There are possibly too many fantastic wine regions and farms in the Cape to visit all of them, but I will try my utmost to get around to most! The Robertson Wine Valley has been on my radar lately, and I am happy to say I am making headway. I can now add De Wetshof to the list of Wine Estates I have visited, in Robertson.
De Wetshof
De Wetshof, renowned for the production of some of the finest wines in South Africa since the 1970’s, is also the first registered wine estate in the Robertson Wine Valley. Particularly well known for their Chardonnay, the estate is often referred to as the “House of Chardonnay.”
Wines
As I mentioned, De Wetshof is best known, both locally and internationally, for their range of Chardonnay Wines. The estate produces six Chardonnay Wines, each with differing complexity and flavour profiles. Before going any further, I need to mention the fact that I am not characteristically a white wine or chardonnay drinker but my palate for the latter is developing nicely.
When I visited the estate recently, I was fortunate enough to taste their red and white wines, as well as their MCC range. Below are a few of the wines I tasted.
Limestone Hill
One of their wines you will probably be familiar with is Limestone Hill. If you are not traditionally a Chardonnay drinker, this would be the wine I would recommend you try first. Limestone Hill is un-wooded, with hints of citrus fruit. It does not have the distinctive heavy oakiness most Chardonnays have, making for a wonderfully balanced wine. You still get the Chardonnay character, but there is also freshness on the palate. RRP 750ml R103.00, available from select outlets or directly from the Estate or Online.
Bateleur
I am not going to go into detail about all their Chardonnays. My recommendation is that you visit the estate and do a tasting to experience them yourself. I will, however, mention the Bateleur, which was my favourite. Even though the Bateleur is a white wine, it is incredibly gutsy and will easily stand up to rich flavours such as lamb and strong cheese. I particularly love the fact that although you do get lots of oakiness on the nose, citrus is dominant on the palate. RRP 750ml R417.00, available from select outlets or directly from the Estate.
De Wetshof Naissance Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Yes, Chardonnay is what they do best but certainly not the only thing De Wetshof do well! I loved their MCC Pinot Noir Brut 2010, as well as the Danie de Wet Nature in Concert Pinot Noir 2013.
I am making special mention of the De Wetshof Naissance Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 because it surprised me. When it comes to Cabernet, I am not a fan of too much oak or a strong cigar box flavour profile. I think this is why I really enjoyed the Naissance. This Bordeaux-style wine is elegant but still robust in flavour with intense red berries and dark chocolate. Fruit tannins are smooth, and you are left with a velvety lingering finish. I could happily quaff this wine on its own, but it will pair equally well with red meats and earthy flavours such as mushrooms. RRP 750ml R157.00, available from select outlets or directly from the Estate.
Contact Details
Contact De Wetshof Wine Estate via Telephone +27(0) 23 615 1853 or Email. If you wish to purchase any of the wines, I have featured or other wine from the Estate, please visit their Website.
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Disclosure
I enjoyed complimentary wine tasting at De Wetshof Wine Estate. Please note that all information provided above was deemed correct at time of publishing, but is, however, subject to change at the establishment’s discretion.
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