Waterkloof
Estate releases latest Circumstance red wine trio
Estate set to become
first SA wine farm to produce its own natural fertiliser
Issued by Random Hat Communications on
behalf of Waterkloof Estate
Conservation-minded Waterkloof Estate, soaring on the
slopes of the Schapenberg on the outskirts of Somerset West, unlocks nature’s
true potential with elegant wines of great complexity as shown with the latest
2010 red wine trio in its acclaimed Circumstance collection.
‘The 2010 vintage Circumstance Merlot, Cabernet
Sauvignon and Syrah, each echoes a unique symphony of fortuitous circumstances that influence the individual
vineyard sites, including soil, aspect and altitude.
They express the grape types from which they are made with purity and integrity
and set a high benchmark if you are looking to find out the true aromas and
tastes of that particular grape type,” shares Waterkloof winemaker Nadia
Barnard.
Few wine farms are as green and environmentally
responsible as Waterkloof where biodynamic practices and cutting edge
sustainable endeavors reign supreme. Besides having Percheron horses to assist
with a ‘lighter’ touch in the ploughing and spraying of the vineyards; sheep
to keep the weeds under control, and earthworms to turn the soil, farm manager
Christiaan Loots is always looking for better ways to harness the power of
nature to produce Waterkloof’s unadulterated wines.
Christiaan Loots
One of his latest ‘green missions’ is to make a
completely natural, sustainable fertiliser for Waterkloof, at Waterkloof, using
materials from Waterkloof.
“No farm in South Africa is 100% sustainable from a
fertiliser perspective yet as they all still rely, to some degree, on
purchasing fertiliser from an outside source. At Waterkloof we aim to become
the first farm in the country to be entirely sustainable when it comes to
natural fertilisers. Natural
fertilisers include both nutrients and living bacteria to make those nutrients
accessible for plants, whilst chemical ones do not offer any living life forms
at all. Natural fertilisers allow farmers to add both nutrients and the
critical microbes to the soil at the same time,” he explains.
Christiaan is in the
process of making his own completely natural fertiliser, using everything
available at Waterkloof itself and is using a few approaches, none of which are
new by way of age – they have been used for thousands of year, extensively in
the East – but new by way of application in modern wine farming in South
Africa.
“What works best for a
specific area should ideally come from that specific area. At Waterkloof we
utilise what is already available to us and our natural methods include
Bokhashi – a Japanese method of producing completely natural fertiliser that is
high in nutrients – as well as worm cast tea high in aerobic microbes;
biodynamic compost; green cover crop methods, and stable manure,” adds
Christiaan.
Waterkloof’s Circumstance wine range stems from high-altitude vineyards on the farm and
due to the close proximity of False Bay and the vineyards’ height above sea
level, the cooler climate ensures perfect conditions for slow, even ripening,
which imparts intense flavours, complexity and finesse to the red varietals.
At Waterkloof all the
red grapes are fermented in open top wooden fermenters and in Nadia’s pursuit
for more individually styled wines, she relies only on naturally present, wild
yeasts during fermentation. Manual punch downs are used during fermentation to
maximise colour and tannin extraction and the wines stays on the skins for up
to 35 days. She also relies on the use of gravity to avoid excessive pumping of
the wine.
Circumstance Merlot
2010
The Circumstance
Merlot 2010, which hails from low yielding, elevated vineyards where cool
growing conditions impart a balanced natural acidity, ripe tannins and terrific
concentrated flavours to the grapes, is a smooth, textured wine with soft
tannins and great length. It reveals pencil shavings, dark fruit and tobacco
flavours on the nose whilst an elegant, bright acidity on the palate with juicy
fruit linger to a long finish.
Recommended food
partners:
Duck, braised lamb or venison fillet.
Recommended retail
price:
R155
Circumstance Cabernet
Sauvignon 2010
The Circumstance
Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 hails from even higher
ground, with some of the vines stretching up to 300 meters above sea level
where they benefit from strong South Easterly winds during the growing season
which helps to control growth, crop size and quality. The wine spent 22 months
in new and 2nd fill French barrels followed by another two
months in the tank prior to bottling. It is a classical reflection of
Waterkloof with a complex mix of blackcurrants, plum, spice and cedar flavours
followed by sweet, ripe fruit on the palate. Fine tannins allow for a savoury,
satisfying finish.
Recommended food
partners: Springbok loin or T-bone steak with
Béarnaise sauce
Recommended retail
price:
R155
Circumstance Syrah
2010
The Rhône-style
Circumstance Syrah 2010 was shaped by the high-altitude vineyards situated on
the south-facing slopes of the Schapenberg which the winemaker values as one of
the finest cool-climate vineyard sites in South-Africa. The wine spent 20
months in 600 litre barrels before bottling. It is luscious and ingratiating,
showing pure floral and herb fragrances, with hints of spice on the nose.
Bright fruit is carried by a fresh acidity on the pallet.
Recommended food partners: Hearty casseroles or lamb or sirloin steak,
infused with rosemary and thyme
Recommended retail
price:
R155
The Circumstance range
is available at the Waterkloof cellar, selected wine outlets and leading fine
dining restaurants. For more information or wine orders contact Waterkloof
Estate at
Tel: 021 858 1292 or
visit www.waterkloofwines.co.za.
