By country :: South Africa
Eight years ago I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel for the first time to South Africa, and I quickly fell in love with this beautiful country, particularly its majestic landscape and friendly citizens. Love at first sight is an overused cliché, but I was truly stunned by the beauty of what surrounded me, and I now consider South Africa to be my second home.
As a Frenchman, the gastronomy of any region I visit is the first thing I scrutinise, and South Africa definitely recorded top marks in that department, with great food on offer, particularly in Franschoek restaurants – although I am maybe slightly biased in that regard!
The changes in South African society over the last few decades have been well documented, and a number of years ago we at l’Art du Vin decided to create our own Fairtrade label. This venture has now kicked up another
gear, and we recently re-launched the label with far more personal involvement, calling it ‘The Cannonberg Project’. Now, all decisions made with regards to the label are far more personal, and we hope this will allow us to develop the concept more fully and effectively.
As well as our own label, we are delighted to continue our relationships with well-established, award-winning wineries all over the country, namely Vergelegen, Ken Forrester and Martin Meinert. Over the course of my last few South African trips, it has come to my attention that an increasing amount of small, young producers are electing to focus on the cultivation of specific grape varieties that suit their local terroir, rather than growing a wide range of international grapes. There is no doubt that these producers are the country’s rising stars, are we are thrilled to include a number of them on our list, including Chris Williams of the Foundry and Eben Sadie.
Philippe
Found 28 products.
Cabernet Merlot, Seabrook, 2010Our price: £7.95Seabrook wines are produced in South Africa’s beautiful Western Cape where vines flourish in thespectacular warm climate. This helps produce wines of great flavour, depth and complexity. Seabrook wines are ethically sourced from responsible producers who care about their environment and their workers.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cannonberg, 2011Our price: £7.65Our South African Cannonberg label was originally launched in partnership with the Fairtrade Organisation, which we hoped was going to benefit the local community by contributing to social projects in the Western Cape region. Although it worked well, we have now decided to both develop the concept and manage the project on a more personal level.
Chardonnay, Meerlust Stellenbosch, 2009Our price: £21.50Meerlust Chardonnay 2008Meerlust Estate is situated 40 kilometres from Cape Town, on the banks of the Eerste River in the district of Stellenbosch. Johannes Albertus Myburgh bought Meerlust in January 1757. His ownership marked the foundation of the Myburgh dynasty. Hannes Myburgh, the eighth generation owner of Meerlust, is now running the estate with the help of Chris Williams. Chris was appointed Cellar Master at Meerlust in 2004. He studied Oenology at Elsenberg and gained international experience in France working for Michel Rolland. Chris is driven by the challenge of developing the vines at Meerlust to their full potential, while isolating and identifying specific vineyards of excellence and teasing out all the personality of the grapes.
Chenin Blanc Reserve, Ken Forrester, 2011Our price: £10.80Ken Forrester’s vineyards, on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, are often referred to as the ‘Home of Chenin Blanc’ and with good reason, as his vines produce some of the region’s best quality produce. Internationally acclaimed, Ken first began to cultivate these vineyards 16 years ago, although the original estate can be traced back as far as 1690. Nowadays, Ken’s philosophy centres on the creation of handcrafted wines that are accessible to all price ranges, and it is no surprise that his produce is now lauded across the globe.
Chenin Blanc, Cannonberg Western Cape, 2012Our price: £6.60Our South African Cannonberg label was originally launched in partnership with the Fairtrade Organisation, which we hoped was going to benefit the local community by contributing to social projects in the Western Cape region. Although it worked well, we have now decided to both develop the concept and manage the project on a more personal level.
Chenin Blanc, Seabrook, 2011Our price: £7.95Seabrook wines are produced in South Africa’s beautiful Western Cape where vines flourish in the spectacular warm climate. This helps produce wines of great flavour, depth and complexity. Seabrook wines are ethically sourced from responsible producers who care about their environment and their workers.
Eben Sadie, Sequillo Red, 2005Our price: £21.00Since learning the trade of winemaking under the tutelage of Charles Black at Spire Route, Eben Sadie has undoubtedly gone on to become one of the most exciting producers in South Africa. From his base in Malmesbury, Eben, who is in his late thirties, crafts wonderful wines that he believes accurately reflect the terroir of the area. Having gained inspiration from a trip to Burgundy, this obsession with terroir is what makes Eben stand out in a local market filled with producers who produce standard, straightforward and average wines. His attention to detail is incredible, and his glorious red Columella has now reached cult status, acknowledged by many to be the best South African red wine on the market.
Eben Sadie, Sequillo White, Swartland, 2010Our price: £21.00 Since learning the trade of winemaking under the tutelage of Charles Black at Spire Route, Eben Sadie has undoubtedly gone on to become one of the most exciting producers in South Africa. From his base in Malmesbury, Eben, who is in his late thirties, crafts wonderful wines that he believes accurately reflect the terroir of the area. Having gained inspiration from a trip to Burgundy, this obsession with terroir is what makes Eben stand out in a local market filled with producers who produce standard, straightforward and average wines. His attention to detail is incredible, and his glorious red Columella has now reached cult status, acknowledged by many to be the best South African red wine on the market.
Flagship Red, Vergelegen, 2004Our price: £31.15VERGELEGEN – André Van Rensburg
Flagship White, Vergelegen, 2008Our price: £24.95VERGELEGEN – André Van Rensburg
FMC, Ken Forrester, 2010Our price: £25.30Ken Forrester’s vineyards, on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, are often referred to as the ‘Home of Chenin Blanc’ and with good reason, as his vines produce some of the region’s best quality produce. Internationally acclaimed, Ken first began to cultivate these vineyards 16 years ago, although the original estate can be traced back as far as 1690. Nowadays, Ken’s philosophy centres on the creation of handcrafted wines that are accessible to all price ranges, and it is no surprise that his produce is now lauded across the globe.
Ken Forrester, The Gypsy, 2009Our price: £25.30Ken Forrester’s vineyards, on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, are often referred to as the ‘Home of Chenin Blanc’ and with good reason, as his vines produce some of the region’s best quality produce. Internationally acclaimed, Ken first began to cultivate these vineyards 16 years ago, although the original estate can be traced back as far as 1690. Nowadays, Ken’s philosophy centres on the creation of handcrafted wines that are accessible to all price ranges, and it is no surprise that his produce is now lauded across the globe.
Meerlust, Merlot, 2008Our price: £21.50Meerlust Estate is situated 40 kilometres from Cape Town, on the banks of the Eerste River in the district of Stellenbosch. Johannes Albertus Myburgh bought Meerlust in January 1757. His ownership marked the foundation of the Myburgh dynasty. Hannes Myburgh, the eighth generation owner of Meerlust, is now running the estate with the help of Chris Williams. Chris was appointed Cellar Master at Meerlust in 2004. He studied Oenology at Elsenberg and gained international experience in France working for Michel Rolland. Chris is driven by the challenge of developing the vines at Meerlust to their full potential, while isolating and identifying specific vineyards of excellence and teasing out all the personality of the grapes.
Meerlust, Red, 2010Our price: £12.65Meerlust Estate is situated 40 kilometres from Cape Town, on the banks of the Eerste River in the district of Stellenbosch. Johannes Albertus Myburgh bought Meerlust in January 1757. His ownership marked the foundation of the Myburgh dynasty. Hannes Myburgh, the eighth generation owner of Meerlust, is now running the estate with the help of Chris Williams. Chris was appointed Cellar Master at Meerlust in 2004. He studied Oenology at Elsenberg and gained international experience in France working for Michel Rolland. Chris is driven by the challenge of developing the vines at Meerlust to their full potential, while isolating and identifying specific vineyards of excellence and teasing out all the personality of the grapes.
Meerlust, Rubicon, 2007Our price: £26.10Meerlust Estate is situated 40 kilometres from Cape Town, on the banks of the Eerste River in the district of Stellenbosch. Johannes Albertus Myburgh bought Meerlust in January 1757. His ownership marked the foundation of the Myburgh dynasty. Hannes Myburgh, the eighth generation owner of Meerlust, is now running the estate with the help of Chris Williams. Chris was appointed Cellar Master at Meerlust in 2004. He studied Oenology at Elsenberg and gained international experience in France working for Michel Rolland. Chris is driven by the challenge of developing the vines at Meerlust to their full potential, while isolating and identifying specific vineyards of excellence and teasing out all the personality of the grapes.
Meinert, Merlot, 2009Our price: £14.00Having made his name as head of the now famous Vergelegen estate, Martin Meinert took the decision to become involved in his family vineyard at Devon Crest in Stellenbosch in 1997. Employed as a journalist before turning to wine, Martin sees cultivating vines on his land’s unique terroir as a way to express his inner feelings, a passion which is very much evident in the quality of his wines.
Meinert, Pinotage, 2008Our price: £12.25Having made his name as head of the now famous Vergelegen estate, Martin Meinert took the decision to become involved in his family vineyard at Devon Crest in Stellenbosch in 1997. Employed as a journalist before turning to wine, Martin sees cultivating vines on his land’s unique terroir as a way to express his inner feelings, a passion which is very much evident in the quality of his wines.
Meinert, Synchronicity, 2005Our price: £21.30Having made his name as head of the now famous Vergelegen estate, Martin Meinert took the decision to become involved in his family vineyard at Devon Crest in Stellenbosch in 1997. Employed as a journalist before turning to wine, Martin sees cultivating vines on his land’s unique terroir as a way to express his inner feelings, a passion which is very much evident in the quality of his wines.
Premium Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Vergelegen, 2009Our price: £11.40VERGELEGEN – André Van Rensburg
Premium Sauvignon Blanc, Vergelegen, 2011Our price: £11.40VERGELEGEN – André Van Rensburg
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Vergelegen, 2006Our price: £16.60VERGELEGEN – André Van Rensburg
Reserve Chardonnay, Vergelegen, 2009Our price: £16.60VERGELEGEN – André Van Rensburg
Reserve Merlot, Vergelegen, 2008Our price: £16.60VERGELEGEN – André Van Rensburg
Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Vergelegen, 2011Our price: £16.60VERGELEGEN – André Van Rensburg
Reserve Shiraz, Vergelegen, 2006Our price: £16.60VERGELEGEN – André Van Rensburg
Sauvignon Blanc, Meinert La Barry, 2011Our price: £11.65Having made his name as head of the now famous Vergelegen estate, Martin Meinert took the decision to become involved in his family vineyard at Devon Crest in Stellenbosch in 1997. Employed as a journalist before turning to wine, Martin sees cultivating vines on his land’s unique terroir as a way to express his inner feelings, a passion which is very much evident in the quality of his wines.
The Foundry, Syrah, 2007Our price: £18.00Established in 2000 and co-owned by James Reid and Chris Williams, the head winemaker at Meerlust, The Foundry produces fantastic wines that truly epitomise the Cape of Good Hope’s unique terroir.
Viognier, The Foundry Cape of Good Hope, 2010Our price: £15.30Established in 2000 and co-owned by James Reid and Chris Williams, the head winemaker at Meerlust, The Foundry produces fantastic wines that truly epitomise the Cape of Good Hope’s unique terroir.
