Out and about in Robertson
Out and about in Robertson
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
A district in the Breede River Valley region, Robertson is 160km and two hours' drive inland from Cape Town. With plantings covering 13 802 ha, it's renowned for its fertile, lime-rich soils along the Breede River, producing notable Chardonnay among other wines. A variety of cellars includes some of the country's top-quality producers and several at the forefront of our good value winemaking operations. Every June, wine lovers flock here for the Wacky Wine Weekend.
WHAT TO DO
• No visit to the Robertson area is complete without a river cruise, and there are several operating on the Breede River. Combine wine tasting with a relaxing hour-long cruise at Viljoensdrift. R35 adults, R15 children. Booking is essential. Email rivercruises@viljoensdrift.co.za.
• Or try something a little more strenuous and explore the river in a canoe. (www.raftingroute62.co.za). There's also great fishing to be found along the banks.
• Find (or lose) yourself in the fascinating maze at Soekershof, which is also home to an acclaimed outdoor succulent collection comprising more than 2 400 different registered plants. Open Wed-Sun. R60 adults, R40 children. Tel 023 626 4134.
WHERE TO STAY
• Gracious country accommodation at the 4 Star Fraai Uitzicht 1798 rewards with exceptional fine dining in addition to luxurious touches like handembroidered cotton bed linen. A restful atmosphere makes this very much a retreat-like spot to restore harmony to stressed-out urbanites. Tel 023 626 6156,
• The beautifully restored Excelsior Manor guest house is set among the vineyards of this wine estate, with nine sumptuous en suite bedrooms. Tel 023 615 2050.
WHERE TO EAT
• Bon Rouge Bistro at Bon Cap Organic winery off ers a daily changing menu for lunch and dinner, with traditional Cape fare like bobotie and waterblommetjiebredie, with views of river and mountains. Open Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00, Sun 8:30-16:00. Closed Saturdays. Tel 023 626 2073.
• Find casual but tasty dining under the pepper trees or inside beside a fire at Café Maude, on Bon Courage Estate. Tel 023 626 6806.
• For fine Belgian cuisine in scenic surrounds, try Rosendal Winery and Wellness Retreat. Tel 023 626 1570.
WINES WORTH CHECKING OUT
VAN LOVEREN WOLVERINE CREEK
LIMITED RELEASE
CHARDONNAY 2008
Cellar price: R56
Visits: Mon - Fri 08:30 - 17:00,
Sat 09:30 - 13:00
Tel 023 615 1505
Why we like it:
A wine that shows great ambition: pure citrus
fruit, bright acidity and lots of toasty oak.
Currently too young to drink but should be at
its peak in two to three years time.
WELTEVREDE RUSTED SOIL
CHARDONNAY 2006
Cellar price: R82
Visits: Mon - Fri 08:00 - 17:00,
Sat 09:00 - 15:30
Tel 023 616 2141
Why we like it:
Oxidative nose showing honey and some yeasty
notes. Palate is rich with flavours of marmalade
and some nuttiness. Good line of acidity. A
complex wine showing at its best now.
BON COURAGE CAP CLASSIQUE
JACQUES BRUÉRE BRUT
RESERVE 2004
Cellar price: R95
Visits: Mon - Fri 08:00 - 17:00,
Sat 09:00 - 15:00
Tel 023 626 4178
Why we like it:
The nose shows attractive citrus blossom
character. The palate is strikingly fresh with
plenty of citrus fruit and crisp acidity. Hint of
yeastiness on finish lends complexity.
GRAHAM BECK BRUT
BLANC DE BLANCS 2005
Cellar price: R169
Visits: Mon - Fri 08:00 - 17:00,
Sat and 1st Sun of mnth 10:00 - 15:00
Tel 023 626 4178
Why we like it:
The nose shows a slight buttery character,
otherwise shy. The palate is rich and full with
a combination of citrus and yeasty fl avours.
Explosive mousse, bright acidity. Will only
improve with time.
VILJOENSDRIFT
RIVER GRANDEUR
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007
Cellar price: R55
Visits: Mon - Fri 08:30 - 17:00
Tel 023 615 1901
Why we like it:
Red and black fruit on the nose, as well as
some dustiness. The palate is medium bodied
with juicy fruit, fresh acidity and admirably
discreet use of oak.
SPRINGFIELD
THE WORK OF TIME 2003
Cellar price: R100
Visits: Mon - Fri 08:00 - 17:00,
Sat 09:00 - 16:00
Tel 023 626 3661
Why we like it:
Elegant, complex Bordeaux-style red blend
from non-conformist Springfield winemaker
Abrie Bruwer. Range of flavours including
plummy fruit, chocolate, spice. Remarkably
fresh for its age.
