After a dry spring, which saw the usual April and May spells of Cape rain pass us and the region by, Paul Clüver Family Wines' De Rust farm received some good rainfall in June, accompanied by the cold temperatures the Elgin region is known for. Some 70mm of rain fell in the first week of June, just what the doctor – and the viticulturists! – ordered.
The cold temperatures are preparing the now-leafless vines for their all-important winter slumber, with pruning to commence. Planting cover crops between the vines is a key aspect of Paul Clüver Family Wines’ programme of regenerative farming as these add carbon to the soils as well forming an ecosystem that helps to combat harmful pests and generally contribute to soil health. However, cover-crops do need rain to get growing, and after this month’s spell these verdant tracks between the bare vines can be seen in all their splendour.
New vintage releases from Paul Clüver Family Wines
The first Paul Clüver Family Wines wine from vintage 2024 has been released, namely our Paul Clüver Riesling 2024, which was one of the initial varieties planted on the farm and still plays an important role as an acclaimed example of cool-climate Riesling from South Africa. Most of the grapes for this vintage came from 16-year and 38-year-old Riesling blocks growing on Bokkeveld shale soils at 300m above sea-level. The objective is to make a wine exuding the purity for which the Riesling variety is known, as well as expressing the uniqueness of the site where the grape grow.
Some 35% of the wine was fermented in 2500L foudres, with the remainder being in stainless tank. By lowering the temperatures of the vessels, fermentation was stopped on a portion of the wine – this segment being blended back later to give the Riesling its natural off-dry fruitiness.
Scarcely four months after the grapes were picked, this 2024 Paul Clüver Riesling is drinking beautifully. The vintage shows opulent fruit aromas and vivid expressions on the palate due to the warmer weather Elgin experienced in January of this year. However, the wine accurately displays typical Riesling varietal character with notes of honeysuckle, winter-melon, orange blossom and lime zest. A great wine for those spicy winter dishes!
The release of Paul Clüver Riesling is, shortly, to be followed by Sauvignon Blanc 2024.
Green Mountain Trail
Since 2007 Paul Clüver Family Wines has been part of the Green Mountain Trail, a magnificent 60km hike over four-days along Elgin’s famous Groenlandberg. Walkers are exposed to the unique fauna and flora found in this conservancy with breathless views of the valley where untouched ecosystems are set alongside the farmlands of vineyards and fruit orchards.
Overnight stays are at the Wildekrans Country House, while lunches and wine tastings are to be enjoyed during the daily hikes. Hikers will be stopping at Paul Clüver Family Wines, as not only do they get to experience the wilderness areas of our farm, but also due to the fact that Alison Green, who owns and manages the Green Mountain Trail, was inspired to offer this experience after her walks with Dr Paul Clüver on the farm.
Further information and booking details can be found on greenmountain.co.za.
Paul Clüver Amphitheatre opening this summer 2024
The question has been and still is frequently asked, and the answer is: Yes, the Paul Clüver Amphitheatre will be opening this year for the summer season. It has been four years since we had to abruptly close this well-known concert venue between the old blue-gum trees due to Covid. Inspired by the demand for this venue and we ourselves missing the energy of the concerts we have held there over the years, it is all systems go, with our first shows commencing December. (Artists and dates yet to be confirmed).
Under the expert guidance of Dr Paul Clüver, renovations and upgrades to the open-air venue are going ahead at a pace. One of the challenges was the removal of a gigantic 120 year-old blue-gum tree that had died of natural causes, as well as trimming the extensively protruding branches of the other trees.
The 600-seater venue will also see new seats and catering facilities and visitors can look forward to a revamped entertainment venue that will still hold the same magical forest-theatre charm for which it has become so renowned.
Now that the news is official, we will issue regular updates as well as announcing the first concerts.
