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Dear
reader
Vivien Harpur from Herold Wines sent me an e-mail: “The drive up the Montagu Pass from George to Herold is exceptionally beautiful with restios and proteas celebrating the return of winter and rain to the Outeniquas. The log fire in the cellar at Herold Wines is doing double duty, keeping the visitors cosy and helping warm up the slowly fermenting Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, last of our harvest which came in during the first week in May.”
This sums up the season we are entering. Winter is creeping up and the red wines are resting, slowly turning mellow and full-flavoured over the next few months, surprising us once again when tasted at the end of the long wait ... |
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De Krans Wines has done well with the Port tastings at The Wine Magazine. Their Vintage Reserve Port 2006 was awarded 4˝ stars and voted best Port. The De Krans Vintage Reserve Port 2007 and the De Krans Tawny Port were awarded 4 stars each.
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Wine and Art in harmony. Kango Wines and the art gallery “ArtKaroo”
in Oudtshoorn have recently launched a competition to design a
label for the new Blanc de Noir from Kango. The winner was Judy Bumstead with her Art Nouveaux theme – sensual lines and soft colours to compliment the colour of the wine.
The colour of Blanc de Noir wines
is usually light pink or apricot and the
wine is made by skin contact of the juice
for a limited time to achieve a light
colour. The juice is then treated as a white
wine, resulting in elegant and refreshing
wine. Berry flavours with a creamy texture
contribute to the character of the wine.
The Kango Sensuality was made from Cabernet
Sauvignon grapes in the region of De Rust
and is aromatic and fruity. This wine is
made to be drunk now. |
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One of the best kept secrets in the Klein Karoo is Excelsior Winery on Vlakteplaas, approximately 55 km from Oudtshoorn, as you drive along the Willomore road northwards. For 150 years the farm has been in the Schoeman family and grapes are being farmed here since 1930. This proud tradition has been maintained by Danie Schoeman, who still today produces a variety of wines especially Muscadel, in the original cellar.
The good quality of the wines
is owing to the calcium-rich soil and the fresh mountain water from the Swartberg mountains, while the warm, dry climate of the Klein Karoo enhances the growth of healthy full-ripe grapes.
The award winning white and red
Muscadel are branded locally as “His
Master’s Choice.” To get hold of
some, contact Danie 044 – 241 2568
or
jjschoeman@telkomsa.net.
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Kango Wijnhuis in Oudtshoorn serves muffins and scones daily with tea and coffee.
List of events for May:
May, 12:
Senior citizens day 10% discount on purchases.
May, 29:
Senior citizens day with cheese platter and glass of wine for
only R30 per person.
A tour for senior citizens through the tobacco storeroom, showcasing the processing of the tobacco, is organised for this month.
For more information, contact Ronelle at the Kango Wijnhuis at 044 – 272 6065 or
wynhuis@kangowines.com.
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Meet the tasting room personnel. Nita Bailey was approached recently to handle the marketing and distribution strategies at Calitzdorp Wine Cellar. She is also the face behind the planning of the recent Calitzdorp Port and Wine Festival.
Her favourite wine from the cellar:
A Calitzdorp Port, naturally! Especially in the winter.
Fact about Nita you probably did not know:
She and her husband, Tony, run a boutique line of olive products.
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Yours Sincerely
Ellen Marais
KLEIN KAROO WINE ROUTE
Tel: 028 572 1284
Email:
info@kleinkaroowines.co.za
Website:
www.kleinkaroowines.co.za |
