Monday, February 13, 2017

Franschhoek Summer Wines


What a lovely festival this is. It showcases the Franschhoek wines you might want to drink in the summer: their bubblies, white wines and some rosés. It was held at under marquees on the lawn at Leopard’s Leap, where the farms set up their stalls to showcase the one wine that each was allowed, appropriate to the day. 26 Franschhoek farms were represented; the wines were chilled, so were the visitors and much happiness ensued. We tasted, chatted to the farms’ representatives, had a light lunch and bought some wine to take home
White was the cooling theme and a white tented world welcomed us. If you bought water from the water stand on the left, you will be happy to know that all the money is used to support children who would not be able to study ballet without this funding
Taking time off from harvesting, a happy, smiling winemaker, Dawie Botha of Antonij Rupert wines with his Cape of Good Hope Riebeeksriver Caroline 2013 which John really liked. It is made from Chenin from 30-year-old vines, plus Roussanne and Viognier. Oaked, tangerine citrus and classy
Always fun to chat to Nick Davis of Morena and taste his lovely Cap Classique Brut Rosé, made from 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay; zesty and lively
Peter Kampmeinert, our friend who visits every year at this time from Holland, with Lynne enjoying the chat and the Morena MCC
Taking a day off from her own harvest is KWV winemaker Anneke du Plessis 
Looking rosy with health, Irene Waller, General Manager and winemaker at La Bri. The Cellar Door Rosé at R65 was a steal, so summery and so refreshing
Guess what we drank with our lunch? A gift from winemaker DP Burger who refused to let us pay for it, a bottle of Glenwood's just released white Bordeaux bland of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. It is a lovely, satisfying blend with nice depth and richness from the Semillon. It is a food wine and went really well with the Pork Belly tortillas produced in the Leopard’s Leap kitchen
John was allowed into the kitchen to photograph the preparation of the simple but good food on offer. A cheese platter with fresh figs and chutney
The kitchen was very organised and there was no waiting for lunch. The girls behind the counter
The tortilla was packed full of good pork, vegetables and a spicy sauce
Sitting inside for lunch on the terrace with the cooling misters going
Girls having fun and enjoying a bottle of La Couronne Chenin blanc
Good music played all through the event
Magic 828 AM Broadcaster Guy MacDonald and Bronwen, enjoying the magic!
Oh no, up on the mountain behind us, a horrible fire broke out and raced up the mountain. They did eventually get it under control, but it was frightening to watch
Some enthusiastic tasters at the Bellingham stand, tasting the very good Old Vines Chenin Blanc with Marguerite Nel. Once you had your generous tasting portion, they crossed it off the list. There was plenty of wine to enjoy and lots to buy.
Boschendal winemaker Tammy Jaftha blowing a kiss!
Franschhoek Cellar showed their 2015 Chardonnay to a happy imbiber
Relaxing under the umbrellas. So much shade was provided this year and very much appreciated it was  too
Who has had a super day! And a large chocolate ice cream. This is the daughter of Pippa Pringle, who looks after public relations for the Franschhoek Valley and invited us. Lynne was also happy as she bought a case of La Chataigne's Kastanje 2014 Chenin Blanc. It is caramel toffee on the nose, crisp and full on the palate, a lovely Chenin with some age, just how she likes them
© John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2017

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