Blanc de Mer

Effortless drinking qualities make the Blanc de Mer a popular aperitif, however it’s suitability to fresh seafood is unmatched – think Thai red prawn curry, bouillabaisse or simply oysters. The wine will also complement any picnic basket, packed for a whale watching excursion around the world renowned Walker Bay.

Vintage 2019 will long be remembered for the raging wild fire that swept across the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on the 11 January – less than three weeks before the first grapes were picked. We were fortunate not to be majorly impacted and brought in a healthy, yet slightly lighter crop. The reduced yield being the result of milder than normal winter temperatures. Weather conditions remained cool and relatively dry throughout February and March.

Harvested with a focus on vibrant freshness, our Riesling vineyards lay a linear foundation for the eventual blend. As a counter-point, Viognier from an elevated Elgin site is permitted to ripen fully - to the point where this cultivar develops its characteristic floral fragrance. Both components are fermented cool and matured separately in steel tanks, until blended in unison, with the mediating role of Chardonnay.

One of South Africa’s most awarded boutique wine estates lies in a scenic valley just an hour and a half from Cape Town called Hemel-en-Aarde or Heaven-and-Earth. Framed by great fold mountains and breath-taking ocean views it is one of the coolest wine-making regions in the Cape with duplex soil structures and sun-facing slopes. The promise of the unique terroir is harnessed by winemaker Chris Albrecht in slow-ripened flavour-rich wines of exceptional quality. Bouchard Finlayson is globally acclaimed for producing the best Pinot Noir in South Africa as well as exceptional Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs. The vineyards are surrounded by an indigenous floral conservancy alive with birdsong and wildflowers. Beyond the beauty of the farm itself you can discover the enchantments of the local area. Some of the popular attractions of nearby Hermanus include whale-watching; shark-cage diving; mountain hiking or biking; browsing art antiques and shops; and of course the white sandy beaches.