Org de Rac Newsletter - December 2016

Thursday, 1 December, 2016
Org de Rac
Near the tasting room at Org de Rac, the viticulturists have planted three pocket-sized vineyards. When I visited the newly planted blocks at the end of the winter, they were stark and barren, dominated by row upon row of tall latte and irrigation pipes.

It was only when I looked closely that I could see the tiny vines that will eventually grow up the poles, taking all their support from them. As is often the case, it is the Afrikaans language that provides an expression that perfectly describes this method of farming: “wingerd by die paaltjies”, which roughly translated into English means, “vineyard on poles”.

“Wingerd by die paaltjies, vineyard on poles”

Wine maker Frank Meaker explained that this is an old French method that is commonly used in the Rhone Valley. It allows wine farmers to maximise space; you can plant up to 8 000 vines per hectare using this method. The vines won’t produce a high yield, but they give a perfect grape, says Frank.

The cultivars planted in the new vineyards are Malbec, Petit Verdot and Pinot Noir. All three are new cultivars for Org de Rac. Malbec creates a violet-coloured, rather intense wine and is commonly used in blends. For example, the red French Bordeaux claret is a blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Similarly, Petit Verdot is principally used in classic Bordeaux blends. Frank intends using the Pinot Noir grapes to diversify and enrich the MCC wines produced at Org de Rac.

Nico's Choice - Nico Bason

Org de Rac Le Piquet

Org de Rac's Nico Bacon, loves to braai for his family and friends and sharing a good wine is very much a part of his braai tradition. In keeping with the relaxed nature of his braais, Nico enjoys a light, easy drinking wine: either the Org de Rac Le Piquet Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend or, when there’s seafood on the menu, Le Piquet Blanc.

The red wine is an appealing blend that is generously weighted on the palate with well-integrated oak and soft tannins supporting its delicate fruit flavour. The white wine is fresh and lively, characterised by tempting aromas of ripe stone fruit, crisp minerality and lingering citrus flavours.
Both wines are an ideal accompaniment for a braai, and perfect for this time of the year.

Always take the scenic route

If you’re heading to the West Coast from Cape Town this summer, or driving South from Namibia – or anywhere in between for that matter – remember to always take the scenic route. One of the best ways to travel to the holiday destinations of Veldrif, Elands Bay and Lamberts Bay, for example, is to drive through the wheat fields to Org de Rac and cut down to the coast via the R339, R336 and other minor routes. There are many advantages to taking this route: the traffic is light, the vistas are magnificent, you can pick up your holiday wine on the way and arrive at the coast refreshed and inspired.  See you in December! 

Festive Season wine tasting hours

Monday − Friday: 08h00 − 17h00
Saturdays and Public Holidays: 09h00 − 13h00
26 December 2016: Closed