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
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Robertson Wine Valley's Wacky Wine Weekend 2. Kranskop
All content © John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus
Robertson Wine Valley's Wacky Wine Weekend 1. Tanagra
Our hosted accommodation was at Tanagra Wine Farm in McGregor, which was taking part in the festival with its wines, grappa and Eau de Vie. We were warmly welcomed by the owners, Anette and Robert Rosenbach, and taken to The Garden Cottage where we were to stay, which was very comfortable and is perfect for self catering. They have some interesting accommodation, some on the farm and also their Faraway and Hillside Cottages away from the farm, which are magnificent. Check out their website: http://www.tanagra.co.za/
A small kitchen as you enter then the large living/bedroom with a wood burning fire, essential for the very cold nights at this time of year. We saw temperatures drop to 7 degrees at night, but daytime temperatures are much more pleasant and on Friday and Sunday we had 25 degrees and full sunshine. There is also a commodious bathroom with a walk-in shower and plenty of hot water
The kitchen has a hob, and a microwave and is fully supplied with all cooking equipment, crockery and cutlery. And it has its own terrace with braai facilities and loungers. Sadly we didn’t have any time to use these, as we were always rushing off to another farm on our busy schedule, organised for us by Beatrix Galloway, Wine Route Manager at Robertson Wine Valley
We were gifted this bottle of the 2015 Tanagra Cabernet Franc which is our Wine of the Week
These are their other wines with the farm price list. The wines are made by Lourens van der Westhuizen,
The tasting room was moved for the weekend. Tanagra is a lovely farm. As they say on their website: "Tanagra is a treasure waiting for you, come and find it." It is a Birder Friendly farm and we saw many, many different species and they have many walking, hiking and mountain biking trails. They also have access into the nearby Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve with longer bird-walks and mountain trails.
Robert Rosenbach is the distiller of the spirits and they brought a German 200 litre still with them from Germany when they came to live here. It is a combined pot still (copper) and column still (stainless steel). This combination allows him to distil in a single process, resulting in a purer yield
The Grappas and Eau de Vies are very impressive, and you can taste them all
Arriving to see the tasting room with Anette. Robert is behind the temporary tasting counter in the cellar
Some happy visitors enjoying the day
And sampling the wares
What to taste first?
Thank you both Anette and Robert for a very comfortable stay;
we hope to return one day soon to see you both - and your dogs and cats
All content © John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus
Robertson Wine Valley's Wacky Wine Weekend. Robertson views
We haven’t been to Robertson Wine Valley's Wacky Wine Weekend since 2011 and were very happy to be invited this year. Much smaller than in previous years; we were saddened to see how many of the smaller & larger farms no longer take part and wonder whether this is enough to sustain this winter festival..
Kerk Street which, predictably, leads up to the Dutch Reformed Church, on a quiet evening
Eucalyptus trees on a Robertson farm
A view of the Robertson Valley from Klaas Voogds
Winter vineyard scene
Robertson is on the edge of the Karoo and some areas show hints of the arid landscape
but the Valley is fertile and green where when the Breede River blesses it with its water
The Langeberg Mountains show the enormous uplift caused by the continental collision that took place when South America collided with Africa
A typical early 20th Century Robertson house, with 'Broekie' Lace (panty lace) framing the stoep
Autumn vines with winter clouds blowing in
The view from Bonnievale Cellar
The surrounding mountains peeking through the incoming clouds
Early morning on the way to Arendsig for breakfast with morning fog rising from the Bonnievale valley
All content © John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)