Greetings Vondelingers
I am writing from the wet and saturated slopes of Voor-Paardeberg where the dams are filling up fast. May the rains go slowly and come back quickly to top up our water resources for summer.
A couple of weeks ago we planted a new block of Malbec. This fruity variety originally comes from Bordeaux, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot . Unbelievably, Malbec was the fastest growing red variety in the UK last year, mainly due to the incredible success the Argentinians have had with it. In years to come we will possibly add it to our Bordeaux-style red blend.
I am delighted to report our Vondeling Bowwood Pinotage 2016 is an ABSA Top 10 Pinotage winner this year, following the JF Hillebrand Trophy for best Pinotage at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards last year. Also, our recently released 2016 Monsonia (Rhone-style red blend) achieved the second highest score (93 points) in the Winemag Signature Report. Below left is Christian Eedes from Winemag with Matthew, and on the right with Matthew is our stalwart Viticulturist, Magnus Joubert with the ABSA
Top 10 Pinotage Trophy.
Also last week, we had to take a picture of Matt looking rugged and sexy for our Danish importer, who wants to make a life size cut out for his wine exhibitions. Hopefully it wont scare punters off!
On a very sad note, I am extremely sorry to report the passing of Simon Leschalles, who along with Rupert St Aubyn, has been selling Vondeling wines in the UK for the past 10 years. Simon was a legend in the wine industry and the most charming, modest and delightful man. We were all terribly shocked. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Jo and their 3 children, one of whom is Bertie who worked the harvest here last year. In the image below is Simon on the right, enjoying a glass of our wine on the tasting room terrace here at Vondeling.
Finally, Bridget and I were extremely proud to travel over to the UK and attend the graduation of our son, Richard, who got a 2/1 in Music from Durham University. A wonderful occasion for any parent!
Until next time, have a wonderful month
Julian
PS: Don’t forget our Turkish Braai with legendary chef Tayfun Aras from Anatoli, taking place on Sunday 15 September. Space is limited for this one-time-only event which promises to be a fantastic Sunday lunch.
