WeeklySA_AdminCONTRIBUTION: The legend’s winery has devoted itself to creating benchmark wines with a creative bent…
By Len Maseko
After three decades of illustrious winemaking, Ken Forrester has enviably stayed the course in his unwavering commitment and passion for South Africa’s workhorse grape – Chenin Blanc.
Besides his renowned dedication to varietal, which he has been championing since he bought his wine farm in 1993, Forester has distinguished himself with his knack for producing wines of international acclaim and worthy of awards. His zenith remains bagging the world’s Top Chenin Blanc at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards for the 2021 Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc.
Small wonder his most innovative initiative to date – one that has remained the pace-setter in the world of wine since the first vintage in the year 2000 – encompasses his favourite varietal and the centrepiece for the iconic FMC, a Chenin Blanc wine regarded by connoisseurs as an international benchmark in the genre.
FMC’s stature and success has unceasingly spurred Forrester to greater innovative heights, capping his winemaking fortunes over the past three decades. Thanks, in no small way to his sixth sense and not to listen to advice – back in 1993 – to uproot an old Chenin vineyard and plant Pinotage or Chardonnay instead. Going against the advice, he decided to give the varietal a chance. The rest is history.
Henceforth began Forester’s heady journey with wife Teresa on the side helping to keep a beady eye over their new-found trove. Situated under the majestic Helderberg mountains, Ken Forrester Vineyards today is renowned for producing benchmark wines from which emerged the iconic FMC to lead the vinous charm offensive to the world.
Invariably, FMC remains one of Forrester’s prime preoccupations, along with the Old Vine Chenin Blanc conservation efforts – a natural extension to his passion since the couple acquired the Stellenbosch vineyard with a history of vines originally planted in 1689.
First crafted in collaboration with friend and mentor Martin Meinert, FMC (meaning Forrester Meinert Chenin) was an idea born out of a quest to create a benchmark Chenin Blanc back in the year 2000. Something the barn-storming FMC would become from birth, garnering acclaim no sooner its vintage hit the market, fetching record prices at auctions, including making a prestigious cameo at Nelson Mandela’s 85th birthday celebration.
For its part, FMC is endowed with a rich, endearing full-bodied profile, showcasing flavours of fresh and baked apples, hints of caramel and honey, and a vibrant citrus finish. In the beginning, both Forrester and Meinert had wanted a special wine rich in personality, bold and unique – doubtlessly were granted their wish in abundance. Much to the surprise of its makers, FMC’s advent would shift the paradigm as much as it ignited other winemakers’ imagination about the boundless possibilities latent in the grape – all waiting to be discovered.
“This project began with Ken’s statement that he wanted to make a benchmark Chenin that would challenge anything from France, and I have often tried, but never succeeded ignoring Ken’s ideas! I think the secret of FMC’s success is that it is individual and very distinctive,” said Meinert when I interviewed the pair back in 2010 during the FMC’s 10th anniversary. To which, Forrester added at the time: “I wanted to produce a world-beating white wine, using Chenin Blanc.
Tasting the 10 vintages down to the inaugural edition was an illuminating exercise down memory lane. Then two consider the 2009 (R260) as “the pinnacle of what we consider to be the finest expression of the grapes of this variety – an icon Chenin, a challenge to the world!” At the 2023 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, Forrester himself was recognised for his visionary leadership in the South African wine industry with the 1659 Visionary Leadership Award. This annual event, celebrated during the SA wine industry’s birthday month, recognises individuals and organisations for their exceptional contributions.
This year, FMC celebrates 20 years and Forrester has lined up a special dinner to mark the milestone on November 1, in collaboration with serial restaurateur and chef Luke Dale Roberts. The two will be hosting a prestigious evening at Roberts’ SALON restaurant in Cape Town, recently crowned Africa’s Best New Restaurant at the 2024 World Culinary Awards, by pairing five FMC vintages and especially curated dishes.
During the evening, guests will be treated to an exquisite menu showcasing luxurious dishes such as Lobster Taco, Bouillabaisse Marseillaise, and Black Truffle Risotto, all created by Roberts alongside executive chef Carla Schulze.
EVENTS
WineX Experience
South Africa’s premier consumer event – Standard Bank WineX – takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre from October 30 to November 1.
Early Bird tickets are on sale now, with special offers via online purchases valid until Sunday. Thereafter, full rate tickets are available online and at the door. Johannesburg is soon to be awash with the shades of wine in time for the arrival of at least 140 exhibitors in Sandton – to comprise a variety of well-known award-winning cellars and boutique brands, a range of artisanal foodies and bespoke accessory suppliers.
The all-popular Tasting Theatre programme (small group themed 30-minute tastings with the winemaker) will again be in full swing. Early bird tickets available via webtickets: October 31 (R240); November 1 (R275) per ticket. Full rate tickets from October 21 and at the door: October 31 (R275); November 1 (R345) per ticket. Standard Bank clients will receive a discount of up to 30% on their ticket purchase, limited to four tickets per transaction.
KWV Durban Roadshow
KWV 2024 Roadshow heads for Durban next weekend, when it will make a one-night stopover at The Village Table on October 25.
The stylish and buzzing Village Table is situated in the Pearls Shopping Centre in Umhlanga. It’s much more than just a restaurant – it’s an experience.
Guests will indulge in a gourmet dinner, accompanied by a prime selection of KWV wines to elevate your dining experience. The cost is R650 per person and bookings can be made via email on wineclub@kwv.co.za. The event starts 18h30.
WHISKYLIVE
Whisky Live is the largest one-stop tasting and shopping experience showcasing 200 international and local labels annually. Celebrating 22 years this year, the show will be hosted at The Firs in Rosebank, Johannesburg from November 7 to 9.
General access tickets afford visitors to the Whisky Live entrance to the tasting hall and includes 18 tasting tokens. They cost R495 via TicketPro. And VIP tickets, costing R 1 995 a person, will provide access to exclusive seating and premium service throughout the night. This ticket will include 22 tasting tokens. Top-up stations will be available to purchase more tokens.
Meanwhile general access and masterclass combo tickets, costing R995 a person, will allow access to the tasting hall and a master class and will include 18 tasting tokens.
Veritas in Joburg
The Johannesburg tasting of the Veritas award-winning wines and brandies is taking place at Deloitte at Waterfall City on October 31.
The esteemed Veritas wine competition for market-ready wines annually grants wine aficionados across the country a chance to taste the top winning wines and brandies.
Wine enthusiasts can get themselves ready to experience the star-studded Veritas double gold and gold medal winning wines and brandies at a series of tastings that will be presented countrywide.
The Deloitte Johannesburg office is situated on 5 Magwa Crescent, Waterfall City from 17h00.
Tickets costing 270 available at Quicket and will include wine, and brandy tasting, including tasting glass.
New Wine Show
The New Wine Show 2024 will take place in Gqeberha on October 26 and 27, where some of South Africa’s most prominent wineries will present premium quality wine, food and drinks at the local St. George’s Club.
Each ticket is inclusive of all the wine tastings poured from the wine producers attending. You will also have the opportunity to purchase wine on the day for off-site consumption or order for home delivery.
The cost per day is R350 per person (early bird) via Plankton.mobi or R400 per person at the door. Limited tickets available.
Soweto Wine & Cheese
The Soweto Cheese and Wine Fest takes place at Soweto Theatre on October 27.
Bringing together the best of local wine brands, both established and emerging brands under one roof, throw in cheese delicacies mixed with the tasty food from the Seven Colour Sundays vendors, a beautiful, fun, music loving audience.
To top it off with a line-up of talented Djs and performers to create a unique event that brings happiness and joy to many. Friends and family welcome for a beautiful Sunday. Tickets available through Webtickets cost R100. It starts at 11am.
CLICO’S WINE & DINE
Joburg’s Clico Boutique Hotel brings an exclusive collaboration between its chef extraordinaire, Dario de Angeli and one of South Africa’s most renowned winemakers.
A special evening of exquisite food and wine tasting with celebrated South African winemaker, Catherine Marshall will take place on October 24. This exclusive event will be held at the hotel’s Sec Restaurant providing an intimate and engaging setting.
Guests will be treated to a meticulously crafted six-course dinner, paired with exceptional wines.
The evening costs R895 a person, and starts at 18h00. Clico is situated at 27 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank. – Compiled by Len Maseko
