An iconic South African estate based in Franschhoek, Anthonij Rupert Wyne needs little introduction. However, what many wine lovers don’t realise is just how far this famous estate’s offerings extend – from its flagship Anthonij Rupert brand to the youthful Protea collection; the Italian-inspired Terra del Capo selection; the array of Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) beauties from L’Ormarins, the estate’s main farm; and its premium Cape of Good Hope range, which features no less than nine products, each of them deeply rooted in South Africa’s Old Vines Project (OVP). This initiative – which was facilitated through initial funding by Johann Rupert – aims to conserve blocks of vineyards 35 years and older around the country. We hone in on four of the Cape of Good Hope’s wines, with extra inspiration laid on by down-to-earth, delicious dishes, each recipe paired with one of the four wines… after tasting your way through our selection, we’re sure you’ll find many reasons to feel good about Cape of Good Hope wines!
ALTIMA SAUVIGNON BLANC
Nestled in Elandskloof, an isolated valley north of Villiersdorp in the Overberg, Altima Estate is home to the Cape of Good Hope’s Altima Sauvignon Blanc. With Elandskloof being 5km wide and surrounded by a steep mountain range that rises 1km from the valley floor, the sheer slope of the topography means the valley receives less direct sunlight due to the overshadowing mountains. This, together with the elevation of 600 to 800m, equates to an especially cool climate for the valley. As a result, the wine produced from this unique terroir is high in natural acidity and upfront aromas. In addition, the grapes are harvested much later than other sites in the Western Cape, with harvest usually starting early in March, giving rise to an intense sauvignon blanc redolent with gooseberry, granadilla, citrus, melon, green pepper and freshly cut grass notes tinged with zingy grapefruit and lime zest. The fruit-forward nature of this wine is also thanks to all the fruit being de-stemmed and crushed before an overnight skin contact period to extract maximum flavour. Stone-fruit succulence mellows the acidity and, in turn, makes way for a subtle, flinty, mineral twist. Overall, this wine delivers lovely, taut body and structure with good length and breadth, and a lingering, soft elderflower finish.
Recipe here: Mussels in a creamy white wine, garlic and herb sauce paired with Cape of Good Hope Altima Sauvignon Blanc
SERRURIA ELANDSKLOOF CHARDONNAY
Also hailing from Altima in Elandskloof, the Cape of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay has a supportive platform of nutty oak on which dances a vibrant acidity of lime zest. Vanilla cream and light biscuit notes are apparent on both the nose and palate, making this varietal a balanced and poised wine. Just as with the Cape of Good Hope’s Altima Sauvignon Blanc, the unique terroir of the Elandskloof valley contributes to this wine’s fruit containing a high natural acidity and low pH levels, which contribute to its great ageing potential in cellar storage.
Recipe here: Pan-fried trout with naartjie and dill butter sauce paired with Cape of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay
RIEBEEKSRIVIER CAROLINE
A harmonious quartet of 40% chenin blanc, 26% roussanne, 20% marsanne and 14% viognier, the Cape of Good Hope’s Riebeeksrivier Swartland Caroline comes from Anthonij Rupert estate’s Swartland-based Riebeeksrivier farm on the southern and western slopes of Kasteelberg mountain. The marsanne, roussanne and viognier vineyards are trellised in the typical échalas Rhône style (“stok by paaltjie”), while the chenin blanc vineyard is bush vine. With all four of this blend’s varietals rooted in shale soils, the wine expresses itself strongly yet gracefully, with delicate orange blossom and floral notes overlaying distinctive lemon zest on the nose and ripe, honeyed peaches drenched in cream. Oak integrates with the fruit to lend the wine its smooth mouthfeel and lingering finish.
Recipe here: Grilled snoek with caramelised peach and pineapple salsa paired with Cape of Good Hope Swartland Caroline
RIEBEEKSRIVIER SWARTLAND SOUTHERN SLOPES
Like Riebeeksrivier Caroline, the Cape of Good Hope’s Swartland Southern Slopes blend originates from Riebeeksrivier farm, the difference being that this wine’s grape varietals – 50% shiraz, 25% mourvèdre and 25% petit syrah (durif) – are all grown on the farm’s southern slopes where there is more clay in the soil mixed with Malmesbury shale, resulting in a deeper and richer red blend. Spicy yet silky, it seductively melds ripe black cherry with cedar and a hint of tobacco. Gentle and soft-fruited entry of the ripe fruit leads to light peppery notes that lend it texture and a well-defined backbone. A good incorporation of oak, blackberry and plum with fine, dry tannins are complemented by an intriguing, refined liquorice element on the long, velvety tail of this wine’s well-rounded and voluptuous texture.
WIN!
We’re giving one lucky winner the chance to win a fantastic Anthonij Rupert’s Cape of Good Hope Wines hamper worth R2 550! This hamper will include:
6 Bottles of Cape of Good Hope Chardonnay (R1 230) and 6 bottles of Cape Of Good Hope Southern Slopes (R1 320).
To enter, simply complete the entry form below. Terms and conditions apply. Competition ends 13 April 2020.
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Main image photographed by Tasha Seccombe
Imka Webb is a freelance digital marketing expert and the digital editor of Food & Home Entertaining magazine. www.imkawebb.com
