Klein Karoo Wine Route News: November 2004
Monday, 22 November, 2004
Ellen Marais
Calitzdorp is the source of the country’s finest Port wines and it is here that the authentic character of a Klein Karoo community and the unique architecture of the region are being preserved. In the spectacular mountains that shelter Calitzdorp on three sides, nature seems unspoiled by the twenty-first century. Awaiting the ecology-minded explorer is a wealth of flora, fauna and geological fascination.
Contact info office:
tel (044) 213 3775
email kannaland@telkomsa.net
Cellars in and around town...
BOPLAAS WINE CELLAR
The cellar is renowned for its world class Port, and has on various occasions, been crowned as a South African champion in this class of wine. 1994 produced 6 out of 9 gold medals winners at the South African National Young Wine Show, the 2001 Vintage Reserve Port scored 90 points in the American Wine Spectator Magazine and 5 stars was awarded for the 2002 Reserve Port in John Platter’s 2005 edition.
Other quality products include pot-stilled brandies, red wines and Muscadels. At the 2004 International Wine and Spirits Competition in London, the 1975 Red Muscadel earned a silver medal, the 2002 Cabernet Reserve a bronze and the 1997 Potstill Brandy winning a commended rating. Boplaas Tawny Port was also selected for the South African Airways Wine List of 2005.
CALITZDORP WINE CELLAR
Since 1928, when fifteen farmers founded the Calitzdorp Wine Cellar in order to export Hanepoot grapes, this cellar has offered choice products to discerning clients. The region is particularly suited to the production of sweet, red and white table wines of exceptional quality and the cellar regularly wins medals at wine shows, especially for its Muscadel, Port and recently for its dry reds. Do try their Rosé.
DE KRANS WINE CELLAR
Since 1985, most of the classic Port and wine varieties have been planted. The present owners and cellar masters are brothers Boets and Stoebel Nel. An impressive range of wines has been produced, but De Krans really became well known for its world-class port. The Cape Tawny Port was the winner in this class at the 2004 Peter Schulz Port Competition and the 2002 Vintage Reserve Port was the over-all winner of this competition. The 2001 Vintage Reserve Port scored 91 points in the American Wine Spectator Magazine. The Cape Tawny Port, the Vintage Reserve Port 1995 and the Touriga Nacional 2003 scored silver at the 2004 Fairbairn Capital Trophy Wine Show.
De Krans released a new red wine, their flagship, called Red Stone Reserve 2003. It is a blend of 70% Touriga Nacional and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon with a deep plum colour and berries and spices on the nose and taste.