Snooth Talk: South African Wines:

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Wine Talk

: South African Wines:; Posted by Tariro, Mar 27.; The future of wine lies in sharing information amongst winos around the world. I am not a good writer by a mile but I want to give you some insight into the South African wine industry.

Firstly this year, 2009, we'll be celebrating 350 years of making wine in this country - so much for "New world wines" as we're well known.

I am winemaker at Nederburg Winery (since 2005) in Paarl, near Cape Town. Our cellar crushes 21 000 tonnes of grapes every vintage and I am responsible for making white and rose wine, about 8 000 tonnes.

I am from Zimbabwe originally and I came to South Africa in 1999 to study winemakig and 10 years later I can truly say I have my dream job - enough said!

2476 1726: Reply by Gregory Dal Piaz, Mar 27.; Welcome to Snooth Tariro!

I am a big fan of South African wines and am thrilled to have you here joining us.

Can I ask you how the vintage is going this year?

There will be lots of questions, I am sure.

I still have bottle of the 1978 Cabernet kicking around somewhere. Predating you by a bit. Have you had the chance to try it?

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Mar 27.; Harvest day 43. It has been a very long harvest this year but there's a lot to celebrate about. maybe a little too early to say but am willing to put my head on the bloc and say 2009 has been one of the best vintages we've had in the Cape for a long time.

Some experts are already comparing the vintage to 1998.

Early season was characterised by good acids, low pH and lower sugars with good ripeness. The indication early on was for greater things to come.

We continued to have relatively cooler days with cooler nights - ideal for optimum ripeness. The red grapes were coming into the cellar with excellent colour and good fruit. The white grapes, especially Sauvignon blanc had beautiful aromas.

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Mar 27.; Hi Greg

"78 is a Gem, made by Gunter Brozel! Good luck when you decide to open it some day.

The vintage has been very good. I am finished with most grapes and started with the Noble late harvest yesterday. Lots of botrytis I must say.

2476 1726: Reply by Gregory Dal Piaz, Mar 27.; Tariro, have you been keeping a harvest journal? That first post looks a lot like a journal entry. If you do have such a thing I would love to read it and it would make a great blog post which I would be happy to post here on Snooth's blog.

Just an idea!

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Mar 27.; An amateur one yes - it's one thing that kept me sane besides tasting the ferments.

Until now I have been writing the journal for my friends but am happy to share it.

I must say I am enjoying my time on Snooth - very informative and open.

2476 1726: Reply by Gregory Dal Piaz, Mar 27.; I am very glad to hear that! We are trying to build some place where everyone can come, learn, and share their love for wine.

If you wouldn't mind you can email me the journal at Gregory@snooth.com and I would be happy to format it for our blog. I am working with a few producers here and in Italy hoping to have their vintage updates and harvest journals added to the Snooth blog as their seasons get going in earnest. Yours would be our inaugural edition!

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Mar 27.; Sounds great! Thanks!

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Mar 27.; Started to rain in Paarl and surrounding winelands - first autumn rain bringing much relief.

As for the grapes this is good news for botrytis. I have always wondered how many people drink sweet desert wine with their cheese cakes, pudding etc.

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Mar 27.; Started to rain in Paarl and surrounding winelands - first autumn rain bringing much relief.

As for the grapes it's good news for botrytis.

I have always wonderedhow many people would drink sweet desert wine with their cheese cake, chocolate, pudding etc?

527 1233: Reply by mark, Mar 27.; The more wines I taste from Paarl the more I am impressed. I really enjoy the character. That reminds me, I should go follow the Paarl group...

http://www.snooth.com/region/south-africa/paarl/

1657 3006: Reply by Philip, Mar 27.; Tariro - welcome to the site! Looking forward to hearing more about the region.

One of the team, Adam Levin, is a big South Africa fan and spent some time there last year.

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Mar 28.; Hi Philip - I feel welcome thanks!

I believe we have some great wines and am looking forward to sharing more info with the members.

Cheers!

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Mar 28.; Saturday today - I have decided to work on one of my favourite varieties grown in this area, Chenin blanc.

Chenin blanc is by far the most planted variety in the country and used to make different styles of table wines and even used as the base for a wide range of fortified wines and spirit.

At Nederburg winery I make 9 different wines with Chenin blanc as varietal or blended:

1. Nederburg Cuvee Brut - Sparkling wine with mostly Chenin

2. Nederburg Foundation Lyric: Blend (56% Sauv blanc, 23% Chenin, 21% chard) Unwooded and very refreshing easy drinking wine.

3. Nederburg Winemasters Grand Cru: 50% Chenin, 50% Colombar

4. Nederburg Winemasters Reserve Chenin blanc: 100% Chenin blanc.
Made from bush vines - 20% wooded in big vats, 80% tank fermented.

5. Nederburg Foundation Stein: 100% Chenin; semi sweet

6. Nederburg Special late harvest: Blend - mostly Chenin + Muscadel and Gewurtz.

7. Nederburg Winemasters Reserve Noble late harvest: Blend - mostly Chenin + Semillon, Riesling, Muscadel

8. Edelkeur: 100% Chenin: Sweet desert wine.

9. Ingenuity white: 10% Chenin blended with 7 other varieties. Best white wine out of Nederburg.

9 225: Reply by fibo86, Mar 28.; Hey Tariro, welcome. I love your wines and have many requests for them in the shop I work at. I'm loving your rose at the moment as we're just leaving summer here in Australia, looking forward to seeking out some (if I can find it) of the 9 you just mentioned.

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Mar 28.; Hi fibo86.

I say rose is the next white!

I am thrilled to know you're loving the wines. I drink that rose with my bacon and eggs in the morning, I love it. We just released a "drier" rose 2 months ago made from 100% Cab sauv, 2008 vintage. Something to look out for.

Well I gotta go back to my Chenin barrels, nice to hear from you.

Cheers!

9 225: Reply by fibo86, Mar 28.; Are you still putting a percentage towards the elephants?
I'm seriously going to try to find your Chenin /anything as I have an interest in just how different they can be from country to country not just region by region.

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Mar 30.; Elephants, ha ha ha, very funny! Tell you what, we hardly make enough for humans.

If you manage to taste one of these Chenins let me know what your impression is.

Cheers!

2476 1726: Reply by Gregory Dal Piaz, Mar 30.; Wow what a Chenin line-up. Wish I could try them. Looks like it's almost time to start planning a South African Snooth adventure!

9 225: Reply by fibo86, Mar 30.; The reason I ask is that you had -(not too sure about now)- a label on the bottle which claimed that a percentage of your profits go to an elephant sanctuary but by the look of "not even enough for humans" I guess it was a marketing ploy. What a shame.
Oh oh and don't worry if I find a Chenin I'll let you know what I think.

385 789: Reply by HondaJohn, Mar 31.; @Greg ... the South African wine adventure sounds like a good idea. I got to spend a day in Stellenbosch and really enjoyed it. I wish I had more time though.

@Tariro ... other than your own winery, who would recommend trying. I'm partial to Warwick.

15 10: Reply by wineluv, Apr 1.; South African wines! I tried a "Steen" from Coastal Region before, but I'm very new to SA wines. I'm very much interested in trying wine #3 (50% chenin/50% colombard) among others you listed above. Welcome to Snooth! I'm fairly new too, can't wait to hear more from you about SA wines!!

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Apr 3.; Hello everyone!!! It feels great to be back on Snooth. Man have I been soo busy with tastings after tastings. I had to make the first white blend of the year, guess for which market? America!! Yes America all for you.

The first blend of the year every year for the past 3 years is a Nederburg Foundation Lyric, and that's shipped to the States. So big-up guys over there!

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Apr 3.; I know it's a couple of questions I received in the few days I have been away and I'll answer all of them.

Fibo86
You had a question about giving proceeds to the elephants, which I probably sounded rude saying we don't even make enough for humans. It's a custom in African tradition that when you brew beer (or wine in this case) you have to pour some to the ground before you take a sip to appease the ancestors. Now ancestors are often represented by an animal, which can be an elephant, lion or even fish (called a totem), which led me to thinking you were making a joke about that but we hardly do that anymore.

I hope I didn't offend you to say the least. We are however invloved in a number of conservation initiatives directly or through our agents around the world. In South Africa we are very much active in securing funds for mothers with HIV and Hospice groups.

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Apr 3.; HondaJohn
Hi mate - sounds Austrilian,doesn't it?! I have respect for Austrilian winemakers by the way.

Steen is another name for Chenin blanc in South Africa, for those who didn't know. Costal region by far is the best area for growing grapes and it refers to all the areas/districts close to the sea.

Stellenbosch is definitely a prime area fro mostly reds ( Cab sauv, Merlot and Pinotage).

I love warwick wines! This family run winery is doing something right, let me tell you that.

My favourite wines from their stable include:

1. Trilogy (Bodeaux blend)
2. The First lady (Cab/ merlot)
3. Three Cape Ladies ( Cape blend)

Other vry good Stellenbosch wineries include:

Ernie Els
Kanonkop
Meerlust
Tokara

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Apr 3.; Wineluv

I would be happy to send you a bottle of the Chenin/Colombar blend. It's very refreshing!

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Apr 3.; Overview of the South African wine industry:

World's 9th largest wine producer, +-840million litres, 3% of global production.

481 private cellars, 59 co-operatives, 20 producing wholesalers.

Chenin blanc is most planted variety.

Per-capita consumption is 7.43L compare with France which is over 50L!

385 789: Reply by HondaJohn, Apr 3.; @Tariro ... thanks for following up on all the questions. Since your such a great ambassador of South African wine, maybe you should look into being the curator of the South Africa Wine page here on Snooth. I'm sure that Philip or Greg will hit you up for that! I'm the curator of the Sonoma and Sonoma Valley pages.

84 22: Reply by shot2pieces, Apr 4.; Hi Tariro & welcome :) How about Ayama wineries? Had the pleasure to try their chenin 2006, surprisingly nice.

Sad news regarding Nederburg and Poland - apparently most of the stock will disappear, as Distell chose a new local distributor who will cancel Obikwa and Nederburg...

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Apr 18.; I had the most hectic 2 weeks of the year so far putting together blend after blend for vintage 2009.

I am excited about the wines I'll be putting out there this year. I can't wait for you guys to taste them.

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Apr 18.; As always I just want to go back to a few questions posted previoulsy and get you guys up to speed.

Shot2pieces: You enquired about Ayama winery.
It's a relatively mid-size winery (in South African terms) establised 2004 and Chenin blanc is definitely one of the wines they do better. They also make Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc (whites) and Cab sauv, Merlot, Pinotage, Shiraz and a Shiraz-Pinotage blend (reds).

About Distell choosing a new local distributor in Poland you are right! As for Nederburg in Poland, you needn’t have any fears. A change of distributor always lead to some disruption and disquiet in the market. However, we are very much back in business as we have been very fortunate to secure the backing of a very strong alley, KPW - a brand new company set up by Kompania Piwowarska (SAB Miller) and run by the very excellent Piotr. KP SAB Miller is the biggest drinks distributor in Poland giving us unrivalled access to the entire market.

Of course, it is always sad to say goodbye to long-established partners - PPS Polmos had worked with our brands for a decade or more - and Piotr tried very hard to get a deal with PPS Polmos to keep them involved - sadly without luck. Despite this, I must admit that I am extremely excited about our future in Poland and the work Piotr is doing.

Feel free to drop me mail if you have any further questions.

Cheers!

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Apr 18.; Thanks HondaJohn about the ambassador comment

There are thousands of different wines across the world, each wine with a unique story and soul and I can't think of a better way to share some of that than this.

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Apr 18.; Back to my blending...........

With all the Sauvignon blanc in the cellar finished fermenting I put on my apron and got to some serious "fun." And you probably thought only Chefs look cool in aprons.

With a great vintage almost behind us ( I still have grapes for Noble to come heh!) my task was to create Nederburg Sauv blancs for for 2009.

I created the following amazing line up:

1. Nederburg Private Bin D234 Sauv blanc 2009 (Auction wine)
Grape from a vineyard in Darling characterised by strong pyrizine and herbaceuos notes.

2. Nederburg Private Bin D215 Sauv blanc 2009 (Auction wine)
Grapes from a vineyard in Durbanville, characterised by strong tropical fruit (passion fruit and granadilla).

3. Nederburg Manor House Sauvignon blanc 2009. (available in retail shops).
Selection of specific vineyards from Darling, Durbanville and Stellenbosch giving greater complexity and makes an excellent fine dining Sauvignon blanc.

4. Nederburg FIFA 2010 Sauvignon blanc 2009.
If I hadn't said it now you know. Nederburg wines is the official wine supplier for the 2010 soccer World Cup.... more about that later.

5. Nederburg Winemaster Reserve Sauvignon blanc 2009.
Cool climate vineyards from coastal areas. By far the most verastile in the line up in that it can be used for fine dining or everyday drinking. Very expressive Sauvignon blanc characters.

6. Nederburg Foundation Sauvignon blanc 2009
A style best suited for picnics and everyday drinking. An excellent wine in that it focuses more on fruit expression than on palate weight making it a pefrect companion for lighter meals.

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Apr 18.; ..by the way it was my birthday 4 April and I went for dinner with friends to Gordon Ramsey's restaurant, Maze, which opened the night before.

What an experinece we had.. the wine list outshines any I have seen before in this country. As for the price of wine - imported wines were beyond my reach.

I had pleasure in drinking The Graham Back Brut NV and The Brampton Shiraz 2006.

2476 1726: Reply by Gregory Dal Piaz, Apr 20.; Happy belated birthday!

The line-up of Sauv blancs sounds incredible!

I wish I could be with you trying them as you perfect each bottling.

9 225: Reply by fibo86, Apr 20.; Hey Tariro, didn't think you were rude. Plus you answered my question. I really like your tradition as I'm part Maori, I definitely understand the totem and ritual.
Happy birthday Tariro (belated).
Wow, not only a line up of the Chenin now the Sauvignon Wish we got more of your wines here.

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Jun 17.; Man, do I feel like a stranger here! It has been ages and NO it's not funny! I missed every bit about sharing wine staff with you guys and gals improving my english skills (hopefully?) in the process.

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Jun 17.; So what's new? I stopped counting which new vintage wines I released lately but be assured they are good, very good.

My favourite - Nederburg Manor House Sauvignon blanc 2009
Nederburg ingenuity white 2008

And if you haven't heard here is some very exciting staff:

We won most successfull producer in SAfrica at Old Mutual Trophy Show 2009, a repeat of 2008. http://www.winemag.co.za/page/trophy-wine-show

We also won Syrah du Monde 2009 competition with Nederburg Private Bin R121 Shiraz 2006. http://www.syrah-du-monde.com/

Great staff heh?!!!!!

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Jun 17.; Before I forget I will be heading to Canada for a series of wine tastings with the trade and consumers etc.

Very much looking forward to that.

I forgot to mention SOCCER, did I? Yes, sorry. The CONFED cup is happening. We (SAfrica) lost the opening match against Iraq! Sharks!!@@ Nothing against Iraq though.

Spain is looking great, must say!

1657 3006: Reply by Philip, Jun 17.; Where in Canada are you going to be?

2476 1726: Reply by Gregory Dal Piaz, Jun 17.; Congrats on the awards. I really would love to taste your wines. Who is your US importer these days?

Parts of Canada are very close to New York, if you have any free time....

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Jul 3.; Hi guys

I will be in Canada from 6th to 19 Sept this year. Don't have all the travelling details yet but will let you know in due course.

Our importer in the States:
Dreyfus Ashby Inc
Cathy Lischak
630 Third Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, 10017
Tel: +1 212 818 0770
Fax: +1 212 953 2366
E-mail: C.Lischak@dreyfusashby.com

Cheers!!

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Jul 3.; I had an interesting tasting of Gewurtraminer last night in Malmesbury, some 40km from Paarl. I'm loving the cultivar and think I'll bottle some from this vintage - looking great.

We tried Simonsig Gewurz Special late harvest 2008 and 2009 - good but not exceptional.
Paul Cluver Gewurz 2008 - very steely, good acidity - good aging potential.
Delheim Gewurz 2008 - a bit disappointing for me!
Weltevrede Gewurz 2007 - highre alcohol, 14%

It was a pleasure to meet up with the guys in Malmesbury and they appreciated me being there.

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Jul 6.; After nearly two weeks of NO rain I'm a little concerned. The skies are covered again with clouds and it looks like the rain will pour any day soon....

What a spoting weekend we had.

Congrats to Federer for breaking the records.

Good luck Lance!!!!

84 22: Reply by shot2pieces, Jul 11.; I'm not a frequent reader of the forums, so I missed your come back :) Thank you for the extended answer to my Ayama/Nederburg distributor question. I'll keep an eye on Nederburg in my fav stores then! All the best!

0 1: Reply by Debra Ann, Jul 23.; I will be visiting South Africa in August and would love some ideas, insight... help! I don't know the South African wines and I want to spend my time in the Winelands getting to know the best is has to offer rather than bouncing from one winery to the next without a plan.

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Aug 25.; Hi "guys"

I received some great news from the International Wine Challenge. Nederburg Noble late harvest 2008 got the International trophy and South African trophy for Best Noble Late Harvest in the World.

It's now entered for the Champion Sweet Wine of the Show. Wish me luck!!

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Aug 25.; I'm busy this week tasting and selecting wines for our National Airline, South African Airways. I went through 150 wines yesterday to choose wines bottled in 187ml and served in economy class, more like what I'll be drinking.

It's a good initiative from our career that they run an industry competition like most other shows and then select the winning wines to be served on both domestic and international flights.

So one way of tasting top South African wines is to fly SAA. The competition runs every year and I've been on the panel 4th time now.

1 30: Reply by Tariro, Aug 25.; Just finished tasting for the day! Had some very good Chardonnays from 2007 and 2008 vintage. Very disappointed with the Merlot. Makes me wonder if we are trying too had to make Merlot -too much wood and not enough fruit.

Tasted 5 Pinot Niors - wow! What a blast! White blends - wow again!

Finished off with 9 Ports - never disappoints!