South Africa has a number of exciting and delicious wines. We go there once a year and we have our favourite wine estates that we return to every year. But we always make new discoveries as well. One discovery from this year’s trip in February was the Oldenburg Vineyards. The visit was very memorable. This was, of course, thanks in part to the high quality wines but also the amazing hilly landscape surrounding the winery.
The current owner Adrian Vanderspuy bought Oldenburg in 2003 and did a complete renovation. Now, they use only their own grapes, yields are kept low, irrigation is done only if it is necessary. “We are often in the vineyard so we notice the needs of the vines,” says winemaker Philip Constadius. “Drought is always an issue in summer but we have a cool terroir here, without excessive heat.”
South Africa is somewhere between the old and the new world, says Philip. And it shows in this beautiful Syrah wine that has a certain French style character but with a very generous fruit. There is hints of black pepper and the oak flavours are discreet. Serve with tasty meat dishes or strong cheeses. Approx. 14 euros. More info oldenburgvineyards.com
Join us on our South Africa wine tour at the end of February!
Here below is a video with the winemaker Philip Costandius talking about his Syrah.
Here is another video with Philip Costandius, winemaker at Oldenburg, talking about his Cabernet Franc.
Here is another video with Philip Costandius, winemaker at Oldenburg, talking about his Cabernet Sauvignon.
