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Thursday, April 24, 2014

Conrad Vlok of Strandveld Vineyards inducted into Commanderie de Bordeaux


Issued by: GC Communications on behalf of: Strandveld Vineyards
Conrad Vlok, winemaker of Strandveld Vineyards, Africa’s southernmost winery, has added another exciting chapter in his decade at the farm with his induction into the Commanderie de Bordeaux en Afrique de Sud. This South African chapter of the worldwide Commanderie unites wine lovers with a passion for Bordeaux.

His induction is another milestone in his journey of discovery crafting cool climate wines in this exciting young wine appellation. It is in this extraordinary wine ward that Conrad and his winemaking team create both the First Sighting and Strandveld wines with a rich heritage rooted in the unique Elim terroir.

Conrad’s Strandveld Adamastor, a coveted Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blend, is a fine example of an exceptional Bordeaux style white wine. The 2010 vintage received a gold medal at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show, whilst its 2009 predecessor earned five stars in Platter’s South African Wine Guide.

This acclaimed, classic Bordeaux blend is full and creamy on the palate with a combination of roasted oak flavours and a dry minerality on the aftertaste.

“As a winemaker, I enjoy making this Bordeaux style white wine because it has the same complexity and excellent ageing potential of a Bordeaux style red. It is a softer wine and can even be enjoyed in winter when people usually drink red wine,” says Conrad.

Strandveld Vineyards is well known for exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, as endorsed by the highly regarded UK Master of Wine Jancis Robinson: “The decidedly cool Elim, near Cape Agulhas, is clearly capable of making notably fine Sauvignon Blanc.”

Conrad’s winemaking philosophy is that winemaking starts first and foremost in the vineyard and that good grapes are needed to make great wine. “Attention to detail is key. Don’t mess up in the cellar; stay focused until the wine is in the bottle and on the table.”

The Commanderie de Bordeaux was established in 1952 and includes chapters reaching from New York to Hong Kong. The South African chapter was established in 2011. For more information, visit www.commanderiedebordeauxsouthafrica.com.
  • Dedicated to bio-diversity and the conservation of the lush surroundings, Strandveld Vineyards offers a picturesque setting with an abundance of birdlife and plants, the perfect escape for wine and nature lovers to experience a serene getaway from the city's hustle and bustle. The farm is open for wine tastings in the historic tasting room and offers the experience to extend your stay in one of the welcoming guest cottages. Phone Tel: +27 (0)28 482 1906 or send email to info@strandveld.co.za. Visit www.strandveld.co..za, Facebook or follow @Strandveld on Twitter. The GPS coordinates are 34 ° 39 ' 592 " S; 19 ° 47 ' 268 " E.