A Grande Review

I can't take credit for the words of the PR people that follow; but I will take myself off to Grande Provence in Franschhoek to see if they're true. Let me know if you do the same!

The press release:


The Grande Provence 2007- a complex full-bodied red wine has a distinct nose of mint and eucalyptus, followed by ripe plums. The wine is elegant with soft ripe tannins, ideal to be enjoyed with red meat, venison or rich poultry dishes.

Grande Provence Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 - A mature red wine aged in French oak barrels for fifteen months. Unique aromas of berries are complemented by a soft and elegant taste experience. A prominent flavour of mint sets this Cabernet apart from the rest. Perfect with meat, cheeses and rich chocolate desserts. Cellar aging: The grapes were hand picked and the wine was aged in first and second fill French oak barrels for fifteen months.

Grande Provence Pinot Noir 2010 - An elegant, silky red wine with a smooth tannin structure. Fresh flavours of berries and strawberries are prominent on the palate and leave a delicious lingering after taste. This Pinot Noir 2012 is ideal for meats, salads or simply on its own. Cellar aging: The grapes were hand picked and then went straight to fermentation. The wine was aged for nine months in second fill French oak barrels.

Winemaker Jaco Marais comments: “I’m still excited to make wine because in the process there are so many stages that lead to the final product. I enjoy the various building blocks and the trick is to be patient and allow the wine to finish ageing in the barrels. The end result is always something truly special. For the Pinot Noir, the colour of the wine is more intense than usual, which is an indication that the grapes were picked at optimal ripeness so I’m looking forward to seeing how the wine matures. Marry any or all of these three new wines with the menus that Executive Chef, Darren Roberts has created and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.”