Distinctive wines, distinctive choices
Friday, 5 November, 2010
Ridgeback Wines
Ridgeback, a 62 hectare boutique farm situated on the northern slopes of the Paarl Mountains, with panoramic views of the magnificent Paarl Limietberg Mountains and surrounded by granite hills, boasts a terrain abundant with natural fynbos. The perfect combination to yield the ideal soil and drainage required for the growth of vines.
Distinctive wines reflecting the character and individuality of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the hallmark of this brand. Native to Southern Africa, where legends and stories abound of their exploits, bravery and lion hunting in the African bushveld, their tenacity and ruggedness are symbolic of the pioneering spirit of Africa, their strength embodied in the quality of the farms' red wines.
In 1997, Vernon Cole assisted some of his then colleagues in purchasing what was then a fruit farm in Paarl, which he agreed to oversee with Malawian colleague, Jerry Parker, when he retired. The fruit was not up to par and soon the orchards were converted to vineyards. Vernon relinquished his position in Malawi and moved to Zimbabwe to establish the headquarters for Universal Tobacco’s African operation. In 2003 Lesley and Vernon Cole moved to Paarl and assisted Jerry Parker in establishing the brand as it is known today.
With the focus on creating quality wines in a more accessible style, the Vansha label is derived from the names of the Coles' daughter, Vanessa, and son, Shaun. The Ridgeback brand is the premium label where the emphasis is on producing distinctive wines in both single varietals as well as blends.
With the first white wine being produced in 2000 and the award-winning Ridgeback Shiraz 2001 being the first red, Ridgeback has consistently been awarded numerous accolades and medals, both nationally and internationally.
Zimbabwean-born Toit Wessels joined Ridgeback as viticulturist in 2000 after qualifying from Elsenburg Agricultural College, working with top viticultural consultants such as Phil Freese, Paul Wallace and, more recently Johan Viljoen, with ex-Malawian tobacco farmer, Jerry Parker, being his mentor for a number of years. Attention to detail and a passion for canopy management saw Toit and his team securing the Vinpro Block Competition in 2003, 2008 and again in 2010.
Toit returned to Elsenburg in 2006, completing his diploma in Enology under the tutorage of Loftie Ellis where he finished top of his class, and returned to Ridgeback in 2007 for his first harvest. Toit produced his first vintage in that year, with his focus being on keeping it "clean and simple". Punchdowns and gentle pumpovers to avoid excessive extraction, gives the vintages from 2007 onwards a beautiful finish.
This is borne out by the Ridgeback Shiraz 2007, a complex yet silky and elegant wine with a long savoury finish which, in addition to its newly acquired double gold status at Veritas 2010, secured gold at Concours Mondial Bruxelles which took place during April in Palermo, Sicily.
The vineyards currently include Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Mouverdre, Petit Verdot and Grenache. White varietals are Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. All vines are secured on high trellises and, as the Ridgeback team believes that a large part of making great wine occurs in the vineyards before grapes enter the cellar, a painstaking amount of attention is spent on ensuring that the vineyard soils have optimum nutrient and moisture content.
The modern winery, with a capacity of 200 tons, is complimented by the wine tasting facility which is beautifully situated overlooking the large aquatic bird pond. The numerous breeds of duck languidly swimming by entertain guests whilst they sip their wines and enjoy the delectably diverse menu and restful ambience which The Deck Restaurant, which is open six days a week, has to offer. Avid birdwatchers are encouraged to spend time identifying the many species which frequent the fynbos and trees surrounding the tasting room. The area provides wonderful opportunities for quiet strolls around the farm or more ambitious hikes into the hills.
Managed by Vanessa Cole, Ridgeback House, which was originally the old farmhouse and is now a luxurious four-star guesthouse, offers a truly luxurious experience. Surrounded by stylish accommodation, fine dining and attentive service, guests can enjoy the magnificent views of the 'koppies', vineyards and rose gardens. Each room has its own character, being individually decorated in neutral colours, and caters for a wide range of clients from corporate guests to getaway seekers and nature lovers. Visitors are welcomed on arrival by Vanessa's Ridgebacks, Chimani, Nyasa and Chikondi.
Recently appointed Marketing Manager, Zaine Pritchard, has a passion for wine and marketing, these two loves being very evident in the enthusiasm he displays when speaking of the Ridgeback brands. Passionate about the industry, Zaine feels that "it's all about postioning your brand, ensuring that problems simply become challenges" and it is with this positive attitude that he joins the dynamic Ridgeback team.