New Viticulturist for Swartland Winery
Monday, 20 December, 2010
Swartland Winery
"Viticulture is in my blood," says Claude Uren, newly appointed Viticulturist at Swartland Winery. "Growing up in the vineyards of the Swartland region I knew that I wanted to pursue this as a career. Since childhood this has been my dream and I am back working with my favourite challenge - bush vines."
After teaching Viticulture at Elsenburg and four years at La Bri in Franschhoek, Uren returns to the place of his birth to take up this invigorating post alongside renowned cellarmaster Andries Blake.
Uren's enthusiasm for the bush vine method and allowing nature to create wines that reflect the terroir and climate is matched by his love of this region, one that he knows intimately. From working in a boutique winery he relishes the challenges of a larger operation and his quiet confidence reflects that of Blake and the team at the Winery, feeling strongly that more accolades can be achieved.
Optimistic about the 2011 harvest he reinforces the potential of the various cultivars with special emphasis on the Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc - all of which have achieved high recognition this year. That is not to say that the other cultivars will not receive his meticulous attention but these three are firm favourites.
He is an advocate of traditional methods of cultivation and sees the bush vine as one of the most rewarding. Working with a company such as Swartland Winery provides him with a more global view and he is positive about the future of this region and the great promise of the vines and wines.
When not in the vineyards he enjoys freshwater fishing, hiking, camping and adventure motorcycling - his love of nature sees him outdoors as often as possible enjoying both the terrain of the area and the rich produce. He reflects on the upcoming harvest as he swirls a glass of wine and noses it gently.
"There's nothing to beat an aroma that reflects the right cultivar at the right place with favourable climatic conditions and the correct viticultural practices- we have it all here in our bush vines and 2011 is going to be a good year."