Altydgedacht tasting room review
Altydgedacht Tasting Room Review
This Durbanville estate, in the Parker family since 1852, can rightfully be proud of its lineage of winemakers, but maybe the "longstanding traditions" should be toned down at the cellar door.
Turning off Tygervalley Road, head past the Cape Dutch buildings towards a dam where an old basket press and barrel wagon are a precursor to the museum-type interior of the tasting room. Steps make for unfriendly wheelchair access. The tiny room consists of a ploughman workbench (circa early 1900s) that serves as the tasting counter, a single riempie bench and another basket press that is slowly crumbling into non-existence. In one corner, dry renosterveld plants are on show. Done apparently to lend historical interest, the displays and other bits and bobs fail to impress me. I might be alone in this observation, though, given that an elderly man is examining a piece of rusted tractor equipment with great interest...
Marilyn, the tasting room attendant, has been assisting here for 15 years and, although she is presumably passionate about her product, she does not seem very excited on the day. All the farm's wines are available for tasting with the dry Gewürztraminer 2008 being Marilyn's best seller, but labelled bottles are out of stock which means you can taste, but you can't buy.
Whites and reds and a single spittoon stand ready on the tasting bench. Some of the wines have already been opened and are served at room temperature. Given that it is mid-November, this hardly translates into ideal tasting conditions, with the wines' flavours obscured and their alcohol levels all too evident - not very enjoyable. Marilyn is also a bit distracted by a group of giggling girls who are taking pictures of themselves.
I decide to pour some wine for myself, when in walks co-owner and cellarmaster Oliver Parker. Friendly and unpretentious, he reveals that he often helps out in the tasting room - an authentic bonus that you don't get just anywhere. His background and wine knowledge make him an appealing and informative host. The tasting ends with a special pouring of the limited release Barbera 2006, not yet available for purchase, with Altydgedacht having pioneered this Italian grape varietal in SA. Unfortunately, neither this exclusive tasting nor the chat with knowledgeable Parker is able to redeem a very one-dimensional tasting experience.
Tel 021 976 1295; www.altydgedacht.co.za
OPEN: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:00,
Saturday 09:00 - 15:00
SERVICE: 6/10 - Mr Parker saves
the day
AMBIENCE: 4/10 - too much tat
and too little ambience
VALUE: 6/10 - you can get better for
cheaper
QUALITY: 6/10 - go for the Barbera
and Pinotage
