WeeklySA_AdminLANDMARK: One of the most-awarded wineries, it has a footprint in 80 countries that import its wines…
By Len Maseko
Longevity in business is about being able to reinvent oneself or invent the future – so true too in the business of winemaking, where tastes evolve like shifting sand.
This reality has perennially characterised the fortunes of wineries worldwide, and no less one of the most recognisable South Africa’s wine brands, Nederburg, which has had to keep abreast with change to stay in game.
Thanks largely to the legends that laid the solid foundation for the Paarl wine farm, dating back to 1791, when German immigrant Philippus Wolvaart acquired a patch of land for what became the Nederburg of today.
From those heydays to today, Nederburg has trudged a path peppered with names of larger-than-life figures who shaped it and have since become part of Nederburg’s rich heritage. All for their efforts to push the boundaries of winemaking that the estate was able to distinguish itself from the rest.
Today these iconic founders feature prominently in the Nederburg lore and are proudly immortalised through labelling on its wine ranges with metaphors such as “The Anchorman”, “The Motorcycle Marvel”, “The Brew Master” and “The Young Airhawk”.
For instance, the Nederburg Heritage Heroes Anchorman Old Vine Chenin Blanc range collection celebrates its founder, Wolvaart, as the first anchor in the estate’s long journey. It is a fitting tribute that the same wine’s 2023 vintage had a particularly spectacular year. For its part, it bagged – among other accolades – gold medal from The Drinks Business Global Chenin Blanc Masters 2024; and gold medal at Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits.
Pretty much the Brew Master a range, a classic Bordeaux-style red blend that commemorates tea specialist Johann Graue, who acquired Nederburg in 1937 and gained recognition for having revolutionised winemaking in South Africa.
Notably, Graue shares the honour of being immortalised with his son, Arnold, through Nederburg’s Young Airhawk label which pays tribute to him. Arnold, who passed away in a plane crash, was renowned for his passion for flying.
Recently gathered for lunch with two of Nederburg’s red winemaker Zinaschke Steyn and white winemaker Jamie Williams at The Shortmarket Club, a gap had emerged for the duo to invite the media to celebrate Nederburg 2024 feats a day before Winex.
For the momentous occasion, we tasted and relished all of the stable’s seven top-winning wines, including the unforgettable The Brew Master Bordeaux-Styled Red Blend 2021 – all in the name of the legends that pave the way to this day.
For its part, the Bordeaux blend is a definite palate-pleaser, richly endowed with multi-layered goodness of Cabernet Sauvignon (59%), Merlot (13%), Petit Verdot (12%), Cabernet Franc (8%) and Malbec (8%) of its making. It has depth, concentration of decadent fruit and an elegant finish to top. Small wonder it scooped a Top 10 and 94 points in the Winemag.co.za Prescient Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report 2024.
Indeed, the current young winemaking team under cellarmaster Samuel Viljoen remain super-charged in their quest to keep the brand respected locally and internationally. They give credence to the glorious listing as Top 50 World’s Most Admired Wines Brands Top 50 for four consecutive years, including lifting the Platter’s South African Wine Guide’s Winery of the Year trophy twice in 2011 and 2017.
Yet, Nedeburg’s history can never be complete without the mention of one legend who strode the vineyards on a bike while keeping a beady eye on things. His name: Günter Brözel, the Nedeburg’s legendary cellarmaster who left an inimitable and indelible legacy in the illustrious career spanning 33 years.
In tribute to Brözel (now aged 90), Viljoen recently gushed in unstinting praise: “He may have retired as cellar master in 1989, but his ethos is still in evidence across every aspect of Nederburg. I like to believe that we exemplify the principles and priorities Günter cultivated.
“During his 33-year career here, Günter established a way of thinking that remains unchanged. The world of winemaking has altered. We have urgent climate change priorities to address. We know new things about winegrowing, winemaking and wine marketing, but the values he embedded almost four decades ago stay strikingly relevant.
“As the consummate blender of technology with craftsmanship, he encouraged all those who’ve followed to see it as a tool for enhancing artistry.”
Viljoen’s heart-felt lauding came on the back of recent news of Brözel’s crowning as “Winemaking Legend” by British wine expert Tim Atkin in his 2024 South Africa Wine report.
An apt recognition for a man who gave the country’s most iconic and top-selling red blends – Baronne, his brainchild launched in 1973. Once spurned by unrelenting stiff upper-lips as a fairly decent “cheapie”, Baronne has doubtlessly evolved into a trusted and reliable addition to a hearty meal today.
None of the acclaim will be complete without a nod to Günter’s pioneering of the Noble Late Harvest style in South Africa. Without which, Atkin would not have an encounter with the 2023 vintage, which he duly rewarded 93 and 90 points this year. For much more the legendary wine master shall be remembered – including his introduction of the Private Bin range among Nederburg’s vinous treasure.
Fortunately, Günter’s pioneering work still impacts the current cadre of young winemakers and lives on among the likes of white winemaker Williams, described as a magnetic force who is using wine as a way to connect people, ignite the senses and celebrate life.
“That’s how I like wine to be. Many-sided to keep things interesting, but always backed by good values and a firm backbone,” she muses, whose rising career is a proud highlight, having been raised by a single mom and late grandmother, and today has two children of her own.
Another highlight is William’s recent thrill at witnessing The Winemasters Noble Late Harvest win the Investec Trophy for Best Dessert Wine at the 2024 Trophy Wine Show with a score of 98. Indisputably a truly delectable nectar which coincidentally capped our mouth-watering Pot Luck Club lunch, leaving us more appreciative of South Africa’s rich winemaking heritage.
In 2018, Zinaschke became a fully-fletched red-winemaker in 2021, underscoring an unlikely jump for BSc graduate and one-time proof-reader, originally from Klerksdorp in North West, to wind up making wine for the Cape’s most decorated cellar.
“Nederburg offers a wonderful environment to finesse the classics, to keep on enhancing our hero grape Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, but also to experiment with other, lesser-known grape varieties, new thinking and practices and to see how new technology can improve what we do. How lucky I am to be able to continually reflect and review and develop. It keeps me on my toes and able to grow.”
All said, Nederburg’s longevity and authenticity as a brand undeniably is enriched by its treasuring of its greats, whose passion and dedication – to quote Williams James – shows that: “The greatest purpose of life is to live it for something that will last longer than you.”
EVENTS
SIP WINE AND PAINT
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate will be hosting a relaxing and creative afternoon of painting, sipping and socialising at the stunning ocean-facing vineyard in Hermanus in the Western Cape on December 7.
Guests will enjoy a fine selection of complimentary wines as they unwind while exploring the inner artist in themselves.
Event highlights include art supplies (paint, aprons, paintbrushes, palettes, stencils etc); a complimentary premium estate wine as well as a charcuterie and cheese platters, including an oyster menu to choose from.
Tickets cost R450 via Webtickets. The event starts at 12 noon.
ROOFTOP GIN FEST
Rosebank Mall Rooftop Gin Festival will whip a festive cheer with their elaborate craft gin line-up selection in Johannesburg on December 14.
The selection of the finest craft gins will be served by more than 10 exceptional vendors amid what is expected to be an electric atmosphere atop the Rosebank Mall. Including performances by renowned artists Lady Zamar and Holly Rey. Highlights include a line-up of live artists to keep the vibes soaring all day long, transitioning effortlessly into a night of dancing under the stars. Visitors will also indulge in a scrumptious selection of delectable delights, perfectly paired to elevate their gin festival journey.
“Rosebank Mall’s Rooftop Gin Festival promises an unforgettable experience where connections are made, celebrations come alive and memories are crafted,” shares Angelisa Gengan, marketing manager of Rosebank Mall. “With a handpicked selection of premium gins, mouthwatering culinary creations, and electrifying live entertainment, every moment is designed to be savoured and cherished.”
Tickets cost R200 a person, available via Webtickets. The event starts at 2pm.
SUNDAZE AT DURBANVILLE
Durbanville Hills is the place to be this summer when they combine magnificent views of Table Mountain and Table Bay with music, cocktails, award-winning wines and a fabulous vibe during a 10-part series of festive season events.
The music extravaganza started on November 17 and will continue until March next year. The event times from 13h00 to 18h00 with free entry., .
DJs will play cool tunes ranging from Deep House, RnB to HipHop as guests relax on the lawns with food served from the Olive Grove Bistro, wine tastings, and beer on tap as you connect with friends and family.
For festive merriment, guests can write Christmas wishes and decorate interactive canvasses on the bottle tree (December 1, 15 and 29). Other scheduled fun days are January 12 and 26; February 9; March 2, 16 and 30.
FANCOURT’S SUMMER FESTIVAL
The Southern Cape town of George will host the annual Summer Wine Festival at Fancourt on December 15.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore an exquisite selection from 34 suppliers and meet passionate winemakers.
Wine will be available to purchase on the day accompanied by freshly baked sour doughs, cheese, chocolates and much more. The ticket includes a branded glass, unlimited tastings and 1 meal voucher.
Cooking stations offering a great variety of meals – from lamb spit to gourmet doughnuts. Full bar and enough seating available with live music all day. Limited tickets available via Quicket for R300 a person. The event starts at 11am. – Compiled by Len Maseko
