Haute Cabriere – the Diamond of Franshhoek Valley

by Kara

 

The stunning view from the tasting room and cellar

The beautiful and tranquil Franschhoek Valley in the Cape Winelands is the heart of this outstanding wine region and home to many wineries and vineyards that produce world-renowned South African wine, including Haute Cabriere Winery.

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Shop these Wines

Head straight to our wine store to check out the Haute Cabriere and Pierre Jourdan range

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This popular Wine Estate consists of two wine farms located at opposite ends of this magnificent valley. Their wine success is greatly attributed to their unique core belief that their wine is grown from a mix of sun, soil, vine and man (these meaningful words are prominently displayed on the pillar of a sundial located in the vineyards). The unique geography of the Franschhoek Valley, including the surrounding mountain chains and varying soil types, greatly contribute to the climate which makes this region superb for growing the finest grapes that go into Haute Cabriere’s amazing South African wine.

Some of the many features of the Haute Cabriere Wine Estate include the Haute Cabriere Restaurant, a helicopter landing pad, barrel maturation cellar and a unique wine tasting experience. The Haute Cabriere Restaurant provides a sophisticated, yet comfortable, dining experience with an interior design of colorful artwork and crisp, white linens. Delicious foods are prepared by Chef Ryan Shell with a wine recommendation accompanying every dish. The restaurant also has a beautiful terrace providing picturesque views of the valley, the wine estate and surrounding mountains. Haute Cabriere offers a number of venues for beautiful weddings and many different functions.

The Pierre Jourdan Wine Tasting Cellar, located in close proximity to the restaurant, offers its guests an opportunity to taste their exquisite selection of wines on a daily basis. Saturdays hold a special treat for guests when Achim and his son, treat guests to the ultimate in wine theatre. Visitors are whisked away on the intimate journey through Haute Cabrière’s history and wine philosophy. The use of a famed French cavalry sabre, to open bottle after bottle of Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique, adds the perfect amount of dramatic flair to this exceptional adventure.

The wines of Haute Cabriere Wine Estate are produced under the Pierre Jourdan and Haute Cabriere labels. Some of their finest South African wines under the Pierre Jourdan label consist of a classic champagne blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir such as Brut Sauvage and CUVEE Brut. Haute Cabriere is the only farm located in South Africa to produce Ratafia, a Chardonnay fortified with “potstill” brandy. Belle Rose is a 100% Pinot Noir with an elegant dry finish. The Haute Cabriere label offers Pinot Noir 2008 (100% Pinot Noir), Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2011 (an elegant blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir full of zesty fruit flavour) and Unwooded Pinor Noir 2011 with a brilliant red colour and ripe cranberry and cherry flavours. Haute Cabriere is truly an exceptional wine estate where outstanding South African wines are grown.

A variety of the Cabriere range can be found in Cape Ardor’s wine shop:

Chardonnay Pinot Noir BlendA unique elegance and balance: the Chardonnay contributing elegance, and the Pinot Noir fruit and flavour intensity. This vintage is refined, with a firm acidity and an abundance of ripe fruit on the bouquet and palate.
Enticing, concentrated aromas of ripe cherries seduce the palate and linger long in the mouth. The overall impression is of even more elegance than the 2006 vintage, the unmistakable Haute Cabriere style
Pierre Jourdan Brut Sauvage is ‘oyster dry’. The bouquet is yeasty, the color is pale biscuit, and the finest of bubbles enliven the wine. Chardonnay contributes elegance, Pinot Noir, intensity and richness.
Pierre Jourdan Cuvée is crisp, complex and rewarding on the palate. The color a rich copper, typical for a “cuvée”, a blend. The “lime” character of the Chardonnay dominates but are well supported by the complexity of Pinot Noir.
Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose  Belle Rose has the faintest tinge of salmon pink, a lively presentation of Pinot Noir flavors, a pleasing fine mousse and it reveals an elegant dry finish.

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Shop these Wines

Head straight to our wine store to check out the Haute Cabriere and Pierre Jourdan range

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ridgeback South African Winery Embraces its Heritage and Produces Excellence

by Kara

The Ridgeback Tasting room and Restaurant overlooking the dam. (Image – wineandonly.com)

Located amongst the picturesque Northern Paarl (which means Pearl in Dutch), Ridgeback and Vansha Wines and Ridgeback Guest House are set on a 62 hectare boutique farm overlooking the Paarl Limietberg Mountains. Originally a large orchard, in 1997 the property was converted by Vansha Farming Ltd into a vineyard, complemented by an exclusive wine tasting centre, restaurant and guest house. The vineyard has since gained the reputation of a premier wine producer.

 

 

The trademark of the Ridgeback wines is the Rhodesian Ridgeback, a native dog with a strong affiliation to South African history. These noble animals were close companions of the early pioneers and used by nomadic tribes for lion hunting. The distinctive Ridgeback wines aim to reflect the spirit and uniqueness embodied by this South African symbol. Whilst the premium Ridgeback brand is the hallmark of this vineyard, they also host a entry level brand, Vansha, named after the owner’s daughter Vanessa and son Shaun.

The regional climate combined with the local terrain and granite derived soils provides the perfect growing conditions for a large variety of grapes. Red wines produced include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Grenache and Mourvedre. White wine varieties include Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc.

Ridgeback strives to produce premium quality wines. Its inaugural red wine produced in 2001, the Ridgeback Shiraz, won a 5 star award in the popular John Platter South African wine guide. Since then the vineyard has continued to produce award winning wines under the Ridgeback label. Ridgeback uses approximately 40 percent of the grapes it produces, with the remainder sole to other prominent wine makers.

A variety of  the Ridgeback range can be found in Cape Ardor’s wine shop:

His Masters Choice- Veritas Awards – Bronze MedalConcentrated, layered wine with a combination of dark fruits, lavender, a touch of apricot and white peach with under-lying Rhone- like savoriness. The mid palate is supple and tannins add structure and minerality to support.
Merlot – Platters Wine Guide – 4 Stars
The award winning Merlot ‘05 boasts generous aromatics of ripe plums, mulberries and dark chocolate oak spice with hints of mint. A dense and concentrated mid palate evolves to a long, juicy finish. A fabulous wine to pair with mutton,braised lamb or pork casserole.
Vansha White – Veritas Awards 2009 – Silver Medal
A crisp blend of tropical Chenin Blanc with Sauvignon Blanc citrus and pear notes carrying to a lingering ripe peach finish from barrel fermented Viognier. Enjoy with light summer salads, seafood and poultry dishes.
Ridgeback Viognier - Wine Enthusiast 2011 – 90 Points and ‘Editors Choice’
Ripe, perfumed aromas of white peach, orange blossoms and dried apricots evolve to a fresh yet rich mid-palate and long citrus finish.
The vineyard owners have embraced the impressive natural heritage of the region, guaranteeing visitors a tranquil setting amongst natural surroundings. Joining forces with the department of wildlife and conservation, Ridgeback have ensured the protection of the native fynbos and Protea flora which dominate this area. With all the diversity, flavor and charm of Ridgeback, this premier winery undoubtedly has a very impressive future. Check out this video on Ridgeback to get a better feel of the ambiance and venue.

 

 

 

Try our new RIDGEBACK TRIO. A sampler pack of 3 Ridgeback wines for only $44.95

 

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