WINES OF SOUTH AFRICA
CLIMATE DIVERSITY
As an french winemaker, my fascination with South Africa ignited during the 2003 harvest in Hermanus. Returning the following year, I solidified my bond with Gordon Newton Johnson, the owner of Newton Johnson vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. After a spirited evening, fueled by a few obligatory brandies, I managed to convince him to embark on a new venture with me. With my modest savings, I invested wholeheartedly in grapes and barrels, and thus, began crafting my first wines.
The inaugural vintage of 2005 saw the birth of a few barrels of Chardonnay and Syrah.
In 2013, my wife Sophie joined me on this adventure and embraced the project with open arms. .
Ever since my inaugural visit in 2003, I've been captivated by the remarkable potential of wines in South Africa, especially when cultivated in the cool-climate regions of Overberg, Walker Bay, Elgin, and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. What truly fascinates me is the nuanced typicity of each area, transcending mere differences in soil composition, owing to the subtle climate nuances unique to each region.
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My objective has been to collaborate with vineyards across these cool-climate zones, meticulously selecting blocks that epitomize the characteristics of each terroir. Through this process, I endeavor to unveil and articulate the distinct styles inherent to each region in my wines.
CHARDONNAY
Mountain Vineyards
W.O. ELGIN
CLIMATE: Elgin is characterized by its cool, maritime influence, making it one of the coolest wine-producing regions in South Africa. Located in the Western Cape, Elgin benefits from its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which moderates temperatures and creates ideal conditions for grape growing. The altitude of Elgin also plays a significant role in shaping its wine climate. Situated at relatively high elevations ranging from about 200 to 500 meters above sea level. The cooler temperatures at higher altitudes in Elgin help to slow down the ripening process of grapes, allowing for a longer growing season. This extended ripening period contributes to the development of more complex flavors and aromas in the grapes, as well as the retention of natural acidity.
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​VINEYARD: The grapes are sourced from two distinct vineyards featuring decomposed Bokkeveld shale soil, renowned for its clay-rich composition that facilitates excellent water retention. This particular soil type proves highly conducive to the cultivation of Chardonnay, giving rise to wines characterized by profound depth, structural integrity, and intricate complexity.
CELLAR: The grapes undergo meticulous hand harvesting before being pressed as whole bunches. After a gentle and extended pressing process, the juice is transferred to tanks for a static settling. Subsequently, fermentation and aging occur in a combination of French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, allowing for a harmonious balance of oak-derived nuances and the preservation of fresh fruit character. We consistently aim to prevent malolactic fermentation to safeguard the aromas and inherent freshness naturally present in the wine.
TASTING
​Appearance: Pale straw yellow with hints of gold.
Aroma: Delicate aromas of ripe pear, golden apple, and citrus blossom dance gracefully on the nose, accompanied by subtle hints of vanilla and toasted almonds from oak aging.
Palate: The palate is greeted with vibrant flavors of crisp green apple, juicy peach, and zesty lemon, underscored by a creamy texture and well-integrated oak notes. Lively acidity provides a refreshing backbone, leading to a lingering finish with a touch of minerality.
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FOOD & WINE
Pair with grilled shrimp, lobster tail, or sea bass for a delightful combination of flavors. The wine's vibrant acidity and citrus notes complement the delicate seafood flavors. Enjoy with roast chicken seasoned with herbs such as thyme and rosemary.
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PINOT NOIR
Mountain Vineyards
W.O. WALKER BAY
CLIMATE: The Walker Bay wine region enjoys a cool, maritime climate, shaped by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal influence moderates temperatures, resulting in relatively mild summers and mild winters. The region benefits from cooling sea breezes that sweep inland, helping to maintain vineyard temperatures and prevent extremes of heat or cold.
The maritime climate of Walker Bay is characterized by foggy mornings and cool evenings, which contribute to the slow ripening of grapes and the retention of acidity in the fruit. This extended ripening period allows for the development of complex flavors and aromatic compounds in the grapes.
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​VINEYARD: The clay soil in Walker Bay has a direct impact on the style of Pinot Noir produced there, making the wines. Clay soils hold water well, ensuring consistent grape ripening. This leads to Pinot Noir wines with balanced acidity and ripe fruit flavors. It create a fine-textured structure in the wine, giving it a silky mouthfeel and soft tannins. This texture adds to the wine's elegance and drinkability.
CELLAR: We hand-harvest the grapes and delicately crush them, maintaining precise control throughout the winemaking process. After a two-week maceration period, we gently press the grapes before allowing the wine to mature in French oak barrels. It's during this aging process that the wine develops its depth and intensity, resulting in a seamless fusion of flavors and textures.
TASTING
​Appearance: The wine exhibits a translucent ruby-red color, hinting at its light to medium body.
Aroma: On the nose, delicate aromas of red berries, such as raspberry and strawberry, mingle with subtle floral notes of violet and rose petal. Aromas of earthy forest floor and hints of dried herbs add complexity to the bouquet.
Palate: The palate is greeted by bright and juicy red fruit flavors, including cherry and cranberry, with a refreshing acidity that dances across the tongue. Velvety-smooth tannins provide a soft and supple mouthfeel, contributing to the wine's elegant structure.
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FOOD & WINE
The delicate flavors and tender texture of roast duck pair harmoniously with the fruitiness and acidity of Pinot Noir. The wine's earthy undertones complement the richness of the duck meat. The earthy flavors of wild mushrooms in risotto are enhanced by the earthy and savory notes in Pinot Noir. The wine's soft tannins and bright acidity provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the risotto.The rich, earthy flavors of truffled pasta are beautifully complemented by the complex flavors and silky texture of Pinot Noir. The wine's acidity helps balance the richness of the dish, while its subtle spiciness enhances the aromatic qualities of the truffles.
CHARDONNAY
Evidence
W.O. ELGIN
CLIMATE: Elgin is characterized by its cool, maritime influence, making it one of the coolest wine-producing regions in South Africa. Located in the Western Cape, Elgin benefits from its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which moderates temperatures and creates ideal conditions for grape growing. The altitude of Elgin also plays a significant role in shaping its wine climate. Situated at relatively high elevations ranging from about 200 to 500 meters above sea level. The cooler temperatures at higher altitudes in Elgin help to slow down the ripening process of grapes, allowing for a longer growing season. This extended ripening period contributes to the development of more complex flavors and aromas in the grapes, as well as the retention of natural acidity.
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​VINEYARD: Situated at an elevation of 385 meters above sea level, this vineyard stands as a solitary gem nestled at the foothills of the Kogelberg mountain range. Here, the soil consists of decomposed Bokkeveld shale, renowned for its rich clay content that adeptly retains water. This soil composition creates an ideal environment for cultivating Chardonnay grapes, resulting in wines that exhibit remarkable depth, structural finesse, and nuanced complexity.
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CELLAR: The grapes are hand-harvested and pressed whole, ensuring precision in every step of the winemaking process. Following a gentle and prolonged pressing, the juice is then transferred to tanks for a static settling, allowing for the clarification of sediments. Subsequently, fermentation and aging take place in French oak barrels, where the wine develops its complexity and intensity, striking a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
TASTING
​Appearance: Brilliant straw yellow with golden highlights, presenting a luminous and inviting hue.
Aroma: The nose is greeted with enticing aromas of ripe pineapple, juicy peach, and citrus blossom, accompanied by subtle hints of vanilla and toasted oak.
Palate: On the palate, flavors of tropical fruit, including pineapple and mango, mingle with notes of ripe pear and lemon zest. The wine's creamy texture is complemented by a touch of butterscotch and from oak aging. Medium to full-bodied with a rich and velvety mouthfeel, balanced by vibrant acidity that adds freshness and brightness to the wine.
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FOOD & WINE
Enjoy with creamy pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo or seafood linguine. The wine's creamy texture and subtle oak nuances complement the richness of the pasta sauce.Serve alongside lemon herb roast pork loin for a savory pairing. The wine's tropical fruit flavors and creamy texture complement the succulent flavors of the pork. Pair with butternut squash risotto for a delicious vegetarian option. The wine's creamy texture and tropical fruit notes complement the sweetness of the squash and the richness of the risotto.
PINOT NOIR
Influence
W.O. HEMEL EN AARDE RIDGE
CLIMATE: The climate of the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge is characterized by its maritime influence, which plays a significant role in shaping the unique terroir of this region. Located near the southern coast of South Africa, the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge experiences cool ocean breezes that sweep inland from Walker Bay, mitigating temperatures during the warm summer months. This maritime influence results in moderate temperatures throughout the growing season, with cooler daytime highs and relatively mild nighttime lows. These conditions promote a long, slow ripening period for the grapes, allowing for optimal flavor development and retention of natural acidity. Additionally, the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge benefits from its elevated position, which exposes the vineyards to cooling winds and helps to minimize the risk of frost damage. The combination of cool maritime breezes, moderate temperatures, and well-drained soils rich in clay and shale contributes to the production of elegant, expressive wines with bright acidity, pronounced fruit flavors, and a distinct sense of place.
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​VINEYARD:
The grapes for this wine are carefully selected from a singular vineyard, renowned for its exceptional terroir. The soil composition of this vineyard is characterized by a blend of clay-rich soil, interspersed with shale and decomposed granite. These soils offer excellent drainage and are abundant in nutrients, providing an optimal environment for vine growth and grape development.
The clay-rich soils possess remarkable water retention capabilities, ensuring that the vines receive adequate moisture even during drier periods. This consistent access to water sustains vine health and facilitates uniform grape ripening throughout the growing season. Moreover, the presence of shale and granite in the soil imparts a distinctive mineral character to the wines, adding subtle complexities and enriching the overall flavor profile.
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CELLAR: We hand-harvest the grapes and delicately crush them, maintaining precise control throughout the winemaking process. After a two-week maceration period, we gently press the grapes before allowing the wine to mature in French oak barrels. It's during this aging process that the wine develops its depth and intensity, resulting in a seamless fusion of flavors and textures.
TASTING
​Appearance:It presents a captivating ruby-red hue, with hints of garnet at the edges, suggesting maturity and depth.
Aroma: On the nose, delicate aromas of ripe red berries, such as cherry and raspberry, intertwine with subtle floral notes of violet and rose petal. Layers of earthy undertones, reminiscent of forest floor and damp soil, add complexity to the bouquet.
Palate: The palate reveals a harmonious balance between fruit and structure. Silky smooth tannins gently caress the tongue, while vibrant acidity provides freshness and lift. Flavors of cherry and raspberry dominate, accompanied by nuances of cranberry and pomegranate. The finish is long and lingering, with a touch of spice and a hint of savory herbs, leaving a lasting impression.
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FOOD & WINE
The hearty flavors of beef bourguignon complement the robust structure of the Pinot Noir, creating a satisfying and comforting pairing. Seared Tuna: The light yet flavorful seared tuna contrasts beautifully with the depth and complexity of the Pinot Noir, offering a delightful combination of tastes and textures.