Out and about in Simonsberg-Paarl
Out and about in Simonsberg-Paarl
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 relatively new ward in the Paarl district, Simonsberg-Paarl is to be found on the north-eastern foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains between Paarl and Stellenbosch, and is home to an array of wellknown wine farms. Summers are warm and dry, and winters cold and wet, with the terroir lending itself to the cultivation of both red and white varieties.
What to DO
• Visit Glen Carlou not just for tastings of its wines along with panoramic views;z` browse its excellent Hess Museum to view works of art by internationally renowned artists (Glen Carlou is owned by the Swiss-based Hess Group which has one of the world's largest privately owned art collections). Follow with lunch at the Zen Restaurant which specialises in tasty seasonal fare. Tel 021 875 5528.
• Experience a sensual Pinotage bath for two, au natural of course, among the vineyards at Mont Destin. It's supposed to be as "relaxing and revitalising"as it gets, and includes white fluffy towels and a bottle of the Pinotage (for sipping) too. R1 500 per couple. Tel 021 875 5870.
• Vrede en Lust is a popular wedding venue, with its deluxe Manor House and three charming guest cottages - Jacques, Marguerite and Barbere - in hot demand, and with good reason. Stylish and comfortable, they're in the prettiest setting shaded by oaks and have the advantage of being a short walk from the wine farm's restaurant,
Cotage Fromage. Tel 021 874 1611.
• Elegantly appointed guest apartments with a distinct African feel at Marianne Wine Estate have views of the vineyards and mountains, with a pool for hot berg wind days. Tel 021 875 5040 / 021 875 5672.
WHERE TO EAT
• There are several dining options at Boschendal: the famous Le Pique- Nique for stylish picnics in summer, Boschendal Restaurant in the Manor House for traditional Cape-French buffet luncheons (daily), and Le Café for breakfasts, light lunches and teas, seven days a week, in a pretty outdoor setting or beside a log fire in winter. Tel 021 870 4272/3/4/5.
• Enjoy the idyllic outdoor setting along with relaxed country cooking at Anura's Lilly Pad Restaurant. (Open Mon-Sun.) Tel 021 875 5360
• Olivello on Marianne Wine Estate serves "Cape Comfort" fare in a scenic country setting, and its buffet-style Sunday Mediterranean Table (R155 pp) is legendary. Tel 021 875 5443.
PLAISIR DE MERLE
CHARDONNAY 2007
Cellar price: R80
Visits: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00, Sat 10:00-16:00
(Nov-Mar), Sat 10:00-14:00 (Apr-Oct)
Tel 021 874 1071
Why we like it:
The name Plaisir de Merle means "pleasure of
the blackbird". This wine shows a hint of lime,
citrus blossom and spice on the nose. The palate
is medium bodied with a creamy texture off set
by bracing acidity.
NIEL JOUBERT CHRISTINE-MARIÉ
VIOGNIER 2007
Cellar price: R90
Visits: by appointment
Tel 021 875 5936
Why we like it:
Christine-Marié is the new upper-tier range
from this family-owned operation. Notes of
peach, honeysuckle and spice on the nose,
while the palate has poise and is not at all
unctuous as so many local examples of
Viognier are.
GLEN CARLOU QUARTZ STONE
CHARDONNAY 2007
Cellar price: R84.50
Visits: Mon-Fri 09:30-16:30, Sat 9:30-16:30,
Sun 10:30-16:30
Tel 021 875 5141
Why we like it:
This limited-release wine derives its name from
a single vineyard planted in soils containing
quartz stone shards. Tropical fruit, blue orange
and some leesy notes on the nose. The palate
is full bodied, rich and ripe. Natural yeast
fermentation, 11 months in 100% new oak.
Not for the faint-hearted.
BACKSBERG KLEIN BABYLONS
TOREN CABERNET SAUVIGNON
MERLOT 2005
Cellar price: R84.50
Visits: Mon-Fri 09:30-16:30,
Sat 9:30-16:30, Sun 10:30-16:30
Tel 021 875 5141
Why we like it:
Forthcoming dark fruit, violets, graphite
and some earthiness on the nose. Entry on
the palate is sweet and juicy, and the oak is
well integrated. A feel-good factor is that the
property is carbon neutral approved.
ANURA SYRAH MOURVÈDRE
RESERVE 2005
Cellar price: R90
Visits: Mon-Sun 09:30-17:00
Tel 021 875 5360
Why we like it:
This wine very much evokes the Rhône: it
shows ripe red berries as well as some exotic
notes of dried peach and thatch on the nose.
The palate shows good fruit expression, relatively
soft tannins and fresh acidity. There's
also an appealing hint of white pepper.
DESTINY SHIRAZ 2006
Cellar price: R450
Mont Destin visits: by appointment
Tel 021 875 5870
Why we like it:
This is a statement wine, in every sense. The
nose shows ultra-ripe dark fruit and lilies,
while the palate is rich and full with sweet
fruit and relatively soft tannins. It is hugely
concentrated, recalling the wines of Barossa,
South Australia. Production is extremely
limited (a mere 780 bottles in total) and
packaging is suitably striking.
