Friday, 18 December, 2020

Another ‘tuppence worth' on inflated wine scores

I have been guilty of joining the ‘raised eyebrow’ faction when wine scores are announced. ‘How on earth can so many be worth 95 points (of 100) and above?’ we cried. I have watched the debate over whether so-and-so scores too highly and agreed that scoring a wine at astronomic heights leaves it no place for future vintages to go but down. Now, I am revising my position.
Dave March CWM

Wednesday, 21 October, 2020

Sauvignon Blanc; South Africa and New Zealand, styles and thiols

With the results of the 2020 Sauvignon Blanc South Africa Top 10 competition still reaping congratulations all round, it is timely to consider what is behind those winning wines, technically speaking.
Dave March CWM

Tuesday, 21 April, 2020

Wine post Covid-19; Earning the Right

There has been much speculation lately about what will happen to wine sales and consumption once national, and international lockdowns end. Most agree that ‘things will never be the same’ and that the wine industry, as well as consumer habits and practises will be different, at least in the short term.
Dave March CWM

Thursday, 9 April, 2020

Jeeves serves South African wines

(with apologies to P.G. Wodehouse)
Dave March CWM

Monday, 9 March, 2020

Yeast, the silent winemaker

Imagine a mid-day snack, some cheeses, marmite on fresh bread toast, maybe a croissant and a glass of wine or cold beer. None would be possible without yeast.
Dave March CWM

Thursday, 6 February, 2020

UFOs, Mail Boxes and Merlot

Nick Geber’s Post House ‘Black Mail’ Merlot is named after a mailbox in the remote Area 51 of the US Nevada desert, a place known for its UFO ‘sightings’. It was an idea which came to him while his son was watching cartoons.
Dave March CWM

Tuesday, 14 January, 2020

Wine steward, wine advisor or sommelier?

When does a cook become a chef, and when does a wine steward become a sommelier?
Dave March CWM

Monday, 16 December, 2019

Altydgedacht: new branding and 320 years of winemaking

Altydgedacht Wine Estate in Durbanville is steeped in history. Dating back to 1698, the farm was granted by Governor Simon van der Stel and its first owner was Elsje van Suurwaarde, who built its first cellar in 1702 and whose name lives on in the town of Elsies River.
Dave March CWM

Friday, 22 November, 2019

Rosé has a new destination: Pink Valley

Hidden in the lush valley in the lee of the Helderberg Mountain there is a new wine producer which offers Tapas style dining, log fires, sundowners – and just one wine, a Rosé.
Dave March CWM

Wednesday, 16 October, 2019

The ‘other’ winelands Golden Triangle

Time for a new WO, ‘Helderberg’ or even ‘Firgrove’, ‘Steynsrust’ or ‘Faure’ perhaps?
Dave March CWM

Wednesday, 25 September, 2019

David Finlayson and Pieter van der Merwe looking for Diamonds in the Rough

David Finlayson, the owner of Edgebaston, the home of Finlayson Family Wines, and co-winemaker Pieter Van Der Merwe, are always on the lookout for interesting grape varieties; “the less fashionable and less well-known”, says Pieter.
Dave March CWM

Friday, 30 August, 2019

Furleigh Estate, revisiting ‘Quality English (Sparkling) Wines’ and ‘Ten Mile Menus’

Seven years ago I visited Ian Edwards and Rebecca Hansford at Furleigh Wine Estate just miles from the Jurassic coast in the bucolic dales of Dorset, England, just as English wines were on the rise and gaining recognition worldwide.
Dave March CWM

Friday, 12 July, 2019

Steven Spurrier at Bride Valley Vineyard, producing wine in the Dorset vales

Everyone in the world of wine knows the name of Steven Spurrier. His 55 years in the wine business are well documented and fascinating reading.
Dave March CWM

Thursday, 13 June, 2019

Dr Charlotte Moueix; From Bordeaux to saving Rhinos in Africa

The name of Moueix is a highly respected one in the wine world, especially in Bordeaux. Dr Charlotte Moueix is third generation in this wine dynasty, yet is a long way from home. Here in South Africa in fact, where as a wildlife veterinarian she is helping preserve our Rhinos and other wildlife.
Dave March CWM

Wednesday, 5 June, 2019

‘25 years of Stellenbosch Wine’, with Ken Forrester

The second of four public presentations in Ken’s wine journey over the last 25 years saw yet more fantastic wines, some strong opinions and a few memorable stories.
Dave March CWM

Thursday, 9 May, 2019

Changes to the Cape Vintner Classification in continued pursuit of excellence

The Cape Vintner Classification made two changes at its 2018 AGM, effecting its Estate membership requirements and the category of Site Specific Wines, but membership will remain incredibly difficult to obtain.
Dave March CWM

Monday, 29 April, 2019

From the Napa Valley and Russian River to the hillsides of Breedekloof: Dave & Catherine Jefferson, Anton Roos and Silkbush Mountain Vineyards

Dave Jefferson, a Californian wine grape grower, recently made his 40th visit to South Africa. He and wife Catherine (now on her eighth visit) are familiar to many in South Africa, and count a host of our top winemakers and wine industry leaders among their close friends.
Dave March CWM

Monday, 8 April, 2019

Deux Frères: two brothers with a singular approach

Hidden alongside the R44 in the shadows of the Simonsberg Mountain lie the picturesque and verdant vineyards of Deux Frères.
Dave March CWM

Thursday, 7 February, 2019

A Berry’s throw from the sea; Kalk Bay Vineyards

Tucked behind the historic Olympia Café facing the harbour in Kalk Bay lies possibly the closest vineyard to the sea in South Africa. At least, joint owner Karena du Plessis thinks so.
Dave March CWM

Tuesday, 8 January, 2019

“There is Brandy and there is Cape Brandy”

“There is Brandy, and there is Cape Brandy”, says Oude Molen commercial manager Danie Pretorius. Consistent success in international competitions by several SA brands reflects the incredible quality that SA Brandy maintains across all price points.
Dave March CWM