A Toast To Good Taste

We visit Taste SA in Franschhoek and see virtually every wine in SA | The Month April 2012

Trying to get to grips with that ever-changing beast that is the SA wine industry – from the many family run, small scale producers  to the massive cooperative cellars – is no mean feat, and it’s no wonder then that getting to know the wines produced by that beast is more than daunting for most.

Aware that our regular wine contributors, Cybercellar.com have had some success with introducing a broad range of palates to a massive array of wines and many of South Africa’s most loved producers, we popped over to their Taste SA facility in Franschhoek for a chat to team-member Stefan, to get an idea of what it is that set’s their offering apart from the rest.

The rather swish tasting room in The Yard takes an interesting approach to making its wines available by showcasing up to 14 different wines from a selection of estates and producers, at any given time. What’s immediately clear is that Taste SA and Cybercellar work hand-in-hand giving supporters of the online store the chance to enjoy more than a virtual drop and those visiting Taste, the chance to purchase any of the wines available through Cybercellar (and to say there are many is a euphemism!). Be warned though,
the tasting room only has the 14-odd wines on show at any given time available for tasting, so don’t expect to walk out of the place with arms laden the way you would a liquor store; instead the Cybercellar team will have your wines, from all over the country, delivered to a door of your choice.

Tastings are R50 per person, with optional cheese platters also available, and you can expect to see the likes of Boschendal, Glen Carlou, Topaz, Oak Valley, Diemersdal, Diemersfontein, Amares, Oldenburg, Boschkloof, Marianne, Meerlust, Mont Rochelle, Sumaridge, Spier, Dieu Donné, De Grendel, Steenberg, Elgin Vintners and many, many more.

Noting my impressed gasp, Stefan wasted no time to add that he has a couple of wines available at the moment that come with free nationwide delivery. “I live just up the road,” I point out. Sharp as a tack Stefan points out that with the kind of savings I’m likely to enjoy, it’s time to move. For the record here are the two wines he recommended that come with that free delivery:

Bartinney Wines Noble Savage Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Blend 2009, R65 per bottle for 6/R59 per bottle for 12
The intense, powerful flavour of the Cabernet Sauvignon in this blend is classic dark fruit and black berries and integrates absolutely beautifully with the softer, sexier, more sensuous cherry and raspberry nose of the Merlot.  The palate is round and concentrated, with spicy fruit and juicy tannins! This is an absolutely superb wine that will go well with a range of food and achieved a 4-star rating in Platter’s.                                                              
FREE SHIPPING TO ANYWHERE IN SOUTH AFRICA!

Druk My Niet Wine Estate Mapoggo White 2009, R49 per bottle for 6/R47 per bottle for 12
At first, this wine impresses the nose with layers of fruit that include pineapple, mango, peach and dried apricot. On the second whiff the unmistakable hints of Melon and Green Apple come to the fore and follow through on the palate, perfectly  complemented by hazelnut and vanilla flavours courtesy of the wood. It’s a surprisingly big wine given it’s relatively low alcohol content of 12.5%.
FREE SHIPPING TO ANYWHERE IN SOUTH AFRICA!

Email Stefan stefan@cybercellar.com for orders or more info on Taste SA and Cybercellar.com

Hold on for May and the Holden Manz Winter Secret getaway!

I'll admit that I didn't try the Holden Manz boat (pictured left), but I can vouch for the rest of their offering. There's a write-up in May's The Month, but just in case you can't wait, here's their press release:

Spoil your loved one from May until the end of July with a picturesque winter getaway amidst fruit orchards and vines, with the special Winter Secret accommodation package on offer at the luxurious 5-star Country House at Holden Manz, the magnificent Franschhoek boutique wine estate nestled between two rivers with majestic mountain views.

Complemented by exquisite art adorning the interior, with masterfully applied feng shui and a beautiful courtyard koi pond, the gorgeous Country House is the ideal country getaway at one

of the Winelands’ best kept secrets - your own little piece of Franschhoek paradise.

Make your stay even more memorable and pamper yourself with a visit to the Holden Manz spa adjacent to the Country House, where you can choose from treatments such as the signature Holden Manz full body massage (a combination of a Swedish and aromatherapy massage), facials for men and women as well as various delightful body therapies using only local Africology products.

Enjoy a picnic with delicious eats and breathtaking views in the magical setting on the banks of the Franschhoek River, and visit the Franschhoek Kitchen, the signature restaurant above the Holden Manz cellar, where seasoned executive chef Cheyne Morrisby prepares succulent dishes bursting with flavour. Prepared with seasonal, fresh ingredients from the estate’s own fruit orchard, vegetable garden and chicken coup, you will have a delicious variety of winter dishes to savour during your stay.

The ultimate in relaxation, the intimate Holden Manz Country House with exquisite lunches and dinners at the Franschhoek Kitchen is the ideal winter warmer.
 

The special Winter Secret rate from May to the end of July at the Country House is R995 per person per night. Picnics are available the whole year, except for the month of June. Phone 021-8762738 or e-mail collette@holdenmanz.com for bookings at the Holden Manz Country House.

The Franschhoek Kitchen is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesdays to Saturdays and Sundays for lunch. Call 021-8762729 or e-mail wayne@holdenmanz.com for bookings. The Holden Manz tasting room is open daily from 10h00 to 17h00.

Visit Holden Manz on Facebook or www.holdenmanz.com. To reach Holden Manz, turn right at the Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek and follow the signs for two kilometres.

GPS coordinates: Latitude: 33° 56’ 7” S; Longitude: 19° 6’ 54” E.

Franschhoek holds the 'key to the mountains'

Located in the heart of Franschhoek and surrounded by the beautiful vineyards and orchards of this working farm, La Clé des Montagnes luxury villas is the latest addition to the accommodation options available in the quaint, historic village. Developed by international entrepreneur Michael Pawlowski, an active member of the Franschhoek community since relocating here from Europe in 2007, La Clé des Montagnes (‘key to the mountains’) will be opening in mid-May 2012.

The pinnacle of luxury accommodation, La Clé des Montagnes has been custom designed to meet the requirements of the upper end of the market. It will offer an ideal home-away-from-home for extended stays from where to explore the Cape winelands, for celebrating a special occasion, or enjoying a holiday together with family and friends. Here guests may relax in style and soak in the glorious views, rolling lawns and tranquil garden setting that stretches across six hectares. The property is within walking distance from the village centre with its many restaurants, boutiques, galleries and other attractions, and offers easy access to some of the Cape’s top golf courses, and pristine beaches.

Four individually designed and decorated villas will offer fully equipped private accommodation on a self-catering basis. Accommodating between two and eight persons per villa in a tranquil and secure environment, guests will enjoy the privacy, luxury and convenience of a spacious lounge area with a library, inviting indoor and outdoor areas, a private swimming pool and garden terrace, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, complete with all creature comforts.

Experienced hotelier Peggy Klement will oversee personalised hospitality services at La Clé des Montagnes that include a concierge and butler service, a professional chef on site or guest celebrity chefs by prior arrangement, as well as private wine tastings with prominent winemakers from the Cape winelands.

Renowned Cape Town interior decorator Sarah Ord referenced her signature style and personal inspiration of the light, colours, landscapes and culture of South Africa, to create a warm and welcoming ambience for each of the four villas. An exciting collage of colour, heritage, magnificent fabrics and objets d’art, each villa is uniquely different. In some, once-off pieces of furniture dominate an entire room with their history and a touch of colonial splendour, while throughout, hand selected artworks and a sprinkling of South African design present a combination of contemporary and traditional decor at its best. Sarah Ord’s vivid tableware collection graces each villa, showing her devotion to saturated colour and vibrant pattern in crockery, glassware, cutlery and table linen.

Inspired by the French Heritage of Franschhoek, palettes of reds, blacks, greys and whites make up Le Manoir’s very spacious two bedroomed interior, where in typical French fashion, the original Manor House creates a comfortable, home-away-from-home feel.

A powerful energy has been infused in La Galerie’s avant-garde two bedroom villa. Rich grey walls, gallery lights highlighting abstract art, a selection of sought-after antiques and exclusive contemporary pieces is a fitting tribute to the rich artistic heritage of Franschhoek.

La Grange with its 3 bedroom suites and extraordinary double volume living space is inspired by the feel and comfort of a highlands lodge. Warm palettes grace this villa’s interior, with stylistic elements reminiscent of a Victorian farmhouse.

A fusion of east and north African aesthetics can be found in the four bedroom Le Colonial villa. Here Moroccan tiles and patterned fabrics create a tasteful vibrancy that adds to a truly memorable African experience.

La Clé des Montagnes rates start at R7500 per couple per night, and include Continental breakfast, as well as a selection of preferred beverages. La Clé des Montagnes, Tel 021 876 4646, www.lacle.co.za