The winetimes team popped in at the Cape Wine Show held at the Cape Town International Convention Center on Wednesday. Our mission: Discover the unknown. With over 600 wine stands at the show the task was daunting, but at the end we managed to dot down the following three lesser known gems.
Keermont
This boutique estate is situated high up in the picturesque Blouklip Valley in Stellenbosch. Keermont made their first vintage on 2007 in an old spring water bottling plant, which have since been upgraded into a fully functional winery.
Natural yeast fermentation and no adjusting of acid (hooray!) or alcohol make for rich, but balanced wines. Add some 40 year old vines to the mix and you end up with something really special.
Our pick – Keermont – The Terrasse 2009
This Chenin Blanc Viognier blend is creamy and nutty with just enough of a citrussy zing to balance things off. A great example of what can be done with whites in the Stellenbosch region.
Usana
Neighbours to iconic Meerlust estate Usana Winery is another new kid on the block that impressed at the show. The winery is apparently still very much a farm. No fancy tasting room or polo field, it’s just a place where a family makes wines.
Our Pick – Usana Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris with just enough body to make it sexy, but still so easy. Add a dash of Pinot Blanc, leave it for four months on the lees and voilà, a knock back Pinot Gris with silky fruit flavours to seduce your palate.
Chateau Beau Belle
Chateau Beau Belle is a brand new wine and olive estate in the Stellenbosch Valley, established on 36 hectares during the latter part of 2008
Our Pick – Beau Belle Reserve Shiraz 2010
Dark and a bit smoky but not to in your face. An elegant wine with sensible use of oak (or at lease it taste like it) and a touch of acidity to liven things up.
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