Graham Beck, De Wetshof, Springfield, Zandvliet, Excelsior Estate, Esona, Wolfkloof and Kranskop are the wineries highlighted during the Buyer’s visit to Robertson, an area that still bears the hallmarks of its early Scottish influence.
Although it may not possess the bling of Stellenbosch or the Franschhoek Valley, another wine district in the western Cape, Robertson, is enjoying a major rise in its profile.
If its erstwhile reputation for bulk wine production deflected attention from its premium sparkling and white wines, stellar wineries like Graham Beck, De Wetshof and Springfield are attracting ever increasing numbers to their cellar doors.
Throw in a whole host of quality boutique wineries, the beautiful scenery of the Breede River Valley and the Langeberg Mountain range, as well as the delightful art deco Montagu Hotel, and you have all the ingredients for another premier wine tourism destination. Only two hours’ drive from Cape Town, it is very accessible.
The secret is down to the limestone
Leading Robertson’s charge has been Graham Beck, not just South Africa’s sparkling wine champion but also winner of the Tri Nations bubbly challenge organised by The Buyer’s Roger Jones.
Cellar master Pieter ‘Bubbles’ Ferreira is in no doubt as to the basis of Robertson’s success.
“Limestone is the big secret here,” he revealed. “We have the richest natural limestone deposits in the western Cape. All our peers and competitors in the Cap Classique [sparkling] category are buying Robertson fruit, which is more forgiving and has more flavour than elsewhere.”
“So we most probably have proven a point. Limestone stone ensures low pH and natural acidity, so it’s ideal for bubblies.”
Robertson’s other great natural asset is its diurnal range, one of the widest in the western Cape. Most afternoons, a cooling breeze comes in to offset the morning heat.
“I love talking about it because we can have a 38-40 degree day but at night need to put on a jersey,” Ferreira continued. “Show me another area that’s got this. This diurnal shift is a big quality factor.”
Robertson is not just about the sparkling wines
No less consistently good a producer is De Wetshof, which arguably makes South Africa’s best and widest range of Chardonnay.
The de Wet family crafts five different versions of the varietal from the unoaked Limestone Hill label to the flagship Bateleur, which sees 100% new oak and comes from 30-year old, ultra low-yielding vines. Ellis of Richmond distributes these along with a promising Pinot Noir.
Other winemakers to watch out for in the region
Despite its name, though, Robertson is predominantly Afrikaans. Jan Kannenmeyer at the splendidly-named Wolfkloof makes some interesting wine, while Dewald Marais, the former Nederburg winemaker, is crafting some superb single varietals, including Viognier and Tannat, at Kranskop.
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