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- Winemakers On Fire, Issue #37
Winemakers On Fire, Issue #37
Good day, and a warm welcome!
I'm excited to announce the launch of "Uncorking Secrets," a biweekly series exploring the intricacies of the wine industry, published every other Friday. As a passionate wine enthusiast, I'm eager to share this series with fellow professionals, marketers, and anyone curious about the business of wine. "Uncorking Secrets" will delve into a range of topics, from business strategies and marketing techniques to the art of storytelling and its impact on the identity and appeal of wines. We'll also tackle controversial issues and explore different perspectives, always striving to present a balanced and informative view.
Whether you're a wine industry professional seeking insights into current trends and innovations, a marketer looking to improve your wine marketing strategies, or simply a curious consumer wanting to learn more about the fascinating world of wine, "Uncorking Secrets" promises to provide valuable information and engaging content. Join me on Friday in uncovering the secrets to success in the world of wine, while also exploring different viewpoints and perspectives on controversial topics.
La Vierge Estate's Apogée 2020 Pinot Noir was awarded the prestigious Trophy for South Africa's Best Pinot Noir at the 2023 International Wine Challenge. This accolade is a testament to the exceptional terroir, viticulture, and winemaking practices at La Vierge, as well as the talent and vision of winemaker Christo Kotze.
To gain insights into the creation of this outstanding wine, we sat down with Christo Kotze, the winemaker behind Apogée 2020. In this exclusive interview, Christo shares his inspiration, winemaking philosophy, and the meticulous process that went into crafting this award-winning Pinot Noir. He also reflects on the impact of this significant achievement and his vision for the future of La Vierge Estate.
Robertson Winery, a respected player in South Africa's wine industry, has recently rebranded its Wide River wine range, showcasing the vibrant character of the Breede River Valley. This move demonstrates the winery's commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry and providing exceptional wine experiences. Join us as we delve into the new Wide River range and discover how this rebranding is contributing to the increasing appeal of South African wine both locally and internationally.
Creation Wines: A Journey to Excellence
In the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Creation Wines has been crafting award-winning wines through innovation and a commitment to sustainability. Recently, the estate was honoured with the 2024 V d'Or Award for Best Brand Experience, a prestigious recognition in the wine industry.
The V d'Or Awards celebrate pioneers who are pushing the boundaries of winemaking while maintaining respect for the land and local communities. Creation Wines' success is a result of their holistic approach, which includes creating exceptional terroir-driven wines, offering immersive culinary experiences, and demonstrating a strong commitment to social responsibility.
At the heart of this journey are co-founders JC and Carolyn Martin and their dedicated team. For over 20 years, they have been dedicated to sustainability and innovation, while honouring the unique characteristics of the Hemel-en-Aarde region. Their award-winning Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs showcase the exceptional quality of the region's climate and terroir.
This recognition is a testament to Creation Wines' unwavering dedication to excellence, and a celebration of their contributions to the world of wine.
Dive into our engaging interview with Creation co-founder and winemaker JC Martin for insights into the winery’s history, innovation, and vision.
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Crafting a Trophy-Winning Pinot Noir: An Interview with La Vierge Estate’s Christo Kotze
La Vierge Estate's flagship Pinot Noir, the Apogée 2020, has achieved remarkable success, winning a coveted Gold medal and the Trophy for South Africa's Best Pinot Noir at the prestigious 2023 International Wine Challenge. This prestigious award is a testament to the exceptional terroir, viticulture, and winemaking practices at La Vierge.
To gain insights into the making of this award-winning Pinot Noir, we sat down with Christo Kotze, the talented winemaker behind this outstanding wine. In this exclusive interview, Christo shares his inspiration, winemaking philosophy, and the meticulous process that went into crafting Apogée 2020. He also reflects on the impact of this significant achievement and his vision for the future of La Vierge Estate.
Through Christo's enthusiastic and detailed responses, we get a glimpse into the dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence that have propelled La Vierge Estate to the forefront of South African winemaking. Join us as we delve into the mind of this accomplished winemaker and unravel the secrets behind one of the country's most celebrated Pinot Noirs.
What was your reaction when you found out you had won a Gold medal for South Africa’s best Pinot Noir?
Winning a Gold medal for South Africa's best Pinot Noir is undoubtedly a significant achievement and a cause for celebration. It is a moment of great pride and validation for myself and the entire team involved in producing the wine. Such recognition demonstrates that our efforts in crafting an exceptional Pinot Noir have been recognised and appreciated by industry experts and connoisseurs. It is a testament to our dedication and commitment to producing exceptional wines.
Can you tell us more about the wine that won the Gold medal? What makes it special?
The wine we proudly present is the exquisite result of our very special vineyard, which holds great significance for us. This particular block has been designated as a singular vineyard for the past couple of years. Our intention behind cultivating this specific section of vines was to highlight the distinctive qualities that make our region truly unique. It serves as an authentic representation of the specific terroir found on Babylon Farm, where our vineyards are nestled.
Notably, this block consistently yields grapes of exceptional quality. To honour the wine's essence, we employed a hands-off approach during the winemaking process, allowing it to reveal its true character and faithfully reflect both the vintage and terroir. The recent accolade bestowed upon this wine further affirms that we are successfully pursuing the style of wine that we aspire to be renowned for.
What was your inspiration for creating this wine?
My inspiration for all the wines is very much the same. That is, to produce wines that are honest and reflect the sites that we farm with minimal intervention.
“To be the only South African Pinot Noir to achieve Gold is a magnificent achievement and testament to both the terroir and the viticulture and winemaking team.” Christo Kotze, winemaker, La Vierge.
What was the winemaking process like for this wine?
The grapes were harvested early in the morning and left to chill in a cold room overnight. The grapes were partially destemmed, with about 20% left as whole clusters, and allowed to cold soak for three days, after which the cooling was turned off and the must was allowed to naturally warm up. The must then spontaneously ferments until it is dry. The wine was then lightly pressed into barrels. Barrel maturation took place for about 16 months, after which the wine was filtered and bottled.
What do you think sets your winemaking style apart from others?
I find my affinity for working with the subtle nuances and delicate textures in wines to be the driving force behind my preference. I derive great satisfaction from experimenting with and incorporating diverse textures derived from the different batches of wine we receive during each harvest. By harnessing these nuanced complexities and textures, I strive to create wines that are harmoniously balanced, exquisitely rounded, and ultimately deliver a truly enjoyable experience.
Nestled in the picturesque mountains of the Hemel-en-Aarde valley lies La Vierge Wine Estate.
How would you describe your winemaking philosophy?
Very much vineyard-based and knowing when to intervene. Sometimes less is more. I firmly believe that wines are made in the vineyard, and most of my effort will be concentrated on the vines.
How do you balance tradition with innovation in your winemaking?
I like to keep up with current innovation and technology in the industry. I think we can always streamline our processes and work more efficiently. But we also work very hands-on in our approach to winemaking, so sometimes the old way works the best because it has been tested over time.
How has winning this award impacted your winery and your winemaking process?
I think it has been great for La Vierge to receive this recognition. It shows we are on the right track. But in terms of the winemaking process, it hasn’t changed much because I am a firm believer that you need to back your style and approach to winemaking, and if that gets recognised for being well made, then it just tells you to keep on doing what you are doing.
What are your future plans for your winery and your wines?
The future plans are to build on what we are currently doing and further improve our wines in the coming years. Our vineyards are still quite young, so the future of what we can achieve looks bright.
Thank you, Christo. Congratulations on your success, and we appreciate you sharing your thoughts, wisdom, and experience with us. We wish you nothing but success in the future.
Robertson Winery's Wide River: A Vibrant Rebrand That Captures the Essence of South Africa's Breede River
Robertson Winery, a longstanding producer of high-quality wines located in South Africa's Breede River Valley, has recently rebranded its Wide River wine range with a contemporary label design that captures the vibrant life of the Breede River. Established in 1941, Robertson Winery has earned a reputation for innovation and commitment to excellence, solidifying its status as a significant player in the South African wine industry. The rebranding of Wide River highlights the winery's ongoing efforts to maintain its position as a leading producer of high-quality wines, while celebrating the unique character of the surrounding region.
ALDC Design was tasked with creating a label design that would bring new life to the Wide River range. The Breede River, meaning "Wide River," is the lifeline of the Robertson Wine Valley and the inspiration behind this product and its story. To represent the main river element, ALDC Design introduced a boldly coloured "parallel wavy line" graphic.
To add fun, interest, and personality to each wine, ALDC Design incorporated five indigenous inhabitants of the river in the form of illustrative characters: the delicate dragonfly, the vibrant malachite kingfisher, the playful Cape clawless otter, the majestic South African king protea, and the lush greenery and abundant reeds that flourish along the riverbanks.
The label is printed on a matt textured paper stock, with a gloss high-build raised varnish used on the brand name, selected areas of the illustration, and in the negative space of the river element. This creates a ripple effect when viewed up close, adding a tactile element to the design.
Robertson Winery's Wide River rebrand is a vibrant representation of the Breede River's lively ecosystem, captured in a contemporary and engaging label design that invites consumers to explore the diverse flavours and personalities of South Africa's Robertson wine region.
Thank you, Lee Arendse, for sharing this amazing project with our readers. We wish you and the team at ALDC Design much success in the future.
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Mike Carter is the driving force behind Winemakers On Fire, which is published every Tuesday. My vision is to be recognised for giving more than taking and to use my talents and skills to positively impact others. Albert Einstein put it succinctly: "Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value."