Wine from Swartland Region
The Swartland Region is about Cape Town in South Africa, and is 31 miles north of Cape Town. Translated to English, Swart means, “Black.” After it rains in the cape in the winter, the Renoster Bos looks dark from a distance and was first called, “Het Zaarte Land,” by the town’s founder, Jan van Riebeeck. The darkness comes from the leaf-hairs that adhere to the leaves in the area when wet.
Wine has been produced in Swartland for centuries, but it was not until the 1980’s that the region began to grow in complexity and importance. The wide fertile plain in Swartland is literally the breadbasket of the region with wheat fields, citrus, vegetables, and vineyards reaching to the base of the mountains.
Viticulture is new in the area and is practiced under dry land conditions with very little irrigation. The under soil is gravel, which promotes good drainage and moisture retention. The Swartland Region has a Mediterranean climate and is ideally suited for the bush vine style of grapes with warm summers and cool winters. The cool southwesterly breezes from the Atlantic coast balance the climate perfectly. With so many microclimates in the region, growers are able to plant a wide variety of vines, producing excellent reds, whites, and roses.
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Babylons Peak Chenin Blanc is made from 100 percent Chenin Blanc.
Babylon's Peak winery, situated on the highest weathered granite slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain, is privately owned by the Basson family who has passed down the tradition, passion and art of winemaking over four generations. Predominantly low-yield dryland bushvines are selected to produce these excellent wines with distinctive character.
The Chenin Blanc grapes were picked from very old dryland bushvine vineyards. The vineyard grows on weathered granite soils, contributing to the flavor of the grapes and mineral character of the wine. Production is limited to 5 tons/ha.
The grapes were harvest by hand at 22.1°B. The grapes were destalked and lightly crushed. Only the first 450 litres free-run juice per ton were fermented in stainless steel tanks at a cold temperature (10-12°C) for 21 days. The wines was left on the fermentation lees until bottling.
A crisp, fresh and fruity Chenin Blanc from low-yield dryland bushvines.
Pairs with salads, seafood, chicken and other light dishes. The perfect wine for every occasion.
Babylons Peak Paardeberg Shiraz is made from 100 percent Shiraz.
Babylon's Peak winery, situated on the highest weathered granite slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain, is privately owned by the Basson family who has passed down the tradition, passion and art of winemaking over four generations. Predominantly low-yield dryland bushvines are selected to produce these excellent wines with distinctive character.
A classic Shiraz with dark fruit, violets and white pepper. An elegant wine with ripe tannins and a lingering aftertaste.
The grapes were harvested by hand. The grapes were destalked only, no crushing was done. Cold maceration was done before fermentation started in open fermenters. The grapes fermented between 24-26°C for 5-7 days, after which the wine was taken to barrels where it went through malolactic fermentation. After malolactic fermentation was completed, the wine spent 14 months in 225 litre French oak barrels until bottling.
Pairs with rich and creamy meat dishes eg. oxtail and venison.
Review:
"The Shiraz is our favorite of the Babylon Peak portfolio. It offers nice purity of black fruit with a licorice note on the nose and flavors of blackberry, mocha, and a touch of dried fruit. It’s softly textured with good supporting acidity and has an attractive cracked pepper spice note. Fermented with some viognier skins and matured 12-14 months in oak barrels. - Don Winkler" - i-winereview.com (The Wines of Babylon’s Peak in South Africa’s Swartland, September 30th 2019), 91 pts
Babylons Peak Pinotage is made from 100 percent Pinotage.
Babylon's Peak winery, situated on the highest weathered granite slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain, is privately owned by the Basson family who has passed down the tradition, passion and art of winemaking over four generations. Predominantly low-yield dryland bushvines are selected to produce these excellent wines with distinctive character.
Dark red color, with ripe plums and mocha on the nose. Dark fruit followed by spice on the palate. A well balanced wine with smooth integrated tannins.
The Pinotage is dryland bushvines, planted on the highest south-east facing granite slopes on the farm. Due to its unique terroir, this vineyard ripens slowly over a very long period. This results in very dark color, soft tannins and good flavor compounds. The baboons normally harvest their quantity first and we pick the rest.
The grapes were harvested by hand at 25,6°B.and destalked only. No crushing was done. Cold maceration was done before fermentation started in open fermenters. The grapes fermented between 24-26°C for 5-7 days, after which the wine was taken to barrels where it went through malolactic fermentation. After malolactic fermentation was completed, the wine spent 12 months in 225 liter French oak barrels until bottling.
Pairs with lamb, bobotie and braaied red meat.
Babylons Peak Viognier-Roussanne is made from 60/40 blend of Viognier and Roussanne
Babylon's Peak winery, situated on the highest weathered granite slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain, is privately owned by the Basson family who has passed down the tradition, passion and art of winemaking over four generations. Predominantly low-yield dryland bushvines are selected to produce these excellent wines with distinctive character.
Complex flavors of flowers, peach, dried pear and apricot with a long, smooth finish on the palate.
Review:
"This 60/40 blend of Viognier and Roussanne offers a perfume of white flowers and a finely focused palate of spice and white stone fruit with just a touch of minerals and white pepper. At the time of tasting, this wine had just been bottled and was for that reasons a bit closed; the 2017 vintage we also tried was richer, more expressive and had a lovely, slippery lanolin mouth feel. - Don Winkler" - i-winereview.com (The Wines of Babylon’s Peak in South Africa’s Swartland, September 30th 2019), 90 pts
Keermont Fleurfontein is made from 60% Sauvignon and 40% Chenin Blanc.
An attractive autumn yellow gold color, powerful apple, lime and melons on the nose with light oak and nut aromas, palate defined by a central core of fresh acidity which balances the sweetness and layers of fruit and rich lease. Drink now through 2020.
All grapes used in producing this wine were grown on Keermont Vineyards. Bottling was carried out by hand without filtration, so if you are lucky you may find a little lees in the bottom of your bottle.
The wine is produced by pinching the stems of the grapes while they hang on the vine. This stops the translocation of fluids into and out of the grapes and allows them to slowly dry out on the vine. The raisins are harvested a few weeks later and the syrupy juice is squeezed from them with a hard pressing process. The syrup ferments in barrel and is left to mature for 12 months. Total production was just one barrel yielding 580 bottles.
Review:
"Light gold. Pure and refined in character, this sweet wine (230 g/L RS) offers a fine, rich perfume that soars from the glass. It shows seductively sweet rich, ripe stone fruit on a creamy palate. Good acidity keeps the wine lively on the finish. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc sweet wine is made by crimping the stem to force dessication, then dried on the vine for 3-4 weeks. It’s aged 18 months in 30-40% new barriques, some of Hungarian origin. 11% alc."
- International Wine Review (January 2019), 93 pts
"From the first sniff on the nose, you can tell that the 2017 Fleurfontein has that "wow factor." Jumping out of the glass, there are aromas of rich and sticky stone fruits, with an essence of dried pineapple and golden raisin plus an intense floral bouquet. The palate is lusciously sweet with a focus on floral and tropical fruit tones. The finish is long and lively with a fresh, clean dried apricot flavor. Yum! This wine was created by twisting the stems of the bunches over a one- to two-month period, destroying the water and nutrient pathways to the grapes so that they shrivel and dry naturally on the vine. 2,400 bottles were made of this sweet and delicious wine. - Anthony Mueller"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #245, October 2019), 93 pts
The Keermont Merlot is crimson to strawberry red in color. The nose opens with aromas of sweet cherries, but evolves into savory clove and forest floor notes. On the palate, the wine has a soft and subtle entry. The tannin structure is dusty and firm, but not overpowering. A fresh line of natural acidity holds the wine together from the initial flavors of red berries and herbal tomato paste through to a dry spicy finish. Drink 2016-2022.
Aged 22 months in French Oak Barrels.
All grapes used in producing our wines are grown on Keermont Vineyards. Most of the vineyard parcels grow on deep red clay rich soil derived from sandstone and granite and are surrounded by indigenous vegetation. They lie between 250 and 400 meters above sea level in the valley between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountain ranges and have a variety of aspects from North East to West facing.
Pair with red meat, pasta and pizza.
The Keermont Merlot is crimson to strawberry red in color. The nose opens with aromas of sweet cherries, but evolves into savory clove and forest floor notes. On the palate, the wine has a soft and subtle entry. The tannin structure is dusty and firm, but not overpowering. A fresh line of natural acidity holds the wine together from the initial flavors of red berries and herbal tomato paste through to a dry spicy finish.
Aged 22 months in French Oak Barrels.
All grapes used in producing our wines are grown on Keermont Vineyards. Most of the vineyard parcels grow on deep red clay rich soil derived from sandstone and granite and are surrounded by indigenous vegetation. They lie between 250 and 400 meters above sea level in the valley between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountain ranges and have a variety of aspects from North East to West facing.
Pair with red meat, pasta and pizza.
A polished light yellow gold color, this wine has a bouquet of citrus blossom with hazelnut, lemon grass and butterscotch undertones. The wine has a soft sweet entry with a racy linear acidity. Ripe citrus and stone fruit flavours evolve into a lovely lingering dry earthy finish. This is a textured white wine with layers of flavour.
"The 2016 Keermont Terrasse underwent a little skin contact and was barrel-fermented in 225- and 500-liter barrels with around 10% new oak for 12 months. It has a fresh bouquet of white peach, honeysuckle and a touch of melted candle wax. The palate is well balanced, considering that Alex Starey said it was the first vintage that endured drought problems (hence the higher percentage of Sauvignon Blanc), offering grass clipping, gooseberry and nettle toward the finish. Very fine. - Neal Martin"
- Vinous (August 28th 2018), 90 pts
"Always a crowd pleaser, the Terrasse shows very appealing white stone fruit, lemon curd and floral scents. Softly textured with good backbone and firm acidity complementing riper stone fruit and citrus flavors. A blend of 39% Chenin Blanc, 34% Sauvignon blanc, 14% Viognier and 13% Chardonnay fermented and aged in used 500L barrels for 12 months. Lees stirred only during fermentation then left to sit on the lees.13% alc."
- International Wine Review (January 2019), 91 pts
A polished light yellow gold color, this wine has a bouquet of citrus blossom with hazelnut, lemon grass and butterscotch undertones. The wine has a soft sweet entry with a racy linear acidity. Ripe citrus and stone fruit flavours evolve into a lovely lingering dry earthy finish. This is a textured white wine with layers of flavour.
"The 2017 White Blend Terrasse is a blend of 53% Chenin Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Blanc and 13% Chardonnay, with the balance a blend of Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. It has a citric nose with a mineral edge that gives aromas of lemon blossoms and white spices. The palate is lively with a rich texture and structured mouthfeel, with a soft, spicy finish that lingers with fresh citrus and good mineral tension. 13,919 bottles were made, which will be released in December of 2019. At this price point, you can purchase a few bottles for your cellar. - Anthony Mueller"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #245, October 2019), 91 pts
Tasting Note: This very aromatic Syrah has hints of black pepper, dark berries and herbs and a bloody, earthy character on the nose. The palate is full-bodied with velvety but structured tannins and a balanced natural acidity. The finish is fresh, long and supple. Best served at 16 to 18 °C, this wine will greatly benefit from decanting when drunk within the first 3 to 5 years after bottling.
Andrea Mullineux told me that their debut 2012 Mullineux Iron Syrah has been the hardest cru to fine-tune over the years. Indeed, it has been trialed since 2005 but never bottled...until now. "We have been working hard to perfect the acidity here and it's been important to get life into the soil, getting the vineyard healthy, so that it can be picked with good acidity. Because it is dry farmed, in a space of three days, it can god from 22 to 26 Brix – so picking decision is critical," she said. It has a subtle marine influence coming through on the nose with macerated black cherries, boysenberry jam and touches of iodine. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, quite grainy tannins, very nicely poised with touches of fig and marmalade towards the slightly saline finish. This is a strong debut to form the trio of Syrah single "terroir" offerings.
Review:
"The 2013 Iron Syrah has a roundness and softness on the nose that almost belies its complexity - red berry fruit, red peppercorns, rooibos and undergrowth scents that are very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin, wonderfully savory and quite gamey, and beautifully balanced with impressive volume and sustain on the finish that you would have difficult distinguishing from a top Côte-Rôtie. This is an excellent Syrah, my only reservation being that there is a touch of heat on the finish. - Neal Martin"
- The Wine Advocate (erobertparker.com, November 2015), 93 pts
"Similar to the Schist Syrah in its weight and meatiness, the Iron Syrah offers a more elegant, immediate appeal. Dark red plum, smoked meat, and savory herbs are seamlessly integrated on a lush, juicy and firmly structured palate, finishing very very long."
- iwinereview.com (January 2016), 95 pts
Dry but fruity with a complex nose of tropical fruit and enhancing biscuit flavours. Crisp acid ensures a fresh, clean and verydrinkable sparkling wine.
Serving suggestion: Well chilled to make any occasion festive.
THE LEGEND
Dispatched by Jan van Riebeek in search of the perfect place to grow provisions for the Dutch East India Company, Pieter Cruythoff stumbled upon a beautiful valley. But it was more than just the scenic beauty of this valley that had caught his eye; situated in the lee of the majestic Kasteelberg, the winters were mild, the summers were hot and the soil was uncommonly fertile. What's more, ships spotted from the lookout point on Kasteelberg were just a day away from Cape Town, and so were the wagons that went to meet them, laden with the treasures of the Riebeek Valley.
TIMELESS JEWELS
While he humbly named the valley after his patron, Jan van Riebeek, we feel it is only fitting that our valley's most coveted treasure should carry the name of its founder. So, in honour of Pieter Cruythoff, this range of fine wine bears his name.
From the vibrant whites to the seductive reds, each one is a gem gently coaxed from the fertile soil of that same magical valley. Ironically, much of the valley's bounty still finds its way to Europe, and in particular to the Netherlands, the land of Cruythoff's birth.
Short Street Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay
Situated at the very heart of South Africa’s Swartland wine region, Short Street is the shortest street in the Riebeek Valley. A melting pot of creative energy, gourmet fare, farm fresh produce and the vibrant, uncomplicated lifestyle of the people, Short Street captures the essence of the Swartland, where passion, creativity and simplicity are distilled into a captivating experience.
Made in a rich, full-bodied, wooded style, this has an intense aroma of ripe apples, lime and pears with hints of tropical fruit, beautifully enhanced by subtle tones of well-integrated oak.
Although upfront and bold, the secret of this wine is in its exceptional balance.
Only free-run juice was settled and was inoculated with selected yeast to ferment in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks between 13-14 degrees Celsius. After fermentation the wine is matured in French oak for 3 – 6 months to integrate flavors and enhance a luxurious mouth-feel.
erve slightly chilled with to rich seafood dishes like scallops or creamy crab chowder.
Short Street Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay
Situated at the very heart of South Africa’s Swartland wine region, Short Street is the shortest street in the Riebeek Valley. A melting pot of creative energy, gourmet fare, farm fresh produce and the vibrant, uncomplicated lifestyle of the people, Short Street captures the essence of the Swartland, where passion, creativity and simplicity are distilled into a captivating experience.
Made in a rich, full-bodied, wooded style, this has an intense aroma of ripe apples, lime and pears with hints of tropical fruit, beautifully enhanced by subtle tones of well-integrated oak.
Although upfront and bold, the secret of this wine is in its exceptional balance.
Only free-run juice was settled and was inoculated with selected yeast to ferment in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks between 13-14 degrees Celsius. After fermentation the wine is matured in French oak for 3 – 6 months to integrate flavors and enhance a luxurious mouth-feel.
erve slightly chilled with to rich seafood dishes like scallops or creamy crab chowder.
Short Street Chenin Blanc is made from 100% Chenin Clanc
Situated at the very heart of South Africa’s Swartland wine region, Short Street is the shortest street in the Riebeek Valley. A melting pot of creative energy, gourmet fare, farm fresh produce and the vibrant, uncomplicated lifestyle of the people, Short Street captures the essence of the Swartland, where passion, creativity and simplicity are distilled into a captivating experience.
Short Street Chenin Blanc is an aromatic and richly textured wine, with intense tropical flavors, typical of Chenin Blanc grown in the Swartland. The palate is a delicate balance of apricots, almonds, citrus and a hint of minerality for a luxurious finish.
To ensure an array of layered fruit flavors, only free run juice was fermented long & slow under cool conditions. After fermentation the wine is matured in French oak for 3 – 6 months.
Served well-chilled, the wine is exceptionally food-friendly, enhancing enjoyment without masking food character. Especially well-suited to decadent spicy food like, aromatic Thai green curry.
Short Street Pinotage is made from 100% Pinotage
Situated at the very heart of South Africa’s Swartland wine region, Short Street is the shortest street in the Riebeek Valley. A melting pot of creative energy, gourmet fare, farm fresh produce and the vibrant, uncomplicated lifestyle of the people, Short Street captures the essence of the Swartland, where passion, creativity and simplicity are distilled into a captivating experience.
Made in a rich, full-bodied, this Pinotage emphasizes the Pinot Noir parentage of this uniquely South African wine. Sustainably crafted from protected old bush-vine Pinotage, it offers abundant fresh cherries, ripe plums and a hint of spice and smoke with a smooth, lingering finish.
To highlight the red fruit of both parents of Pinotage, namely Pinot Noir & Cinsault, fermentation on the skins is slowed by strict temperature control. The extended fermentation period ensures maximum extraction of flavor and color, while working gently with the skins avoids astringent flavors. The wine is aged for 4 - 9 months in French oak for good integration of flavor.
Served at room temperature, this wine is exceptionally food-friendly, enhancing enjoyment without masking food character. Especially suited to Italian dishes and smoked meats.
Short Street Shiraz is made from 100 percent Shiraz
Situated at the very heart of South Africa’s Swartland wine region, Short Street is the shortest street in the Riebeek Valley. A melting pot of creative energy, gourmet fare, farm fresh produce and the vibrant, uncomplicated lifestyle of the people, Short Street captures the essence of the Swartland, where passion, creativity and simplicity are distilled into a captivating experience.
Made in a rich, full-bodied, this Shiraz is a rich and lively, full-bodied wine with a subdued smokiness on the nose and a palate of ripe red berries and interesting spice. Well-balanced and smooth, the aftertaste lingers with the exciting flavors of chocolate and spice.
Grape must is cold soaked for a day and then inoculated with selected yeast. Fermentation is temperature between 24-26 degrees Celsius. Regular pump-overs enhance color and flavor extraction. The wine is aged for 4 - 9 months in French oak for good integration of flavor and a smooth finish.
Serve at room temperature as a glass on it’s own or pairs beautifully with bold, full-flavored foods like roasted duck, lamb and game meat.
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Bright and light golden-yellow in color. Exotic and sweet vanilla bean aromatics backed by pear and kiwi with a slight orange peel. The palate resonates with texture and depth as stone minerality and cream brioche to match. Flavors of roasted plantains, gravenstein apple, and lemon zest frame the wine for a long yet soft finish.
Planted in the early 90’s, this is the coolest vineyard site in the Russian River Valley, located at Lee Martinelli Sr.’s home ranch in Forestville, CA. After riding around with Lee in his pick-up truck when we visited his Woolsey Road, Zio Tony, and River Road Vineyards, he decided to take me to this gem. He kept this particular vineyard in his back pocket until we hit it off. We did, and I think you’ll enjoy the ride as well.
Review:
Elusively crisp and inviting on the nose, this is a thickly intriguing wine, floral in orange blossom and fresh apple. Structured and lengthy, it retains a tangy acidity and structured finish, the grapes sourced from a dry-farmed vineyard. - Wine Enthusiast 92 Points
Alain Jaume Ventoux Les Gelinottes is made from 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah
The colour is intense, purple-tinged garnet. The aromatic range of the nose goes from fresh berries to black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry). The palate is full-flavoured, with very soft tannins and aromas of the fruit already mentioned. This is a gorgeous style of wine, fruity driven, for every day drinking...anytime !
Soil types
The wine is produced from hilly vineyards that are mainly planted on sandy and clay soils. They are located on the East side of the Rhone valley, in the Vaucluse area. Welcome to the foothills of the well known “Mont Ventoux” Mountain.
Winemaking and aging
Stainless steel fermentaion at cool temperature to preserve the fruits and typicity. Bottling 8 months after the harvest.
Goes well with quite a lot of food such as Pizza, Pasta, hamburger, mild cheese or even on its own.
