Make a planet-friendly start to 2018 by sipping a wine from these organic and biodynamic producers
Ask any winemaker what makes their wines great and chances are they’ll describe in loving detail the terroir of the vineyard and how the unique character of the wine is intrinsically linked to the soil, site and topography that the vines call home. With minimal intervention in either vineyard or cellar, these three organic and biodynamic wines are a wonderful reflection of their terroir and an intriguing introduction to the world of planet-friendly pours.
Reyneke Wines, Biodynamic Syrah 2015
“Quality with integrity” is the mantra of this family-run estate in the Polkadraai Hills outside Stellenbosch, and it certainly shines through in this superb Syrah. The grapes are handpicked and part of the wine is foot-crushed and fermented as whole bunches. The wine was fermented using the wild yeasts on the skins and matured for 16 months in oak before bottling. With a vibrant palate of spice and red fruit, this wine will only get better over the next four years.
Avondale, Anima 2015
One of the leading biodynamic producers, Avondale’s flagship Chenin Blanc is blended from more than a dozen different vineyards across this Paarl estate, with each parcel harvested by hand and vinified separately using only wild yeasts.
“We put so much effort into the vineyards, it simply doesn’t make sense to manipulate that in the cellar. We’d rather just nurture what the vineyards have provided and let the grapes be the star of the show.”
And they certainly are in this delicious Chenin. With a wonderful balance between minerality and bright fruit, it’s a perfect bottle for pairing with late-summer lunches.
Waterkloof, Seriously Cool Cinsault 2016
“Honest wines” is the promise of Nadia Barnard, winemaker, Waterkloof – wines that express the cool ocean-facing slopes of this Helderberg estate. One of the best examples is the Seriously Cool Cinsault, a wine named after the terroir and the best way to enjoy this cultivar common across southern France. The Seriously Cool Cinsault is produced from bush vines planted more than 40 years ago, and offers delicious red fruit, earthy notes and subtle spice. Served chilled, it’s an ideal red for summer days.
Reyneke Wines
021 881 3451
Avondale Estate
021 863 1976
Waterkloof Wine Estate
021 858 1292
Words: Richard Holmes
