Rickety Bridge
A wine enthusiast is faced with myriad options when driving into Franschhoek. Signs beckon with "Taste our awardwinning wines!", "Lunch served here", "Open for tastings seven days a week". Overwhelmed with literally hundreds of options, how does one choose? And how do wine farms stay ahead of the game and compete with a plethora of neighbours?
It's clearly difficult, particularly in Franschhoek, as wine farms add wedding venues, restaurants, cheese tastings, olive tastings, et al, to their offering, explains our host at Rickety Bridge. This wine farm is home to the obligatory restaurant and wedding venue. But recently it also joined forces with Lannice Snyman, who sadly passed away in May this year, in producing gourmet products that include vinegars, relishes, salts and other yummy goods.
Our tasting-room attendant, who was happy to entertain a small group of opinionated wine lovers, expertly guided us through not only the wines, but a small selection of the deli products.
The Rickety Bridge Chenin Blanc 2009 (R49), with stewed pear on the nose and a lovely crisp finish, was paired with a garlic, ginger and peri-peri sauce; the acidity of the Chenin working well to counteract the spicy flavours.
Later, the Chardonnay 2008 (R65) was particularly impressive, displaying a rich butteriness on the palate, without being overly oaked.
As we worked through the whites, our host warned us that he was not particularly enamoured with the Semillion, and neither were we. His frankness was refreshing - clearly he's not just a tasting-room attendant who's just learnt the fact sheet off by heart.
He kept us engaged with discussions on soil quality, the regional climate and his thoughts on leading wine competitions. It transpired that he was in fact just helping out on this particular day and isn't a regular behind the counter - but one would think that, if this is the quality of the ‘extra help', the permanent staff should be pretty spectacular.
Moving on to the reds, the Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (R85), which is only available in magnum at a particularly good-value R85, offers herbaceous characteristics on the nose as well as the palate together with lively fruit and wellbalanced tannins.
Similarly, the Paulina's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (R150), the estate's flagship wine since 1997, offers ripe red fruit and cigar box on the nose, which follows through to a fruity, well-intergrated palate.
The Shiraz 2004 (R100) was another stand-out; a typically Old World style wine with a spicy nose and subtle tannins. Sadly, the tasting room itself does not quite equal the impressive wine and service.
The interior is somewhat dull, and lacking a ‘wow' factor. There's nothing wrong with it, but it's a bit disappointing as the beautiful exterior façades of the tasting room and manor house seem to hold much promise.
Nevertheless, the views from the balcony are spectacular, and in summer, one can literally dine among vines, with tables placed on a sunny deck extending into the vineyards. Unfortunately, in winter the restaurant is moved into the function venue, making for a less exciting, but still beautiful, location.
Rickety Bridge
Open for tasting Monday to Saturday,
10:00 to 17:00
Tel: 021 876 3669
NEIGHBOURS OF NOTE
Grande Provence - Award-winning wines, a sophisticated restaurant and luxurious guesthouse; Grande Provence is a spot for the very well heeled.
Môreson - Home to a particularly good Pinotage, a fantastic restaurant and a deli that stocks delectable charcuterie, breads and olives, it's a must-visit.
La Motte - In addition to excellent wines, the Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz in particular, a beautiful, inviting tasting room and cellar music concerts make La Motte a popular tasting venue.
OVERALL RATING: ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
WINES: Classy, drinkable wines
SERVICE: Five star
AMBIENCE: Comfortable and
relaxed; impressive views
