Winemakers On Fire, Issue #79

Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa!

This week, we step into the world of Alvi's Drift, where a bridge built in 1930 became more than just a crossing—it became the symbol of a winemaking legacy. Join us as we sit down with Junel van der Merwe, Cape Wine Master and International Brand Ambassador, who shares the fascinating story behind two of South Africa's most respected wines: the elegant Reserve CVC and the acclaimed Reserve Drift Fusion.

From a doctor who dared to dream of winemaking to a third-generation winery pushing boundaries in the global market, discover how Alvi's Drift continues to build bridges between tradition and innovation, one exceptional bottle at a time.

"The bridge is more than a crossing; it's where dreams meet destiny. Like our wines, it represents the courage to take the path less travelled." 

Let’s dive in!

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been exploring some exciting ideas and concepts around the future of wine and the technology that’s driving innovation in the industry. I’m pleased to announce that we’ve now consolidated these ideas into a dedicated platform: the Terroir 2.0 website.

The Terroir 2.0 website is not just a place to learn about our approach but also a growing hub of resources, conversations, and insights about the fusion of wine and technology. I invite you to visit the site, explore its contents, and join us in this exciting journey.

Visit the Terroir 2.0 website to download our FREE Terroir 2.0 worksheet and uncork your full potential.

A Legacy of Vision: Alvi's Drift and the Art of Fine Wine

When Junel van der Merwe speaks about wine, her passion is immediately evident. As a Cape Wine Master and International Brand Ambassador for Alvi's Drift, she carries with her not just expertise but a deep understanding of how tradition and innovation can blend as seamlessly as the wines she represents. 

"South African wines are gaining recognition globally," van der Merwe notes, despite their currently modest 3.9% market share. "Perceptions are shifting from focusing on value-driven options to acknowledging South Africa's unique terroir, quality, and diversity." She sees multiple pathways for growth, including "premiumization—highlighting South Africa's premium and luxury wine offerings, distinctive varieties like Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, and sustainability through eco-friendly and socially responsible practices."

This shift in perception is perfectly embodied in two of Alvi's Drift's most prized wines: the Reserve CVC and the Reserve Drift Fusion, both of which tell a story of vision and craftsmanship that began with a bridge.

The Bridge to Excellence

The tale of Alvi's Drift begins in 1930, when Albertus Viljoen "Oupa Alvi" van der Merwe commissioned a bridge over the Breede River. Decades later, when his grandson Alvi left behind a successful medical career to pursue his passion for winemaking, this crossing would become more than just a way across the water—it would become a symbol of transformation that now graces every bottle of Alvi's Drift Reserve wines.

"The iconic bridge on our Reserve Labels holds a special story," van der Merwe explains. "Built by Oupa Alvi in 1930, this drift provided a shortcut to the farm and homestead. Years later, when Alvi, a retired medical doctor, fulfilled his winemaking dream, he discovered roadworkers referencing the 'Alvi's Drift' road. This inspired him to register his new label in 2004, naming it Alvi's Drift."

The Art of Blending: Reserve CVC

Created in 2007, the Reserve CVC has become one of South Africa's most sought-after white blends, and its creation process reveals why. "This iconic blend has evolved into one of South Africa's most coveted wines," van der Merwe explains. The wine represents a masterful combination that began with Alvi's vision. "Inspiration struck when Alvi combined his passion for Chenin Blanc, which dominates the blend with its beautiful fruit, structure, and elegance, followed by Viognier with its aromatic complexity and then Chardonnay with its richness."

The pale straw-coloured wine offers intense aromas of peach, passionfruit, and stewed quince, complemented by citrus and floral notes. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine demonstrates impeccable balance, with a creamy texture and soft, well-integrated tannins that make it remarkably versatile for food pairing.

The creation process is meticulous, as van der Merwe details: "Crafting the CVC involves separate vinification for each variety, maturation in French oak barrels for 12 months, and rigorous barrel selection through triple blind tastings. We, together with our cellar team, assess each barrel to determine the optimal wines for our blends." This attention to detail yields a refined, elegant wine with a lingering tropical-fruit finish that invites immediate enjoyment while promising rewarding maturation for up to eight years.

A Fusion of Heritage: Reserve Drift Fusion

The Reserve Drift Fusion represents another triumph in Alvi's Drift's portfolio. With more than 1,000 reviews, it's recognised by Vivino as one of South Africa's best-value Cape blends. This wine beautifully showcases the country's signature Pinotage grape, harmoniously integrated with Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Shiraz.

"The inspiration stems from Alvi's vision of showcasing Pinotage's elegance and wonderful ability to blend," van der Merwe shares. The journey to creating this blend began earlier than many might realize. "I might mention that Alvi's first Drift Fusion 2005 is still enjoyed by us; it aged incredibly well," she notes with pride.

The wine's composition follows strict guidelines while achieving remarkable complexity. "We adhere to the guidelines and rules set by the Pinotage Association to produce a Cape Blend: Pinotage should dominate the blend and not less than 30% in any blend. Pinotage dominates our blend with 38%, Cabernet Sauvignon 36%, Petit Verdot 20%, and Shiraz 6%."

The result is a wine of intense black cherry colour with a youthful ruby rim, opening with complex aromas of rich, ripe black fruit, featuring notes of prune, black cherry, and blackcurrant. Layers of spice and hints of cedarwood enhance the experience. On the palate, black fruit flavours resonate, complemented by silky-yet-firm tannins and well-balanced acidity. While it can be enjoyed immediately, this well-rounded wine will evolve beautifully over up to eight years of maturation.

The creation process mirrors the attention to detail seen in the CVC. "To achieve harmony, as with his CVC blend, separate vinification and maturation for each variety take place. Meticulous barrel selection through extensive tasting follows. We craft multiple blends, refined over weeks, and Alvi will make his final decision, re-tasting the few selected blended samples, when we enjoy our traditional South African braai."

Looking to the Future

As a third-generation winery, Alvi's Drift maintains a delicate balance between honouring tradition and embracing innovation. "Alvi, the brand's creator, pioneered bottling wine on the farm in 2004, breaking from his family's bulk wine legacy from 1928," van der Merwe explains. "He continuously evolves our winemaking style to meet local and international demand."

Junel’s role as International Brand Ambassador involves not just representing these exceptional wines but also educating global audiences about South African wines' unique qualities and potential. "Education is pivotal in promoting South African wines globally," she emphasises. "It empowers wine professionals and influencers, fostering appreciation and advocacy."

To stay competitive in the global market, Alvi’s Drift maintains a forward-looking approach. "We monitor industry trends, attend international shows, experiment with innovative techniques, and focus on quality and sustainability," van der Merwe notes. "I'm optimistic about South African wine's growing recognition and demand. The future looks bright!"

The future indeed looks promising for both Alvi's Drift and South African wines in general. With their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, they continue to build bridges—not just across rivers but between traditions and modern techniques, between local heritage and global markets, and between winemakers and wine lovers worldwide.

Both the Reserve CVC and Reserve Drift Fusion stand as proof to this commitment, offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity to taste what's possible when vision meets expertise and tradition meets innovation. These aren't just wines; they're liquid proof that sometimes the most rewarding journeys begin with crossing a bridge.

Did you miss last week’s newsletter? Last week, we showcased The Copper Pot, a premium wine brand from the acclaimed Four Friends winery. Nestled in the heart of the Thracian Valley, the best wine growing region in Bulgaria, Four Friends has long been renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The Copper Pot is the crown jewel of their portfolio, a wine that masterfully blends tradition and innovation to create a truly exceptional drinking experience. Read!

Until next Tuesday, keep your glass full and your taste buds curious.