The Corkless Mind

Category: Review

A Taste of Franschhoek

*Disclaimer: I have been hosted at both wineries. All views are my own and not paid for. All extra expenses were paid for by myself*

The valley of Franschhoek has many things to offer the avid foodie, wine aficionado and even the keen adventurer. Having lived most of my life in the beautiful Cape, I am not as well travelled as I would like to be, however this leaves me with an excuse to venture out and explore our bountiful province as much as I possibly can. A few weeks ago, I was invited to visit La Motte for the Harvest experience and GlenWood Winery for their gourmet sushi and wine offering and words cannot express what a lovely experience it really was, with that said have a look at these photos I took along with what I can best describe as being, utterly delicious!

La Motte

In the vineyard

Enjoy an introduction to the various varietals from Cabernet Sauvignon to Cabernet Franc, harvest processes are passionately and carefully explained for the layman or wine professional.Spot the differences between the various varieties and taste the sweetness of the ripe berries.

Interesting fact – La Motte practices biologic production. Additional grapes are obtained from other affiliated family-owned farms and La Motte-managed vineyards situated in various regions. This adds versatility to the grapes supplied to the La Motte cellar. Passionate about terroir, La Motte enjoys WWF Conservation Championship status, with the objective of keeping biodiversity intact.

In the cellar

Experience the hand-sorting of grapes, crushing, pump-overs and other cellar activities, concluded with a tasting of grape must (fermenting grape juice) from a fermentation tank.

In the tasting room

Sit down to a tasting of La Motte’s award-winning collection of wines – five wines from the La Motte Collection as well as the two wines from the estate’s renowned Pierneef Collection. My personal favourites are the 2018 Pierneef Syrah Viognier, the exquisite 2015 Hanneli R Syrah based blend and of course what would life be without a fantastic glass of MCC, the La Motte Methode Cap Classique is an absolute knock out of a bubbly!

What followed was a tranquil brunch underneath the age-old oaks. A special harvest lunch prepared by award-winning Chef Eric Bullpit and his talented team to end of a wonderful experience at La Motte. I couldn’t leave without a few bottles of the syrah viognier and of course their famous mosbolletjie loaf! I would drive the 35 +- minute trip just to visit again any day! Their Harvest experiences runs every year open to the public from the second week of February to the end of March. Bookings are essential.

GlenWood

The wine and the estate.

Situated in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley (and slightly off the beaten track). Developed in 1984, GlenWood has established itself as a sought-after wine producer in local and international markets. With 25 ha under vine from which they produce close to 90,000 bottles annually, adhering strictly to sustainable farming guidelines, applying best labour practices and protecting their indigenous fynbos. The farm is surrounded by beautiful scenery, lush oaks and lawn with plenty of space of your furry friends and kids to play on. Owner Alastair Wood served us a glass of their Grand Duc Chardonnay, refreshingly light with a touch of body, a perfect accompaniment to their utterly delicious sushi.

The Food

With a high-end sushi restaurant situated on the premises guests get the opportunity to enjoy sushi accompanied by their wines in an idyllic outdoor setting looking out to the grand Franschhoek mountains, this certainly makes for a unique sushi and wine experience. GlenWood proves to have the ingredients for a memorable winelands lunch experience.

To book your unique sushi experience:

GlenWood

Email: info@glenwoodvineyards.co.za

Telephone: +27 (0)21 8762044

Physical Address: Robertsvlei Road | Franschhoek | 7690 | South Africa

Special thanks to the La Motte and GlenWood teams for the warm and gracious hospitality!

Cheers x

April 8, 2021
Wines unboxed
Disclaimer: These wines featured have been sent to me as media drops. This post is not paid for and reflects my own unbiased opinion.

With another nationwide ban on alcohol, the industry as a whole has been shaken to its core yet again. Now more than ever the industry needs our support. If you do have the means, please consider supporting the South African wine industry by purchasing your wines online directly from wineries stores or through many local wine boutiques.

I am incredibly grateful that I am able to write about wine professionally and call this my job! I will strive to be as honest as I possibly can whilst honouring each winery with the respect that it deserves. Without further ado, Here is a list of a few local wines that have landed on my desk for me to review.

Boland Cellar’s Top 2 of 2020
- Reserve Merlot 2018 – retails for R149 a bottle
The focus is purely on the stage name ‘Reserve’, the winemaking method and varietal. The grapes are handpicked at about 24° Balling, followed by destemming and cold-soaking for three days. The fermenting wine underwent pump-overs and after primary fermentation, malolactic fermentation took place in mostly second-filled barrels with a portion in new barrels. This richly structured and concentrated Merlot was further matured in 300-litre French oak barrels for 16 months to gain complexity. A small portion of 20% of the wine was not matured in wood in order to enhance the final blend with the ripe primary fruit flavours.

Tasting note: tons of red fruit such as red cherries, plums and red berries. Layers of oak, spice and wood shavings are integrated with savoury and tomato notes mingling together with a long and lingering finish. A firmly structured and full-bodied wine which will benefit from careful ageing and will perfectly complement grilled sirloin and rump steaks.
- One Formation White Blend 2020 Retail price: R87
The range consists of a White Blend (Chenin/Sauvignon/Grenache), a Red Blend
(Shiraz/Grenache/Viognier), a Chenin Blanc, a Shiraz and a Grenache Noir. This blend in particular consists of 65% Chenin Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Grenache Blanc. The Sauvignon Blanc and Grenache Blanc underwent brief wood maturation in older small French barrels for three months in order to add a bit of complexity to the blend. The final blend was left on the lees for a further two months with regular batonnage before bottling, resulting in a rich, full wine with both structure and finesse.

Tasting note: Shows ripe pear and melon flavours as well as green pepper notes are evident on the balanced palate, followed by a gentle lingering finish. The old bush-vines of the Chenin Blanc yield ripe, creamy stone fruit flavours which are complemented by the crisp green fruit of the Sauvignon Blanc. The addition of Grenache Blanc in this blend provides richness and texture with ripe pear flavours. Finely flavoured dishes of seafood and poultry will complement this wine.

Garden Route Sauvignon Blanc 2019 – Retails for R86 a bottle

Produced and distributed through De Krans. Harvesting takes place mid-March during early morning to ensure the coolest possible berries. The fruit is handled with extreme care and only berries are hand selected. At the cellar the clusters are destemmed and lightly crushed into a closed tank and left on the skins till the next day. The free run juice is separated and fermentation takes place at cool temperatures for about a month. The wine is left on the lees for another 6 months before bottling.

Tasting note: The palate shows refreshing tropical fruits and cut grass/green pepper with a flint finish, well balanced acidity and a lingering finish. The perfect poolside tipple for the sweltering summer heat. Food pairing suggesting: serve with fresh cob or stump nose, served with a lime dressing. This wine also works well with any pâté or crisp summer salads.

Middelvlei’s Cinsaut Rosé 2020 – Retail price: R105 (not pictured here)

Made from 100% Cinsaut grapes, the fruit is sourced from only the best vineyards in the Western Cape.

Tasting note: on the palate shows delicate bursts of summer berry and juicy watermelon. Pale salmon pink in hue with a delicious fruity finish. Another poolside tipple for the win. Can be paired with grilled seafood or chicken dishes. Pairs well with a black olive tapenade, or any seasonal inspired salads. Also partners perfectly with grilled herbed lamb chops, lamb burgers with Moroccan spices or sweet and sour salmon teriyaki.

Do let me know in the comments if you have any questions or would like to see more of a particular topic on my blog.

Yours in Vino x
January 4, 2021
How to Best Spend 24 Hours at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch
**Disclaimer: I was hosted at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate‘s expense in exchange for this review on the experience. My view is unbiased and reflects the my opinion on my stay on the farm and not that of the winery**

Situated in the bustling town of Stellenbosch lies the lush and beautiful winery of Blaauwklippen. An estate that is shaped by 300 years of commitment to quality winemaking and passion. The farm was founded in 1682 by Gerrit Jansz Visser, but it wasn’t until 1688 that the first vineyards were planted in the fertile soil of the estate. Fast forward to 1899, when Cecil John Rhodes became the owner of Blaauwklippen, but only for one day! In 1971 the renowned Stellenbosch Wine Route was founded, with Blaauwklippen becoming one of the first members. The Route is still going strong today as one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Western Cape.

By 1977 the very first Zinfandel grapes were planted on Blaauwklippen, with the first wines produced three years later. By 1977 the very first Zinfandel grapes were planted on Blaauwklippen, with the first wines produced three years later. Blaauwklippen became the first winery outside of the USA to join ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) in 2008. And in 2015 Blaauwklippen Vineyards celebrated 333 years of establishment.

The Blaauwklippen Blending Competition was founded in 1984 and over 30 consecutive years later remains the only wine competition in South Africa aimed at consumers and not producers. In the tasting room next to the deli you will find blending kits for purchase. The perfect gift for the wine geek in your life (or yourself).

My stay on the farm kicked off with a wine tasting consisting of their renowned Zinfandel, White Zinfandel, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and their delicious MCC crafted from their maiden varietal, the Zinfandel of course. My favourite out of the tasting selection would have to be the phenomenal Malbec and the delectable MCC. The Cab. Sauv. is in a league of its own too! With classic notes of eucalyptus and bell pepper on the palate. A typical award-winning Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon.

What followed was a tour of the famed manor house to refresh the senses and the legs. Each and every room had a luxurious airiness with an opulent aesthetic, I couldn’t help but wonder what it must be like to stay in the some R40 000 a night large manor house. My favourite room? You guessed it, the kitchen! A kitchen made of dreams, envisioning many days of meal preparation spent feeling like domestic goddess Nigella Lawson.

Blaauwklippen takes pride having something available for everyone to indulge in. Not much of a wine consumer? Try their craft gin range and do a gin and nougat pairing. The tasting consists of three different types of gin, paired with three different flavours of locally crafted nougat to perfectly match the flavours that each gin holds. The pairing is R135 per person. I particularly loved the Zin Gin. The Zinfandel juice infused gin is rested for up to three months before diluted with Reverse osmosis water is added to reduce to bottling strength. Vapour infusion is seen as a more superior method than steep and boil since botanicals do not over-boil. The vapour slowly extracts the delicate flavour or essential oils of these botanicals to form the Gin. On the palate, you will find sweet red berries with cranberry juice, dry piny Juniper and tea-like tannins which reminds me of Christmastime and mince pies. The Gardin Gin is a typical dry gin with hints of orange zest and floral accents. I can definitely see myself sipping on this throughout summer. The Farm Gin, the last in the juniper berry laced trio, shows bursts of wild fig, pink peppercorn with slightly sweet and silky smooth herbal and floral notes. Really balanced and pairs well with the pecan nut nougat. I absolutely adore the fresh floral designs on each bottle.

Friday nights at Hamm & Uys are quite the occasion, with pizza being the star of the show. Every Friday evening the farm-based restaurant hosts a pizza evening with live music as entertainment for the hungry hoards. Pizza is made fresh in-house in their wood-fired oven with delicious seasonal toppings. Why Hamm & Uys? I LOVE the aesthetic and of course, the delicious offerings they have on their menu, such as the generous serving of mussels served in a beautiful dutch oven with roosterkoek to mop up the white zinfandel laced juices! The beef burger with crispy wedges and roasted marrow bone is the ultimate! I enjoyed my pizza and burger with the winery’s unforgettably delicious Malbec.

The indulgent evening ended with a good night’s rest in our luxe cottages on the beautiful farm. Our Saturday morning proved to be a busy one starting with a short walk to the magical glass cathedral in the already sweltering 30 degrees C Stellenbosch heat. To fuel our next adventure we had an MCC and Almond Biscotti pairing in the shade followed by my brave yet really long attempt at sabrage. We were met by Viticulturist Jaco van der Westhuizen who graciously fielded our novice wine questions and showed us through the lush vineyards ready to be harvested soon.

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YAY! I did it! 🙂 It only took over 2 minutes!

A scrumptious breakfast spread was set up in the beautiful manor house dining room.

Without reservation or bias, Blaauwklippen Wine Estate is a sensory experience to be taken in little by little, by staying over or visiting frequently. Family-friendly? Check! Wine enthusiast-friendly? Check! Craft gin enthusiasts? Check! Luxurious and comfortable accommodation? Check! Check! Delicious food on offer at resident restaurant Hamm & Uys? Check! Check! and check, please! I cannot wait to be back, whether it’s for the pizza evening’s or Sunday markets held every Sunday on the farm.

A massive thank you to the amazing team at Blaauwklippen for their warm hospitality.

To visit or make a booking:

Blaauwklippen Wine Estate

Strand Road, R44 Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, 7600
- - TASTING ROOM / CELLAR +27 (0)21 880 0133
- - HAMM & UYS EATERY +27 (0)66 495 0270
- - GENERAL ENQUIRIES +27 (0)21 880 0133
- OPENING HOURS Summer Times (1 October – 30 April) Mondays to Saturdays: 10h00 – 18h00 Sundays & Public Holidays: 10h00 – 17h00Winter Times (1 May – 30 September) Mondays till Saturdays: 10h00 – 17h00 Sundays & Public Holidays: 10h00 – 17h00
Information in this post about the winery is supplied by their website.
January 30, 2020
Bonnievale Wine Estate Launches New Limited Release Wines at Gorgeous George Hotel in Cape Town

The launch for Bonnievale’s premium wine launch was hosted in the newly renovated ‘The White Room’ at the beautiful Gorgeous George Hotel in Cape Town last week. Bonnievale Wines launched two limited release, single-variety wines crafted from a selection of top vineyard sites that reflect the influence of the ancient soils, climate, and weather of the Bonnievale ward. The wines are a Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2017 vintage and a Chardonnay, from 2019 – both destined to be must-haves for the discerning wino. The new wines feature dedicated packaging and labels that reflect their premier status in the Bonnievale portfolio, as well as the quality of the contents.

The Luncheon, consisted of a five-course menu, with all meals paired with Bonnievale wines. The hotel oozes opulence with chic touches of modernity. The roof-top bar is as ‘Instagrammable’ as is the Bonnievale Rosé served on the day.

Now on to the bit, you’ve been waiting for, the Bonnievale Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 displays beautiful, clean red fruit, notably raspberry, supported by hints of liquorice and leather on the nose. The juicy red fruit carries through on the palate, supported by fine, ripe tannins that provide elegant structure and loads of depth to the wine. With 18 months maturing in mainly new French and American oak, the two types of oak deliver a balanced and well-integrated wine with a taste that lingers long after the last sip. The Limited Release Chardonnay 2019 has delectable citrus on the nose, especially of lime and grapefruit that extend to the palate. It is crisp and fresh with a distinct flinty finish. Here too, the French oak that was used to mature the wine for seven months is well integrated, supporting the fruit but also delivering a smooth, rounded mouthfeel.

Why these cultivars?

The Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay have long been stars in the Bonnievale Wines portfolio. Both cultivars also remain highly regarded and sought after in international markets. The two cultivars are also keenly sourced by many of South Africa’s premier winemakers for use in their own blends and brands.

Bonnievale Wines

This coming-of-age for Bonnievale Wines has led to a renewed focus in recent years on high quality and high value. First came the revamp of its portfolio and then, the launch of the premium River Collection range, which has accumulated a string of local and international awards.

The home of Bonnievale Wines is the eponymous village, located some 200km east of Cape Town. A renowned winemaking region, Bonnievale’s vineyards are influenced by amongst others the presence of two major rivers – the Breede and Riviersonderend – and micro-climates created by extensive hills and soaring mountains.

Where to purchase and what’s the cost

The wines produced here are available countrywide and available for order from Bonnievale Wines’ online shop at http://www.bonnievalewines.co.za.

The Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 sells from R140/bottle and the Limited Release Chardonnay 2019, from R95/bottle.

*Information supplied by Yolandi De Wet PR and Bonnievale Wines. *

December 9, 2019
An Evening of Food and Wine Pairing at Kunjani Wine Estate

*Please note, Kunjani winery hosted me to attend the dinner, however, all views are my own*

I recently attended the very first wine and food pairing dinner at Kunjani wine estate in Stellenbosch. You may recall I was at their label launch earlier this year. The dinner consists of six courses and will be a regular occurrence at the boutique winery which will feature a fresh, seasonal menu with every dinner hosted by co-owner Pia Watermeyer.

The first course was a beetroot goat’s cheese salad, pistachio goat’s cheese balls, fig compote, grapefruit perfectly paired with the Kunjani Stolen Chicken Rosé 2018. It was quite a warm evening so this went down quite a treat! The second course, line fish, grilled artichoke, cauliflower puree, broccoli, pak choy, white wine chive sauce paired with an equally delicious Kunjani Chenin Blanc 2018.

The third course, was a refreshing palate cleanser of lemon sorbet to prepare us for the next course which was North-West Kudu carpaccio, quail eggs, horseradish, parmesan shavings, radish, pickled vegetables paired with my personal favourite, Kunjani Shiraz 2015. Next was an incredibly delicious biltong-spiced sirloin, king oyster mushrooms, carrot & cauliflower quenelles, asparagus, broccoli paired superbly with the Kunjani Cabernet Sauvignon 2017. Dessert always being my favourite course, was a chocolate-mint nougat mousse, pistachio crumbs, frozen yoghurt, and a brandy snap paired with the Kunjani Merlot 2017.

The dinner costs R550 per person, including wine and gratuity.
Bookings essential, prepayment secures your seat. Limited to 30 guests.

Note: bookings are subject to availability. Cancellations 7 days or less prior to the date of the dinner are non-refundable. T&Cs apply. This is a special event and due to space restrictions long/mixed tables are allocated and not individual tables. To book your spot for the next dinner call: +27 87 630 0409, or email: info@kunjaniwines.co.za For more information visit their Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/Kunjaniwines/

Thank you Kunjani for graciously hosting my husband and me, we can’t wait to be back again soon!

December 4, 2019
Experience the Newly Launched Tryn at Steenberg.

I am ashamed to say it was my very first time visiting Steenberg Wine Estate. I wish I had been sooner, alas there is no time like the present, right? Steenberg Wine Estate is situated roughly 25 minutes from Cape Town in the luscious green neighbourhood of Steenberg, Tokai. Tryn, a vibrant new signature restaurant has opened at Steenberg with renowned Constantia chef, Kerry Kilpin, at the helm of this opulent well oiled machine.

Dedicated to Steenberg’s 17^th century founder, Catharina Ras, or Tryn as she was known to her nearest and dearest, the new restaurant is contemporary in spirit with fabulous food, bold accents and modern textures. Today, Steenberg Farm continues to honour her name with the opening of Tryn and dedicating two signature wines to her: the flagship red blend, Catharina, and the prestige cuvée, Lady R Méthode Cap Classique.

Chef Kerry takes her culinary skills to the next level, featuring an abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients, honest flavours and intuitive service. Known for adding a touch of Asian and Middle Eastern flair to her classically prepared food, Chef Kerry enlivens the familiar with exciting twists and flavour combinations to delight all palates.

Her menu is accessible and easy to navigate with ample choice of deliciously prepared dishes. Meat lovers will find all their favourite cuts, while vegetarians can savour Kerry’s signature brand of delectable tastes and textures. Her profound passion for ethically sourced fish also shines through on the Tryn menu. With that said, you will find a wood carved fish with an Abalobi barcode to scan to learn more about the sustainable catch of the day.

Each meal is paired to perfection with an award-winning Steenberg wine to compliment the meal and create an unforgettable sensory experience. I certainly cannot wait to be back to discover more of what Steenberg has to offer. The food and experience at Tryn is nothing short of an incredible opulent experience, perfect for a fancy yet relaxed date night or an intimate birthday dinner.

Tryn is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For bookings contact +27 (0)21 7137178 or email info@tryn.co.za

Special thanks to the talented team at Tryn and to GC Communications for hosting me.

October 16, 2019