Nestled amidst the rolling hills and vineyards of the beautiful Robertson Valley, Van Loveren is a family-owned wine farm steeped in tradition and passion.
Van Loveren’s story traces back to 1937 when Hennie Retief acquired the land and named it after his wife’s ancestor, Christina van Loveren. What started as modesty vineyards of just red muscadel has flourished over three decades under the stewardship of successive generations of the Retief family.
Van Loveren’s journey reached a significant milestone when Nico and Wynand Retief, Hennies’ sons bottled the first Van Loveren wine in 1980 with 500 bottles of Premium Grand Cru, marking the beginning of an expansive white wine portfolio.
White wine is incredibly diverse in its character and varietals, making it a perfect companion for various occasions. It can be enjoyed on a warm day by the pool, at summertime soirées, or during seaside picnics. However, white wine is not just for sunny summer days; it also has a place in winter. Imagine savouring a beautifully wooded Chardonnay with ripe peach, melon, hints of hazelnuts, and vanilla on a chilly evening.
Van Loveren offers a wide variety of award-winning wines to share with family and friends for all occasions. Their portfolio is a testament to their dedication to producing quality wines suited for all palates and their spirit of innovation. The newest addition is their acclaimed Calcrete Chardonnay.
This unwooded Chardonnay emerges from the limestone-rich soils of the Robertson region.
A testament to the unique terroir of the Robertson Valley, Van Loveren’s wines reflect the region’s diverse soils and microclimates that influence the character of the wines.
Geologically, Calcrete refers to the white limestone deposits in the region’s soils. The terroir ranges from calcareous outcrops to arid, broken shale rock of ancient maritime deposits. Similar to Chablis in France, Calcrete Chardonnay can only be produced by approved wine estates and is a registered name protected as a Trademark. Only official members of the Calcrete Custodians are allowed to use the name.
The rocky, chalky soils in which the vines grow absorb minerals from the earth, which are then reflected in the profile of these grapes. These soils require the vines to work harder to access nutrients, encouraging them to develop deeper roots that extract more from the terroir. All of this contributes to the unique characteristics and minerality of this wine. With South Africa’s highest density of Chardonnay plantings, Robertson Valley benefits from an arid climate tempered by oceanic influences, ensuring optimal grape ripening and creating an ideal environment for Chardonnay cultivation.
Describing the Calcrete style, one might say its appearance is light, luminescent, and radiant, almost as if containing a natural light source within. Its silvery colour, with tinges of pale lime green-gold, reminds one of the inside of an abalone shell. The taste is vibrant, with fresh saltiness, oyster shell minerality, and a squeeze of lime.
The Retief family’s passion and dedication infuse every aspect of Van Loveren, and they invite you to come raise a glass and join in the celebration of family, tradition, and the art of winemaking.
On this International White Wine Day, let’s toast to the elegance and versatility of white wine, a timeless delight for every season and occasion.
For more information, visit www.vanloveren.co.za.
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