Tag Archives for south africa
Episode 40 – Paul Cluver – Elgin, South Africa, how a wine region is born
In this episode, I was talking to Father and son team of Paul Cluver Senior and Junior about their Elgin vineyards and wines. It is a fascinating account filled with brave and visionary decisions and visions. Planting a vineyard against all professional advice, in times when South African wines were not exported in any volume and when there was no other vineyard planted anywhere in the valley.
We chatted about the early years, planting and trying hard to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot despite the cool climate, aiming to make a Bordeaux blend, and how finally, after advice from Paul Pontallier of Chateau Margaux, deciding to abandon those and realising the region’s potential of world class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
You can also hear them describe their wines, from the village series, to the Estate range to the flagship label of Seven flags, now considered amongst South Africa’s best Pinot and Chardonnay.
Sustainability, climate change, growing tomatoes and figs also featured.
Episode 38 – Pinot Noir in South Africa’s cool regions Elgin v Hemel-en-Aarde Zoom Meeting
In this live webinar, Cathy Van Zyl MW and I hosted Hannes Storm (Storm Wines) and Richard Kershaw MW (Richard Kershaw Wines) for a comprehensive discussion about the Pinot Noir wines of Elgin and Hemel-en-Aarde in South Africa.
We heard from them about the unique terroir in each zone, their choices of vineyard sites, clones, rootstock as well as the challenges, such as disease and pests (watch out for the Baboons!)
You can hear Hannes and Richard describing their wines, with in-depth analysis and explanation as to how each component of the Terroir translate to the final result in your glass.
For Pinot Noir lovers and especially for seekers of new and exciting regions, this episode is a must!
The presentation can also be viewed on our youtube channel, which you can access via www.inthevineyardwith.com under the Video section, where you can also find Richard Kershaw’s presentation.
Pinot Noir in South Africa’s Cool Regions Zoom Meeting
Zoom meeting about Pinot Noir in South Africa’s Cool Regions, Elgin v Hemel-en-Aarde – Hosted by Cathy Van Zyl MW and Moshe Cohen.
In the vineyard with Moshe Cohen – Pinot Noir in Elgin Presentation by Richard Kershaw MW
Richard Kershaw MW wines of Elgin in South Africa presentation, as featured on our Pinot Noir in South Africa’s Cool Regions Zoom video and podcast.
Cap Classique – South Africa’s Shining Star with Cathy Van Zyl MW Zoom Video
It’s the perfect weather for a chilled bottle of something fizzy. In my glass, a delicious Methode Cap Classique (MCC) Rose from Paul René in Robertson, South Africa.
To many of us MCC is a relative newcomer on the ever-growing traditional sparkling scene but next year South Africa will celebrate 50 years since its creation.
Unable to use the term Method Champenoise (or any mention of the Champagne region), the South African growers who drew inspiration from the French region came up with the ‘Classic Cape Methode’ or in French, Methode Cap Classic. The pioneering credit goes to the Simonsig Estate.
Episode 20 – Viruses and other villains in the vineyards with Prof. Gerhard Pietersen and Aidan Morton
The Leafroll virus is a global issue and a hot topic amongst winemakers and Viticulturalists all over the world.
In this discussion, my Co-Host, Cathy Van Zyl MW and myself, hosted Professor Gerhard Pietersen from the Stellenbosch University and Aidan Morton from The Takora Wine Estate for an informative, up to date seminar about the topic. Other notable professionals that joined us in an open conversation and added from their experience were Alastair Rimmer (Kleine Zalze), Rosa Kruger (The Old Vine Project), Ido Lewinson (Barkan- Israel), to name but a few.
Viruses and other villains in the vineyards Zoom Video
The Leafroll virus is a global issue and a hot topic amongst winemakers and Viticulturalists all over the world.
In this discussion, my Co-Host, Cathy Van Zyl MW and myself, hosted Professor Gerhard Pietersen from the Stellenbosch University and Aidan Morton from The Takora Wine Estate for an informative, up to date seminar about the topic. Other notable professionals that joined us in an open conversation and added from their experience were Alastair Rimmer (Kleine Zalze), Rosa Kruger (The Old Vine Project), Ido Lewinson (Barkan- Israel), to name but a few.
Episode 19 – Chenin Blanc tour of South Africa with Ken Forrester and Andrea Mullineux
Listen to Cathy Van Zyl MW and Me in conversation with two of South Africa’s most respected winemakers. The charismatic “King of Chenin” Ken Forrester and one of Swartland’s biggest ambassadors, Andrea Mullineux. Comparing Chenin from their regions, the terroir characteristics, preferences in the vineyard and in the winery.
This is a first in a series of conversations with Cathy and myself, covering the major regions of this stunning country. On our tour, we will chat to truly inspiring winemakers.
Subscribe to be notified of the next live session.
Chenin Blanc tour of South Africa with Ken Forrester and Andrea Mullineux Zoom Video
Listen to Cathy Van Zyl MW and Me in conversation with two of South Africa’s most respected winemakers. The charismatic “King of Chenin” Ken Forrester and one of Swartland’s biggest ambassadors, Andrea Mullineux. Comparing Chenin from their regions, the terroir characteristics, preferences in the vineyard and in the winery.
This is a first in a series of conversations with Cathy and myself, covering the major regions of this stunning country. On our tour, we will chat to truly inspiring winemakers.
Subscribe to be notified of the next live session.
