Blog

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.

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.
	Pinot Noir 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 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 Brut Sparkling 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.