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.

Spring 2019 saw ideal weather conditions during flower and fruit set, heighten- ing expectations for the upcoming vintage. However, our hopes were soon challenged by the atypical and unstable weather presented early in the New Year. Fortunately, dry conditions set in as soon as harvest commenced, with the crop remaining healthy. Volumes recovered slightly from the light 2019 vintage and all-round, unexpectedly positive, fruit-quality was delivered to the cellar.

This blend has a rich history since first blended in the early 90’s. A range of aromatic cultivars has made appearances over the years, including Kerner, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc and Chenin Blanc. It was, however the clean, racy lines of Weisser Riesling, in combination with a perfumed and viscous presence of Viognier that prevailed as the components of choice. 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.