Out and about in Cape Agulhas
Out and about in Cape Agulhas
Terroir is the notion that wines should taste of the place wherethe grapes grow. We invite you to travel with us as we explore South Africa's different wine-growing appellations.
South Africa's Wine of Origin (WO) scheme came about in the early 1970s and was based on the classification systems of Europe. Today the WO classification recognises "geographic units", "regions", "districts" and "wards" in order of size from biggest to smallest.
INTRODUCTION
The district of Cape Agulhas takes its name from Africa's most southerly point.
Most of the vineyards are situated around the village of Elim, originally a Moravian mission settlement founded in 1824. Strong winds are prevalent in summer, ensuring a very cool ripening season, and producers are gaining acclaim for Sauvignon Blanc in particular.
WHAT TO DO
Visit the southernmost tip of Africa. The official position is 34° 49' 58" south and 20° 00' 12'' east. A cairn marks the exact location, and it is here that the Atlantic and Indian oceans are commonly agreed to meet.
Climb the 71 steps that lead up to the top of the Cape Agulhas lighthouse, from which a spectacular view of the surrounds is obtained.
The Zoetendal, Birkenhead and Arniston are some of the shipwrecks found along this coastline. Showpieces from the wrecks are on display at the Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum.
Some of the country's best sea-angling spots are along the Agulhas coast and Gansbaai offers the thrill of shark-cage diving for the brave. Struisbaai and L'Agulhas offer good beaches for those who prefer more relaxing activities.
WHERE TO STAY
For true peace and tranquility, book into one of the self-catering cottages on Strandveld farm. This really is off the beaten track with the nearest shops situated in Bredasdorp (34km away) or Struisbaai (35km). Tel 028 482 1902, www.strandveld.co.za.
The Arniston Spa Hotel is set next to an old fishing village, overlooking turquoise seas and surrounded by undulating white sand dunes. Tel 028 442 9000, www.arnistonhotel.com.
Agulhas Country Lodge in the village of L'Agulhas off ers premium accommodation with spectacular sea views from nearly every vantage point. Tel 028 435 6750, www.agulhascountrylodge.co.za.
WHERE TO EAT
Sit at Pelicans Harbour Café in Struisbaai with a plate of calamari and chips and an ice-cold bottle of local white wine as you watch trawlers return in the early afternoon. Tel 028 435 6163.
Tastings and a light lunch are available at Black Oystercatcher by appointment. Tel 028 482 1618, www.blackoystercatcher.co.za.
Nacht Wacht on the road from Bredasdorp to Arniston offers hearty country cuisine. There's also a selfcatering guesthouse on the property. Tel 082 371 9299, www.nachtwacht.co.za.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch or supper at Julian's restaurant in Bredasdorp and then browse the gallery of ceramics on the same premises. Tel 028 425 1201, www.juliankeyserceramics.co.za.
Acclaimed winemaker Jean Daneel and wife Renée run Renésance in Napier, offering contemporary cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Tel 028 423 3724.
WINES WORTH CHECKING OUT
ZOETENDAL
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009
Cellar price: R55
Visits: Visits: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:00,
Sat 09:00 - 13:00
Tel 028 482 1717
Why we like it:
The nose shows grassy, dusty notes and a touch of green pepper. The palate shows juicy fruit and well-integrated acidity. Clean, pure and elegant.
QUOIN ROCK CAPE AGULHAS
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009
Cellar price: R70
Visits: By appointment
Tel 021 888 4740
Why we like it:
A dusty note on an otherwise shy nose. Lime fruit and bracing acidity on the palate. Finishes very dry, leaving a citrus pith-type sensation in the mouth.
BLACK OYSTERCATCHER
WHITE PEARL 2008
Cellar price: R71
Visits: Visits: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:00,
Sat by appointment
Tel 028 482 1618
Why we like it:
80% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc. A forward nose showing thatch and green pepper. The palate is medium bodied with lime fruit, fresh acidity and well-judged oak. Best drinking is still a year or two off.
THE BERRIO
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008
Cellar price: R75
Visits: Visits: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:00, Sat
by appointment
Tel 028 482 1880
Why we like it:
Hint of asparagus as well as mint on the nose and palate. Juicy and round in the mouth, counter-balanced by fresh acidity. Named after a caravel in explorer Vasco da Gama's fleet of 1497.
LOMOND PINCUSHION
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009
Bergkelder price: R102.66
Visits: Not open to the public
Why we like it:
Rated 5 Stars in Platter's 2009. Strikingly clean and crisp. Good fruit expression with flavours of figs and green melon and lemon-like acidity.
STRANDVELD ADAMASTOR 2008
Cellar price: R115
Visits: Visits: Mon - Thu 09:00 - 17:00, Fri
09:00 - 16:00, Sat 10:00 - 15:00
Tel 028 482 1902
Why we like it:
56% Sauvignon Blanc, 44% Semillon. Herbaceous notes and oak spice on the nose.The wine is initially rich, full and viscous but finishes very dry.
