don’t mind cooking.
If yes what do you enjoying cooking most?
I am quite the master chef in spaghetti and club sandwiches.
What is your favourite style of food?
Honestly I am open for anything, but I truly do love Asian food.
Your best style of restaurant, you enjoy visiting? Why?
If the food is good, I am there. No favourite at all unfortunately.
Your ideal dinner party table of 6 (you may choose people dead or alive). And tell why you chose them.
1) Wife- she is the real wine lover in the family.
2) Jesus- he was the first person to convert water into wine!
3) Richard Branson- he can market anything.
4) Some random Frenchman- cause he's French
5) Jimi Hendrix- playing our background music
Your favourite holiday destination?
Paris and Hong Kong
What is on your bedside table as reading matter at the moment?
Waiting upon God, Brochure of the history of Simons Town and The Fear of the Lord.
One piece of music you would take with you to a desert island.
Album- Awesome Mix Vol.1 or just for a single song- Thunderstruck by AC/DC (I will need a smoke machine for this song)
How can a visitor contact your winery?
Telephone +27.21 869 8244
Email info@perdeberg.co.za
Facebook: Perdeberg Winery
Twitter: Perdeberg Winery