Wines With Grandeur

Robertson is home to the Viljoen family whose heritage of winemaking dates back to 1818 when their French Huguenot forefathers first planted vines. Viljoensdrift is a family owned farm and winery with brothers Fred and Manie Viljoen at the helm. Manie, as viticulturist, manages the vines and fruit, while Fred works his magic in the cellar. In 1998 Fred and Manie opened the cellar door after 30 years of supplying grapes to the local co-op and now they are reaping the benefits of their commitment to, and passion for, wine-making. Besides crafting exquisite wines on the farm, a significant amount of energy goes into their fruit production operation, with apricots and peaches grown mainly for canning purposes.

 Grape Profile: Shiraz

Also known as Syrah, the popularity and climatic versatility of Shiraz has seen it planted globally. In the Rhône Valley, Syrah is the key component in wines, most famously in Hermitage, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Côte-du-Rhone and Côte-Rotie. It is in the New World that the name Shiraz was adopted and it is fair to  say that these wines are typically fuller and with more peppery spice than their Old World counter parts.

 In South Africa it is a fairly important variety, with the styles typically having expressive fruit supported by strong black pepper finish. The River Grandeur is a great example of this style of wine and I just love its rich intensity and the balance between fruit and spice.