Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Robertson Wine Valley's Wacky Wine Weekend 2. Kranskop

Our first port of call after checking in to Tanagra was Kranskop Wine estate in Klaasvoogds, near Robertson. We were warmly welcomed by owner/cellarmaster Newald Marais.  He invited us to stay at Kranskop in October last year, when we visited Robertson for the De Wetshof Chardonnay Celebration

This was our port of call for a tasting with Newald and for some lunch

They were selling Roosterkoek and soup

Two flavours of Roosterkoek to choose from: Cheese and apricot jam (very South African!) and Curried Mince, which is what we enjoyed.  Roosterkoek are buns made from bread dough, toasted on an open braai fire, which are then filled and enjoyed warm; essential at most South African braais/barbecues

We tasted the 2018 Chardonnay which is very round and satisfying, from a very good harvest

And  the easy drinking Rosé which is bone dry with lovely fruit. Then the Pinot Noir, almost Elgin in character. Newald Marais is a very experienced wine maker; he was Cellarmaster at Nederburg for many years

They have wonderful mountain views from the farm

We then went down to the cellar ...

... and did some tank and barrel sampling with Newald
Lynne's glass is in an unusual crochet neck holder made by the ladies at the Aged Care facility

Still fermenting, this is the fresh tank sample of the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, full of figs and green tropical flavours
We predict that it will be very good
The Viognier is also showing well; bone dry with peach and nectarine flavours, not over ripe fruit, and very delicious

A happy winemaker in his element. The 2019 wooded Chardonnay from the barrel is taking on the wood
but is gentle, rich and full of golden fruit, with wood smoke on the end

And this year’s Rosé from 50% Petite Syrah and 50% Viognier; full of raspberries and strawberries but dry and cheeky! Can’t wait

Thank you Newald, again, for a repeat of your impeccable hospitality and friendliness

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