The Cape Winelands

This isn't Tuscany, although it looks a lot like it.

This is the Cape Winelands where we have been for the past couple days.

The wines here are good, some are very good.

It's hot here, hotter than the wine growing regions of France and Northern Italy.  It's closer to the climate of Australia and Southern Italy.

Thus the wines are strong and have more alcholol content.  But the tradition of winemaking comes from the French Hugenots and so the grapes tend to be of the french variety, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.  They do have their own unique varietal here called Pinotage which was created by mixing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (Hermitage).  I've tried Pinotage three times since I've been down here and I have to say I haven't warmed up to it.  It is fruity up front but kind of smoky on the finish and I don't love it.

We visited three wineries yesterday and they were all great. 

We really liked the 2003 Chardonnay from a winery called Glen Carlou.   

This picture is the view from their tasting balcony.

Apparently Glen Carlou sold in the US so we'll try to find some when we get back.

Our favorite was a brand new boutique winery called Lindhorst that just started making wines in 2002.  We bought a case of the 2002 Shiraz and a case of the 2002 Shiraz/Merlot blend.  Both were great.  We also bought a case of the Pinotage to have so we can give others a chance to try this uniquely South African wine.

Here is a picture of Mark Lindhorst giving us a taste of the 2004 Shiraz out of the barrel.  It was pretty good already.  We'll have to get some of that in a couple years!

You can't get Lindhorst in the US right now, but if you like Shiraz, email me and I'll give you Mark's email address and you can get him to ship you some.

Comments

[Helmar]

There are still very few good Pinotages - most still taste like ammonia - although they've made good progress on that in recent years.

Mark's Shiraz is really "lekker" - albeit a bit pricey for my liking. There are plenty of better value-for-money options out there, but it really is a matter of personal taste. On that note, you should get some of that now, because in a couple of years the 2004 will be a lot more expensive, and you may then only get the latest harvest.

Lindhorst Wines is one of the younger estates in the Cape (their website is at www.lindhorstwines.com). I went there recently and enjoyed a good tasting and Mark's company.

Don't forget to visit "The Nose Wine Bar" at the Cape Quarter, where you will find an excellent selection of South African wines by the glass at reasonable prices. Their website can be found at www.thenose.co.za

[Helmar]

I forgot: you HAVE TO go and visit the Constantia Valley wineries like Buitenverwachting, Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Constantia Uitsig and Steenberg. At pretty much all of them you can sit in the shade under old trees with a picnic hamper and enjoy their goodies. Visually very pleasing - and your tastebuds will be delighted too.

[Randal Leeb-du Toit]

Glad you are enjoying the SA winelands - back in 1676 my ancestors, two Du Toit brothers who had been ousted from France, arrived via Holland and set in train the Hugenot movement that spawned this industry. I hope you got to check out the Franschoek region - arguably the most beautiful place in the world (but then I guess I am biased :).

Nowadays I am an early stage investor in Sydney, Australia - and hey! the wines here are even more top notch with huge variety.

Stop by some time.

[Gabe]

Nice to see your site. I found out about it on Gadling. I'm living in Cape Town right now (I'm from Louisiana), right down the road from where you're stayinig (in Clifton). It's funny to see that you've been hanging out at Cafe Caprice. That is our daily hangout after work... I've probably seen you there. Enjoy Cape Town, I know I am.