Allesverloren tasting room review
ALLESVERLOREN tasting room review
Situated just outside the rural town of Riebeek Kasteel, Allesverloren Estate has a history of winemaking dating back more than 200 years. Not without its share of fame, it's where DF Malan, South Africa's first Nationalist prime minister, was born.
The farm is still in Malan hands, but although much can be made of its history, the tasting experience here is a reiteration of the name which, directly translated, means "all is lost". Not much direction to the tasting area is needed, since it is situated not far from the road close to the farm's entrance.
There aren't a lot of parking bays, but there is no reason to linger so space should be readily available. There is also no wheelchair access. I am greeted by Helena who, although friendly, seems to lack professionalism, as she gets too familiar with some of her comments. Nonetheless, she does provide me and my group with a concise tasting of all five of the latest-release wines.
Temperatures can reach high levels against the slopes of Kasteel Mountain and in the surrounding valley, which means that warmer varietals fare well here. Allesverloren is best known for its Port, although winemaker Danie Malan also produces two reds from grape varieties usually limited to Port production: Touriga Naçional and Tinta Barocca. Although the other reds, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, show lots of character, ambience is lacking and nothing encourages us to hang around.
Pamphlets of the valley are stacked along the walls and, on the mosaic-topped counter where the tasting happens, grapeseed pharmaceuticals are on display. Honey products are offered for sale in one corner while Allesverloren merchandise is exhibited in another. Two hip-level spittoons have been erected in the tiny room, but people find them "too pretty to use", says Helena.
There are no seats. My group is rushed through the tasting and caught off -guard when it ends so quickly. To make up for this, we take a less-than-generous pouring of Port outside to look at the springbok grazing in an adjacent camp.
The area outside is well equipped with ample seating. Almost a dozen four-seater tables and a kids' playground suggest people do linger. But why would they? The view is not that grand and the sun is scorching. At least I am leaving with a bottle of Port...
Tel 022 461 2320; www.allesverloren.co.za
OPEN: Mon - Fri 08:30 - 17:00,
Sat 08:30 - 14:00
SERVICE: 5/10 - too familiar,
but informed enough and eager
AMBIENCE: 4/10 - no real
ambience to speak of
VALUE: 5/10 - good wines but
visit not worth the drive
QUALITY: 6/10 - unusual red
varietals and a well-produced Port
Photographs by Danie Nel
