Well, the harvest is over, but the winemaking process is not! While the vineyards of the wine farms of the Western Cape are turning burnished colours under cloudy skies, the grapes from the harvest are being put through their paces in the cellar, becoming red and white wines that will speak of their journey thus far and age well in your cellar.
The first Cape wines of the 2023 harvest will start emerging in late June if they are white, and maybe only next June if they are red and being matured in oak. This is a time in the cellar that requires more thought than action. After having vinified all the grapes, now is the time to think about blending and creating something extra special or super on-point. Here our female winemaker shows her worth by thoughtfully applying her wily skills to the craft of winemaking, creating wines that will last in both bottle and memory. She would regularly taste wine samples from the various tanks and barrels, blending the contents with others to get just the right combination of flavour, character and complexity to produce a wine that is well balanced and appealing.
While it is important that the wine shows off the characteristics of the grape varietal, the winemaker also has to consider the specific style within the parameters of that varietal, and at the same time express the terroir from whence the grapes were harvested, as well as that imprint of that specific vintage.
Juggling all of that is quite a task. Cape wines have a certain signature profile which differentiates them from other wine regions of the world, and specific grape varietals do too. Added to that, a warm vintage might give more generous flavours and higher alcohol levels, while a cooler vintage might give more delicate flavours.
Once she is happy, the laborious process of bottling and labelling takes place, and then once that’s done, the wine is packaged and delivered across the country to both retailers and consumers to open and enjoy.
The HER Wine Collection already has an impressive following, having created a name for itself as a range of delicious wines that will enhance any occasion, be it an informal gathering or an intimate dinner. These wines by women are for everyone, the catalysts for joy, for fun and for celebration.
White wine
Chill the Sauvignon Blanc and serve it to the girls over a salad, or simply as an aperitif.
Make sure you have several bottles of Chenin Blanc in the fridge when friends come over to watch the rugby, but keep some hidden at the back so you have something to enjoy after a long day at work.
Red Wine
Stash a bottle of the Pinotage for an unexpected sexy night, or to pack in for a party night out.
Keep that Shiraz for when friends come over that you want to impress, you’ll need quite a few, it’s very more-ish you know.
The HER Wine Collection is a small but comprehensive range of wines that will pair with a variety of dishes, and enhance a myriad of occasions. These wines taste of the Cape, their style is generous and their quality excellent.
And remember …. 2% of sales go to funding the tertiary education of young people with big dreams. Join in their journey and make a meaningful difference!.