At Org de Rac, the leaves on the vines have begun to turn amber, the sun is gentler. Out in the vineyards the farm workers are focused on the care of the vines. A program of post-harvest fertilisation is underway and weeds are being controlled − without the use of chemicals and pesticides. As soon as the first rains have drenched the ground, the cover crops will be sown: vetch, canola, lupin and oats to enrich the soil, eradicate weeds and control microscopic pests.
In the cellar, the winemakers are equally absorbed, bottling the 2016 vintage and carefully monitoring the clarification of the new wine. This year’s was a good harvest and the Org de Rac winemakers are excited by the prospect of the 2017 vintage which they expect to be characterised by intense colours and flavours.
Rolling off the production line
Bottling the 2016 “Swedish blend”, a finely balanced blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that is exported to Sweden
Picture of the month
Neville Giliomee, enjoyed an early morning wine tasting at Org de Rac on the final day of a 10-day bicycle journey from Windhoek to Cape Town. Though his saddle bags were packed to capacity, Neville still found room for two bottles of Org de Rac organic wine! His cycle journey raised close to R30 000 for Iris House Children’s Hospice in Cape Town.
Cause for celebration
Org de Rac Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2015 was recently selected from numerous other South African contenders to supply a 5 000 litre consignment to Sweden. Wine maker, Frank Meaker, considers this to be a particularly important accolade. Says Frank: “We competed with a wide range of wines of coastal origin in a premium price category. By winning, we demonstrated that the wines we produce at Org de Rac are of the finest quality.”
The Org de Rac Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2015 is a big wine with distinctive aromas of tomato leaf, pencil shavings and mulberry, and sumptuous dark fruit flavours, supported by velvety tannins.
The best choice for Mother’s Day
Org de Rac winemaker, Jurgen Siebritz, and his children, EllieSufie, 5 (left), and BeaSebet, 7 (right), are looking forward to spoiling Landé on Mother’s Day, 14 May.
Jurgen says the Org de Rac Cuveé La Verne Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) is a perfect wine for a special occasion. The MCC is a deep golden, rich honey colour and offers a voluptuous, complex nose with aromas of sun-ripe apricot and peach, freshly baked bread and roasted almonds. It features crisp layers of citrus with a velvety creamy texture and lingering fruitiness on the aftertaste.
Upcoming events
6 & 7 May
Olive Festival, Riebeek Valley: Join us at Kasteelberg Inn and Bistro for a MCC and Oyster tasting.
19−21 May
London Wine Trade Fair – Visit Tanja of Robinson & Sinclair at stand C60 who will be showcasing our wines.
27 & 28 May
Vinesse will present Org de Rac at Leriba Hotel & Spa Oesfees, Centurion
31 May − 3 June
Namibian Tourism Expo, Windhoek. The beer and wine tasting pavilion is the place to find Org de Rac.
2 to 4 June
Good Food & Wine Show, Cape Town (Consider this early warning!)