Mid-winter in South Africa

It is now mid-winter in South Africa with day temperatures varying between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius while the nights can be as low as 0 to 5.

In the De Grendel vineyards some pruning activities have already started, but more on information and pictures on that in our next update to you as we would like to include the full process with pictures.

A week ago we bottled our first 2012 white wines of the season from the cellar. So much time and preparation goes into the vineyards before harvesting and then in the cellar through the whole winemaking process to ensure the best possible wine for the specific vintage – that this last piece of the puzzle is just as important for us. So easily something can go wrong in these last steps where we put our wine, made with meticulous detail, in the bottle.

Due to this huge risk, we are very peculiar on the bottling of our wines and the processes involved. Our goal is to stabilize our wines (cold and protein) and then filter to a full “holding tank” to ensure that sulphur, CO2 and dissolved oxygen levels are exactly what we are aspiring to at bottling.

In the first picture you can see one of our quality processes – where we are checking our dissolved oxygen in the tank by probe of the oxygen metre. Our goal is to get the dissolve oxygen level (mg/l) as low as possible in the tank to protect the wine, as there will always be an oxygen pick up during bottling.

We are extremely fortunate that due to the location of our vineyards and our terroir, coupled by winemaking practises, we have wine with a low pH value. The lower pH value has a direct effect on the effectiveness of the sulphur and we can therefore get away with half of what the norm is. This also ensures longevity of the wine in the bottle. We can therefore ensure that the wine is bottled with low levels of free and total sulphur. Knowing that our wine is healthy we only need to put the wine through a very course filter at bottling, not harming or “stripping” the wine in any way.

At De Grendel we do not produce mass quantities of wine, and effectively only bottle between 16 – 20 days per year. We therefore prefer using a mobile bottling line that is in operation daily and keep up with the latest of technology.

We have evaluated quite a few mobile lines, as this is such an important part in the winemaking process and have been using the same people for the last 6 years as quality are equally important to them.

The wine we have bottled now will only be released end of August, beginning September to ensure that that the wine has the maximum time to recover after the bottling shock and reach the consumer at the optimum time!

Kind regards,

Charles Hopkins                                                       Elzette du Preez

Cellar Master                                                           Winemaker

De Grendel Wines                                                   De Grendel Wines

New in our assortment: Weingut am Kaiserbaum

Decription of the winery

Weingut am Kaiserbaum, Hammel-Hundinger is a family-winery in the northern part oft he region of „Pfalz“. Since 2006, Gerald Hundinger is responsible for the 18 hectars of vineyards and the cellar. Especially the time of education at Weingut Müller-Catoir under the cellarmaster-legend Hans-Günter Schwarz has a big influence on his way of winegrowing. The philosophy and especially the ecological thinking of his father Frithjof continue to be improved.

Centre of the winery is the Kaiserbaum. This violett-flowering tree was planted in 1980, in the year of Gerald’s birth and is now part of the winery-own classification:

The „Kaiserbaum-wines“ build the middle segment and stand in the hierarchy above the „Gutsweine“. At the top you find the „Kaiserbaum-Gold-wines“ from top locations.

The wine-growing work follows the principles of controlled environment-friendly practices.

The avoiding of insecticides and herbicides, the gentle soil-working, the use of compost, the greening of the rows lead to a healthy soil structure and the tastfulness of the grapes.

The vineyards reach from the village of Gerolsheim over Laumersheim, Weisenheim am Sand to Freinsheim. The multiple different soil types and microclimats guarantee perfect ripening conditions for our grape varieties.

Red wines are traditionally matured in oak barrels, to reach storable wines. Ripeness and structure decide about the use of new small barriques or neutral big barrels. The white wines are reductively fermented in stainless steel and are allowed to develop long on the lees.

Grauburgunder trocken Gutswein

Our Gutsweine show freshness, a pronounced fruit and balance. They are caracterized by the grape variety and the year.

The Grauburgunder, with its ripe acidity and ample fruit, showing fullripe pear and honeydew melon, is the perfect allrounder. It accompanies easily a complete menue, beginning with fish going til tasteful meat.

Weissburgunder trocken Gutswein

Our Gutsweine show freshness, a pronounced fruit and balance. They are caracterized by the grape variety and the year.

The Weissburgunder is a fresh and elegant white wine with remarkable, but full-ripe acidity. Hazelnuts and a slight creamy hint of lemon make it to an excellent companion to pasta with a creamy sauce.

Rosenbühl Blanc de Noir trocken Kaiserbaum

With our Kaiserbaum, we specify wines, showing more location-caracter and elegance than our Gutsweine. The longer barrel ripening confers more richness and complexity to the wines.

The Blanc de noir at the base of Spätburgunder grapes is much more than just a summer wine.

Ist caracteristic smell of currant and the fine flavour enables it to acompany a versatile choice of dishes. Its complexity and the playful freshness, inspire by the first taste.

Rosenbühl Gewürztraminer & Riesling Kaiserbaum

With our Kaiserbaum, we specify wines, showing more location-caracter and elegance than our Gutsweine. The longer barrel ripening confers more richness and complexity to the wines.

The marriage of both varieties has a long tradition. We maintain this cuvée by the conviction, that the fresh acidity fits perfectly to the aromatical richness of the Gewürztraminer. The bouquet gives off the smell of roses and lime. At the palate, the fine residual sweetness provides drinking pleasure and amusement.

All fantastic mineral wines out of the Pfalz area. In the Netherlands imported by Jean Arnaud Wijncom. www.jeanarnaud.com info: info@jeanarnaud.com.

Adventures of Kiwi and Koala: Kiwi next to Downunder / Mt. Difficulty NZ

(copy of article from blog: http://adventureso(fkiwiandkoala.blogspot.nl/2012/07/kiwi-next-to-downunder-mt-difficulty-nz.html)

Situated in Bannockburn outside of Cromwell, and a nice drive from the Queenstown/Arrowtown area along the Kawarau River is Felton Road, home to several world class wineries.
For this adventure Kiwi chose to visit Mt. Difficulty, partly because he had tasted (aka drank) a 2006 Roaring Meg earlier in his travels, and partly because it has a really cool name. To paraphrase a quote from the movie Johnny Dangerously, "you do know your name is an adverb, right?"

The real 'difficulty' was raising Marino sheep on the steep, rocky slopes of the mountain. And nothing speaks the Southland like a merino jersey (USA translation – sweater, Aussie translation - Jumper). But get rid of the sheep and plant grapes in that unforgiving landscape and now you have a New Zealand trifecta! Great wine, LOTR country (Lord of the Rings for those neophytes), and Gold country (gold rush of the 1860’s). Did I mention it is beautiful as well?


Bannockburn enjoys a semi continental climate with hot summers, and long cool autumns. Along with soils of clay and gravel, these are excellent growing conditions for Burgundy grapes. Pinot Noir excels here, as well as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. OK, you got us. Riesling is from Germany in the Rhine region.
Travelling with friends, we arrived at the cellar door to be greeted by Cheryl. The tasting area was new, and very inviting. There is also a restaurant, although it was closed when we arrived. We loved the cost of tasting – “a gold coin” – ($1 or $2).

Cheryl started us of on the Rieslings – a dry and a sweet. Both were delicious (7 and ***) and we came away with a couple of bottles. Good for drinking now (with friends!) or cellaring for several years.
But Kiwi had really come for the famous Central Otago Pinot Noir’s so we dove right in! First up the 2010. Very nice, but also young. Showed lots of promise so Kiwi took one home for safe keeping (7 and ***). Then the 2010 Growers Series Packspur. Wow, loved that, an 8 and **. Still young and again, Kiwi took one to be sure it would be OK down the road. Well someone has to check on stuff like that and don't worry Koala is there to help!

Time was short, and the sun was turning the hills and valley golden around us, but still Cheryl was able to rustle up a cheese plate for us and opened a 375 ml bottle of 2009 Pinot noir. Delish! What a difference a year in the bottle made.

From the facility, the service, to the view and the great wine, Kiwi was happy. And happy Kiwis buy wine. You should too!
So if find yourselves down near Felton Road stop in to some Cellar doors and have a taste.

Make sure you stop by Mt Difficulty and tell em Kiwi and Koala sent you!

To happy tasing!

Cheers,

Kiwi & Koala

Good to know #Vina #Errazuriz pagina bijgewerkt met oogstbrerichten.

Klik hier: http://wijnwijnennogeenswijn.blogspot.nl/p/good-to-know-vina-errazuriz.html

Om direct naar de update toe te gaan.

Richard Mayson's top 10 single-quinta Ports

 

1st of 10
    

Quinta do Noval 2004

Dense, deep and closed on the nose but with plenty underneath. Pure berry fruit interwoven with dense, finegrained tannins leading to a close-knit spicy finish. There was no Nacional declared in 2004, so these legendary grapes are included in the blend. 19pts/20

Price: £60

Drink: 2020–2040

Alc: 20%

Source: www.decanter.com

In the Netherlands imported by Jean Arnaud Wijncom info: vakhandel@jeanarnaud.com / horeca@jeanarnaud.com.

De Grendel

DE GRENDEL WINERY

Our 17th century Dutch canons fire every 2nd Saturday of the month.

A bit of background

De Grendel is synonymous with quality. Originally used for the breeding of Arab horses, the Graaffs also breed award-winning cattle and sheep. This established farm is now home to Holstein stud cattle, sheep, grain and vines.

It was Sir David’s insight that injected new life into the established farm and within just a few years, De Grendel’s varietals were firmly established as key players in the South African wine industry with a number of accolades to their name.
The cellar experience

Using the principles of Feng Shui our cellar has been magnificently designed and decorated to blend the old with the new. Dramatic windows act as spy holes into the manufacturing process and into the vast cellar itself where the barrels are stored. The cellar combines the heritage of the Graaff family history at De Grendel, with a new era in winemaking and wine tasting.
The tasting

The cellar’s open plan tasting room spills onto the veranda where you can experience our wines against the picture-perfect backdrop of Table Mountain, guided by the expertise of our in-house tasting presenters, 7 days a week.

 

 

 

 

 

History

Few places on earth offer such a spectacular outlook. Nestled atop Tygerberg Hill, surveying its surrounds with unparalleled 270 degrees panoramics, De Grendel showcases Table Mountain, the city of Cape Town and the seaboard all in one landscape. Just 20 minutes from the city, this dramatic expanse of land offers perspective and accessibility. De Grendel means “the latch” in Dutch – this farm was historically the gateway on the route to the inland settlements of Durbanville and Stellenbosch which had to be opened to traverse the Tygerberg.

Our distinctive position

Perfectly situated on high, sea-facing slopes, it is the only vineyard in the country that is 350m above sea level and only 7 km from the sea. This elevated position is not only majestic, but also forms an integral part of the micro-climate that shapes our elegant wines. Our vines benefit from the western-facing aspect and the close moderating effects of the ocean – advantages that are the product of the site. In our viticulture and wine-making, our goal is the expression of the character of this distinctive position.

Sensitivity to our environment

Looking after the natural environment, the farm is part of a larger fynbos conservation area, caring for the endemic but highly endangered “renosterveld”. Our social environment is being protected by employer-employee partnerships in winemaking and viticulture. In all we pursue, we aim for excellence, now and in the future.

The Winemakers

Charles Hopkins, Cellar Master

Charles Hopkins is the inaugural winemaker and one of South Africa’s most highly regarded winemakers both in the country and abroad. He is also a member of the 36-member Cape Winemakers Guild. His list of successes and awards includes numerous double golds at the Veritas Awards. He studied Cellar Technology at Elsenburg Agricultural College and has worked in California, his beloved Bordeaux, and a number of well-known South African farms.

Elzette du Preez, Winemaker

Elzette du Preez spent seven years at an established South African wine estate working in marketing as well as the cellar. She then formally qualified as a winemaker from Elsenburg Agricultural College, Stellenbosch. In 2005 she received the Dux Student award for Cellar Technology as well as the Elsenburg Dux Diploma. She worked a harvest season in California, toured the major French wine regions, as well as Marlborough, New Zealand, focusing specifically on Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Environmentally Conscious

Carbon Negative

De Grendel is proudly carbon negative. An assessment of greenhouse gasses emitted and absorbed through operations on the De Grendel wine and dairy estate established that the Durbanville farm is a net carbon sink, meaning that the farm releases less carbon into the air than it absorbs through growth of vegetation on the farm. The report included emissions from the winery, vineyards, dairy, the church on the farm and farm houses as well as emissions generated outside of the farm boundary, for example, emissions from the transport of deliveries to and from the farm, sea freight, as well as staff flights.

The Renosterveld

Looking after the natural environment, the farm is part of a larger fynbos conservation area, caring for the endemic but highly endangered “Renosterveld”.

Our garden

A terraced indigenous garden cascades towards the dam. Using water-wise principles, a series of agricultural drains capture storm water through the wet season and send it down to the dam where it is circulated. Plant wise we took our lead from the fynbos found on the Tygerberg, using Buchu plants, Restios (Cape reeds), Proteas and Pincushions. Wild grape covers the pergola leading to the front entrance of the cellar complex.

Bron: http://www.degrendel.co.za

Our wines

 

De Grendel white and rosé wines: Viognier, Sauvignon blanc, Pinot Gris, Koetshuis Sauvignon blanc ande Winifred (Semillon, Viognier, Chardonnay)

De Grendel red wines: Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Rubiayat (86% Cab Sauv, 11% Merlot, 2% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot )

  

 De Grendel wines are imported in the Netherlands by Jean Arnaud Wijncom. Info: retail@jeanarnaud.com or www.jeanarnaud.com

Port Perfection: Quinta do Noval Nacional

Port Perfection: Quinta do Noval Nacional

The 1994 Nacional scored 100 points. And this is the wine that Christian Seely poured at the 2011 Wine Experience as part of the Wine Star series focusing on the world's great benchmark wines. Meet Christian and learn about this exceptional wine. (8min:48sec)

See Video: Noval scores 100 out of a 100!

Noval Port is imported im the Netherlands by @jeanarnaudwijn Tilburg. www.jeanarnaud.com

Longview

LONGVIEW ESTATE

Longview is a stunning family owned Australian vineyard located just outside the historic township of Macclesfield in the Adelaide Hills. Set on undulating slopes reminiscent of classic old world estates, it has quickly established itself as one the most awarded vineyards in the region since its first vintage in 2001.

Red Bucket
Shiraz
Cabernet

Red Bucket
Semillon
Sauvignon
blanc

Brothers Peter and Mark Saturno were eager for a change from the big city lifestyle of New York City and decided they were ready to move back to their native South Australia to take on the challenge of producing the kind of premium, cool climate wines they had developed a passion for whilst abroad. Along with their sister, mother and father the boys have wine, food and hospitality in their blood and with help from dedicated vineyard staff, this family affair aims for further success while never forgetting the fundamentals of past achievements.

Longview Vineyard is a little warmer than other Adelaide Hills' sites but its wines are still decidedly cool climate in style showing restraint and finesse without sacrificing depth. With gorgeous 4 star accommodation, breathtaking views from our cellar door, immensely popular Sunday tapas and a most sought after function centre, Longview Vineyard is more than just a premium wine producer: it is one of the most impressive wine tourism destinations in South Australia and the 'Pick of the Adelaide Hills'.

          

 The wines

Whippet
Sauvignon
blanc



Blue Cow
Charddonnay


With a site perfect for Macclesfield’s unique micro-climate, Longview Vineyard produces exceptional fruit for graceful cool climate wines. The Adelaide Hills is traditionally known for its white wines but Longview pushes the envelope with some of the most awarded reds of the region. With a drive for elegance and balance, complexity and longevity, every berry in every drop of Longview is grown on the estate.

The quintessentially Australian blends of the cheeky Red Bucket Range pack a punch beyond their price; the single varietals of Longview’s Estate Range exhibit a purity of fruit that showcases what the vineyard does best; and the Elite Range takes the very best fruit Longview produces each vintage and using only the finest oak, meticulous wine making and luxurious packaging, sends wine to astronomical heights.

      

 

 

 

 

 

Vineyards





Iron Knob Riesling



Devils Elbow
Cabernnet Sauvignon





The beauty of Longview goes beyond its spectacular vistas. It also happens to be perfectly situated to grow both white and red varietals equally well with the natural gradient of the vineyard’s vast slopes being carefully chosen to suit each varietal. Aspect is highly important and in planting the vineyard, northerly facing slopes were planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Nebbiolo while our classic cool climate white varieties (Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay) which require less radiation are on the southern slopes.

Longview is located on the South Eastern Ridge of the Mt Lofty Ranges and to the south has the southern ocean and to the east Lake Alexandrina. This accounts for a slightly higher average temperature than the rest of the Adelaide Hills while still remaining a cool-climate site.

Most rainfall occurs in winter and throughout summer warm days are followed by cool winds shifting from the southern waters of Lake Alexandrina and the coast.



 





Yakka Shiraz

Consequently these conditions result in a very high diurnal range which is quite site specific, ensuring a breadth of flavours and aromatics in the grape berry. Longview wines are all from our single estate and therefore much of the work to provide depth and character is completed in the vineyard. Each block is serviced differently, in order to build complex flavour profiles which are then fermented separately and blended to make the wine of any one vintage.

Red Varieties (37.7 Ha) Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Pinot Noir Nebbiolo Merlot

White varieties (32.3 Ha) Chardonnay Riesling Pinot Grigio Sauvignon Blanc Viognier Semillon

 

 



The Piece Shiraz
(packed in a spraycan tube)

Riserva Nebbiolo

After a challenging 2011, this year’s harvest is set to be one of the great years. By the beginning of March Longview harvested all its whites which was a sigh of relief. All these varieties were harvested for flavour profile rather than weather conditions influencing harvest dates. By late March/early April we began to harvest Shiraz followed by Cabernet Sauvignon. Both varieties showed exceptional flavour profiles and like our whites, exceptional acid levels. Colour was also a stand out.

Nebbiolo was harvested in Mid-Late April which was approximately 2 weeks ahead of average. The fruit harvested appeared to show the best flavour development we had ever seen from Nebbiolo at Longview vineyard and we’re very excited to see the resultant wine. As we leave Autumn, harvesting has finished, with the Late Harvest Riesling Grapes the last to be picked.














Thankfully, all of Longview's wines will be made this year along with an exciting new wine that our database will get first dibs on!

In the vineyard, flavours looked fantastic and all ferments are progressing well. We are very excited to see the 2012 wines in bottle and we thank you in advance for your patience as we fine tune them into absolute show stoppers!
source: http://www.longviewvineyard.com.au

Longview wines are imported by Jean Arnaud Wijncom Tilburg for the Netherlands, Belgium markets. More info: www.jeanarnaud.com or mail info@jeanarnaud.com

Mt Difficulty is a boutique winery

Winemaker Matt Dicey talks about the vintage at Mt. Difficulty

Mt Difficulty is a boutique winery located in Bannockburn in Central Otago, New Zealand. The Bannockburn area is internationally recognised as one of the few places in the world where the pernickety Pinot Noir variety has found a home outside Burgundy. Martinborough in New Zealand and Oregon in the US are the only other regions where Pinot Noir seems to truly flourish.

The unique microclimate of the Bannockburn area provides hot summers, a large diurnal temperature variation and long cool autumns which bring the best out of the Pinot Noir grapes. This, along with a mix of clays and gravels ideal for viticulture, provides an excellent basis not only for Pinot Noir, but also for Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Chardonnay.

Mt Difficulty Wines was named after the mountain over-looking Felton Road and the southern Cromwell basin. This mountain is a very important part of the Bannockburn microclimate, providing shelter from the cool winds of the Wakatipu Basin and Gibbston Valley.

To ensure the full potential of the region is realised, we have a policy of very low cropping levels in our vineyards, all of which are owned and managed by the shareholders of Mt Difficulty. Most of our vines were planted in the early 1990’s. This is relatively early for Central Otago and is extremely valuable in adding extra complexity and concentration to our Pinot Noirs.

 In early 2001 we commissioned a state of the art winery among the vines on our Templars Hill vineyard on Felton Road. The winery was specially designed to produce hand made Pinot Noir, along with separate facilities for other varieties and a specific barrel hall for Chardonnay. This facility, along with the expertise of wine maker Matt Dicey, allows us to convert the outstanding qualities of the grapes into equally outstanding wine.

The Mt Difficulty brand started in 1998 with a very small production of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The first Pinot Noir went on to win a Gold medal at the 1999 Air New Zealand wine awards, while the Chardonnay attained Silver. This was a great result for a startup winery and showed the potential for these varieties in Central Otago. Previously the grapes from our vineyards were included in many top-performing wines from other Central Otago wineries.

Until 2003, when Mt Difficulty Wines Ltd was formed, the vineyards were privately owned by the partners who shook hands a decade earlier and formed the Mt Difficulty brand. The initial joint venture has grown into a leading New Zealand boutique winery with export markets in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, as well as many other smaller markets.

(source: http://www.mtdifficulty.co.nz)

Jean Arnaud Wijncom BV Tilburg The Netherlands is the importer of MT Difficulty wines for the Netherlands. More info: www.jeanarnaud.com or mail: info@jeanarnaud.com

De Grendel Sauvignon blanc Koetshuis

Nobele Sauvignon Blanc uit Zuid-Afrika

juni 9, 2012

Waarom is de ene wijn duur en de andere niet? Verbergt die dure Bijzondere Kwaliteiten die alleen ‘wijnkenners’ weten te waarderen? Nee. Iedere wijndrinker die vaker dan eens in de maand wat naar binnen giet proeft groot verschil tussen een fles van drie euro en eentje van een tientje. Maar hoe ontstaan dat? De drie belangrijkste factoren zijn: de geschiktheid van de plek (die zich vertaalt in grondprijs en dus geld), het rendement per oppervlakte (dat sterk beïnvloedbaar is – haal je 4000 of 20.000 flessen van een hectare?), en het imago. Onder een euro of 25 zijn de eerste twee factoren het belangrijkst, daarboven is het de laatste.

Zo. Dat was de les, nu de wijn. Een lekkere. De Sauvignon Blanc Koetshuis 2011 van De Grendel, uit Zuid-Afrika, is meer dan dat, trouwens. Hij is niet springerig of grassig zoals veel soortgenoten uit Nieuw-Zeeland, maar voornaam en zo geconcentreerd dat elke slok iets anders biedt. Noem het een prelude op het thema ‘tropisch fruit’. Nadat hij al is afgereisd richting maag galmt hij nog lang en chic na; dat noemen we afdronk. Goed hoor. Witte wijn die flonkert als de zomerzon op het water.

(Bron: Onno Kleyn, 09-06-2012)

De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc Koetshuis 2011, geimporteerd door www.jeanarnaud.com, te koop bij diverse wijnspeciaalzaken rond € 13,95.

Bosman Family Vineyards New releases

Bosman Family Vineyards New Releases

Over enkele weken stomen de nieuwste wijnen van #Bosman Family vineyards de haven van Rotterdam binnen. Medio juli kan de eerste distributie plaatsvinden. Meer info over prijzen en bechikbaarheid voor uw regio: retail@jeanarnaud.com of on-trade: horeca@jeanarnaud.com.

Jules Taylor over haar passie: #wijn

Mini interview met Jules Taylor

Vol passie over haar prachtige Sauv blanc.
Opgenomen op locatie Marlbourough Nieuw Zeeland 15-5-2012.

#Jules Taylor wines worden exclusief geimporteerd door Jean Arnaud Wijn uit Tilburg voor de Nederlandse markt. Meer info: www.jeanarnaud.com, 013-5841200.

Nieuw Zeelandse gastvrijheid

 

Lovend stuk over twee bezoeken aan @Jeanarnaudwijn #wijnhuizen. #Zephyr wines van #Glover family vineyards en #Jules Taylor wines.

Jules Taylor en Zephyr #wijnen worden exclusief geimporteerd door Jean Arnaud Wijncom uit Tilburg. Voor beide merken zijn afspraken voor exclusiviteitsleveringen in uw postcodegebied mogelijk met geringe volume afspraken. Meer info: j.honing@jeanarnaud.com, 013-5841200.

WWW.JEANARNAUD.COM