WeeklySA_AdminNICHE: The newly launched fortified wine affirms the winery as a redoubtable producer of the genre locally and internationally…
By Len Maseko
Port as a category has kept its niche amid a buzz generated by a plethora of genres dominating the drinks market today.
Thanks to the few wineries that have remained steadfast in focusing their energies in perfecting the art of crafting Port, a name that South Africa has had to stop using 14 years since the European Union agreement that every port-style wine bottled outside of Portugal from January 2012 may no longer display the word ‘port’ on the label. Since then, styles of port originating from South Africa exhibit the word ‘Cape’ in front of the bottle, for example Cape Ruby, Cape Vintage.
Despite the restraint, South African port has not only shown resilience as a genre, but has grown in quality and stature.
Among notable wineries unwaveringly championing the style is the iconic Allesverloren, which has acquired is a producer of Ports of distinction and other Portuguese varietals.
Continuing in this journey, Allesverloren recently unveiled a new Port which has been deemed a must-have for connoisseurs – the 2020 Cape Vintage (previously bottled as Fine Old Vintage).
In terms of style, a Cape Vintage must be full-bodied and dark wines from a single vintage matured in oak casks for at least one year.
Introducing the Cape Vintage at The Pot Luck Club in Dunkeld, Johannesburg recently, Danie said the fortified wine was crafted from several varieties among the farm’s highest quality vineyards thriving in soils of Malmesbury shale that occur along the slopes of the Kasteelberg Mountain, which is Allesverloren’s home.
Once the grapes were harvested and vinified, the wine was fortified and matured in old oak barrels prior to bottling. The result is a rich wine, deep ruby-red in colour with characters typical of elite port wines – dark, ripe fruit, raisins and fruitcake. The palate is velvet-smooth and lingering.
Indeed, the fortified wine is full-bodied, aromatic, structured, expressing an endearing ripeness on the palate and finesse
Danie recommended that it be decanted and leisurely enjoyed with flavoursome mature cheeses at the end of the meal or sipped by the fireside especially during the winter.
Throughout, Allesverloren has remained true to its avowed commitment to build its legacy as the home of world-class port wine. But it was under Danie’s father, Fanie, that Allesverloren imported the first Portuguese varieties for the exclusive purpose of making port-styled wines in South Africa.
The status of Allesverloren Port has stood the test of time, and the Allesverloren Cape Vintage 2020 is the expression of the evolution of the winery’s 150-year-old heritage.
On the day, Danie tantalised her guests’ unsuspecting palates with other sizzlers from the Swartlands winery – the Allesverloren Tinta Rosé 2023; Tinta Barocca 2019; Tres Vermelhos 2013, leaving the show-stopper – Cape Vintage 2020 – for last.
“We’re very excited about this latest edition,” says cellarmaster Danie Malan, 5th generation Malan at Allesverloren. “The extra maturation time afforded these wines prior to release means they’re always highly anticipated. The new name, however, aligns the wine in a way that will spur demand.”
Throughout, Allesverloren’s commitment to building its legacy as the home of world-class port wine remained. It was under Danie’s father, Fanie, that Allesverloren imported the first Portuguese varieties for the exclusive purpose of making port-styled wines in South Africa.
Allesverloren Cape Vintage 2020 and the rest of the farm’s range can be enjoyed at its wine tasting room between Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.
EVENTS
SOWETO-STELLENBOSCH EXP
Gauteng wine lovers will be indulged with Stellenbosch’s prime selection of wines during two exclusive tastings billed for Johannesburg and Soweto on June 10 and 11.
The tastings – billed as “Stellenbosch Experience” – will bring a host of winemakers, winery owners and key ambassadors from the Cape winelands route to showcase 50 wines to Joburg. They include Nongcebo Langa of Delheim, Danie Steytler from Kaapzicht, Ntsiki Biyela of Aslina Wines. The event on June 10 takes place at Sandton Sun Hotel, from 18:00 to 21:00.
Tickets are R450 per person via Plankton. The masterclass with Dr Steyn, takes place from 15:00 to 17:00. Tickets are R800 per person and are also available via Plankton. The event on June 11 at Just Badela in Orlando West, Soweto, from 18:30. Tickets are R330pp and available via Plankton.
JOZI WINE BY THE RIVER
Gauteng wine lovers will host the Cellar Rats Winter Wine Festival on Riversands Farm Village, Rose Road, Riversands, Midrand on June 8.
Hosted by Cellar Rats Wine Club, the event will feature a host of producers presenting a variety of wines, bubbles, craft gin and deli products. The Riversands Kids entertainment area is available (R60 per child). Tickets cost R190 a person, includes a wine tasting glass, unlimited tastings.
No cooler boxes, picnic baskets or braai’s permitted as food, soft drinks, water and alcoholic beverages will be on sale through the stalls. Bring along camping chairs, blankets, umbrellas or gazebos. Set up a spot along the riverbank and enjoy the food and wine that will be available. The event is a dog friendly event, as long as the pet stays on leash.
FRANSCHHOEK BASTILLE
Franschhoek is set to once again dazzle and delight as it gears up for another annual Bastille celebration on the Cape winelands town on July 13 and 14.
The Cape’s very own French outpost gears up for a weekend extravaganza of gastronomic delights, exquisite wines and all things French heritage. It will be held at the Franschhoek High School rugby field.
Renowned for its culinary prowess and world-class wines, the Franschhoek Wine Valley to immerse in the rich tapestry of French culture.
Visitors indulge in the abundant wine tastings in the marque with food stalls and live entertainment. Advance ticket bookings are recommended. Tickets available through webtickets.
TROPHY WINE SHOW
The Johannesburg edition of the Trophy Wine Show Public Tasting at the Sandton Convention Centre, Pavilion (Bill Gallagher Room), in Sandton on June 12.
The show is brought by Investec is hosting a one-night only tasting of the 2024 award-winning wines selected at this year’s competition, after three days of blind tastings. The wines are selected from a line-up of around 1 000 wine entries judged ‘blind’ by a panel of judges chaired by South Africa’s wine authority Michael Fridjhon.
A total of 150 wines will be up for tasting. Trophy winning wines at the public tasting will include Best Red, Best White, Discovery of the Show (Best Value) and the International Judges’ Trophy award. Show times are from 17:00 to 21:00.
Tickets, available through Webtickets, costing R295 per person, include sampling of all wines, a delicious deli snack (value R100) and the tasting glass to take home. Discounts for Smart Shopper cardholders apply (two tickets for the price of one).
CRAFT BEER FEST
Gauteng beer lovers are surely bracing themselves for festive frothy moments when the Capital Craft Beer Festival returns to its usual venue – the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens – on June 15.
The event celebrates 11 years of beer cheer. Buzzing crowds, bountiful brewers, the best local and international beer, an abundance of entertainment for all music tastes, and a diverse selection of food will be the order of the day. More than 40 beer brands will be available on the day. Entertainment will be provided from three stages, featuring acts such as Soweto String Quartet, Spoegwolf, Skeleton Jacket, Qadasi & Maqhinga and Springbok Nude Girls.
Ticket sales are spread over the dates: from R285 up to May 31; R300 until June 7; R325 up to June 14; and (subject to availability) R350 on the day.
EKURHULENI WINE FEST
The inaugural BenVINO Wine Festival by Val Di Terra Fine Wines & Spirits will be held at Benoni North, Ekurhuleni, on June 8.
The venue is situated on 114 Waterhouse Road. The festival will showcase the fine wines produced by 18 of South Africa’s celebrated wine farms to be enjoyed against the background of the tranquil sounds of renowned music duo, C’est La Vie. Enjoy a delicious pre-ordered Graze Box or other foods which will be available for purchase. Gin, Sparkling Wine and Beer on Tap, Southside Coolers, Soft Drinks and Barista Coffee will also be on sale.
