WeeklySA_AdminSTANDOUT: Talented winemaker Pierre Wahl’s double-trophy-winning wine proves the grape variety is a real tribute for the country…
By Len Maseko
At the recent judging of one of South Africa’s premier wine shows, renowned British wine writer and master of wine Jancis Robinson particularly reserved her most complimentary remarks for one of the country’s most popular varietals – Chardonnay.
Of this Trophy Wine Show category, Robinson gushed: “There is no doubt South African Chardonnay is a real attribute for the country. I get the sense South African winemakers are very confident making Chardonnay.”
Warming Robinson’s cockles of the heart ultimately was Survivor Cellar Master Series Chardonnay 2022 – a wine that scooped the Best Chardonnay and Best White Wine, emerging as a standout performer, and secured two trophies at one of the most rigorous wine competitions worldwide.
No mean feat for Survivor Winery, one of the acclaimed producers nestling out in the Cape winelands’ Swartland region, whose 2022 Master Series Chardonnay had to parry off a formidable challenge from gold-worthy winners like Benguela Cove Estate Chardonnay 2022, Delaire Graff Banghoek Reserve Chardonnay 2022, Hartenberg Woolworths Reserve Collection Chardonnay 2022, Bon Courage Chardonnay Unwooded 2022.
Notably, the judging panel at the Trophy Wine Show was led by respected wine authority Michael Fridjhon; Anne Krebiehl MW, a London-based wine writer and lecturer; Benjamin Roffet, wine director of the Jules Verne Restaurant on the Eiffel Tower in Paris; including influential wine critic Robinson.
For Survivor cellarmaster Pierre Wahl, the journey with Chardonnay has undeniably been an expedition of love and adventure. From his previous stint at Rijk’s, Chardonnay was always among three varietals – Chenin Blanc and Pinotage – that became his forte, from which he produced some of the best wines while at the Tulbagh winery. His Pinotage wines were regular Top 10 winners – a distinction that no doubt catapulted him to the crème de la crème ranks of the Cape Winemakers Guild.
So, it was no coincidence that out of the three Trophy Wine Show medal-winning wines there was a Chenin – Survivor Reserve Chenin Blanc 2021 (bronze). Though, in the order of accolades, Survivor Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 was Wahl’s second biggest winner, scooping the gold medal at the show. Yet, his previous home, Rijk’s, scooped a bronze medal at the same show with their Rijk’s Private Cellar Chenin Blanc Barrel Fermented 2021 – an indisputable highlight and testimony of Wahl’s legacy.
Recounting back in Britain her experience as Trophy Wine Show judge, Robinson still had high praise for Survivor Cellar Master Series Chardonnay 2022, several weeks later, writing in her column; “The most intriguing appellation of all was Tradouw, in the Klein Karoo region, on Survivor winery’s delicious Cellar Master Series 2022 Chardonnay. The wine had slightly more residual sugar than most (3.7 g/l) but that was well compensated for by the persistence and potential of this very well-made wine. The fruit apparently comes from 15-year-old vines on the Tradouw-Joubert farm on the south-western edge of the Klein Karoo, a hot, dry region long associated with fortified wines but these vines are at 700 m (2,300 ft) and benefit from relatively good rainfall”.
A true success story and testament to Wahl’s vision and expertise, a talented trail-blazer who skilfully sourced Chardonnay from Wine of Origin Tradauw, and showcased this lesser-known region’s exceptional potential.
For his part, Wahl expressed his elation, particularly with the inaugural Chardonnay release in the Cellar Master Series having caught international attention – thanks to the unique terroir of Tradau, a hidden trove in the arid Karoo that Wahl and his team have unveiled.
He remarked, “These trophies affirm the exceptional quality that this terroir can produce. It is gratifying to see our direction with the Cellar Master Series rewarded so early on. Still, fortunately, I have experience working with shale soils in Tulbagh, and the diurnal temperature differences in Tradauw are even more prominent.
The combination of soil and significant differences between night and day temperatures playing a crucial role in fruit development contribute to the elegance and longevity of this exceptional Chardonnay.”
Tasting the wine at the recent Trophy Wine Show in Sandton, Survivor Cellar Master Series Chardonnay 2022 turned out to be a show-stopper. Thanks to its meticulous crafting, which has translated into a truly delicious wine, graced by a lightly oaked style, creaminess, opulence, fruit purity, texture, intensity, while displaying an exquisite balance between freshness and fullness. Particularly enamouring is the wine’s x-factor, which must come from the expression of its peculiar terroir.
events
CWG WINE TASTINGS
The countdown to the annual Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction has officially started, with ticket sales for pre-auction events now available for purchase.
The Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) will be hosting two showcases – in Cape Town and Johannesburg – in August. These informal, walk-around tasting events, will give wine lovers the opportunity to sample the 2023 Nedbank CWG Auction wines while interacting with the winemakers. Also available for tasting will be past auction wines and flagship wines from guild Members.
The showcase will feature a silent auction of past CWG and flagship wines to raise funds for the Guild’s Protégé Programme. Light snacks will be served.
Tickets cost from R500 and are now available for purchase on Quicket for the August 24 Cape Town Showcase; and the August 30 Johannesburg Showcase.
ZEVENWACHT AT GOODFELLOWS
An exclusive wine tasting of Zevenwacht wines will be hosted at the Norman Goodfellows Fourways store and graced by the presence of winemaker Hagen Viljoen on Monday.
The evening will be spent tasting some of the most mouth-watering offerings from the Zevenwacht Wine Estate.Meet fellow wine lovers and complete your experience by shopping all your favourite wines in-store.
To find out more, email us: web@ngf.co.za. Tasting takes between 17h30 and 20h00. Norman Goodfellows Fourways is situated on Fourways Crossing, corner William Nicol Drive & Sunrise Boulevard, Lone Hill, Sandton.
Tickets cost R100 a person.
MINI BRANDY FEST
Join fellow brandy enthusiasts and savour some of the finest selection of brandies the Cape winelands has to offer at the Mini Brandy Festival Stellenbosch, which will be held at Morgenhof Estate tomorrow and Sunday.
Event times are from 15h00 to 20h00 tomorrow and Sunday (12h00 – 18h00). Only 100 Earlybird tickets available for just R150 per person.
What to expect? Experience two cocktails and indulge in six exquisite South African brandy tastings brought to you by SA Brandy Foundation and the Cocktail Kitchen at Morgenhof Estate Stellenbosch.
FORTIFIED WINE FIESTA
The Muratie Flavours of Winter Festival invites wine lovers to head out to Stellenbosch for a mellow fireside celebration of Cape “Port” and fortified style wines – on July 1.
The Muratie Farm Kitchen will be serving a delicious array of traditional & rustic meals suited to the wintertime. The evening at one of the Cape’s oldest wineries will start with a glass of a luscious fortified wine to warm the cockles of your heart, with live music in the background and some warm treats to enjoy.
The evening will be warmly hosted by the winemakers from Muratie, Allesverloren, Axe Hill, Delaire Graff, Boplaas, The Fledge and Peter Bayly.
All the wines on show will be available for purchase at cellar door prices. Tickets cost R195 (children free).
Due to limited space, book in advance (021) 865 2330.
