Posts Tagged ‘South African Pinot noir’

Biodiversity, Farming with Vines, Wining and Dining and Galpin Peak Pinot noir…!

Yesterday has been one of those typical, Western Cape winter days with lots of rain and gale force winds as well as an icy chill – so much so that the cold air is set in motion and penetrates through the wool of a pullover during the mere walking by of a person in the room.

Although we are very happy about the rain, according to research on global climate change, we will experience increasingly shorter periods of rainfall with higher rainfall intensities.   Read the rest of this entry »

Try not to miss next months most exciting menu at the Grapes Gourmet and Gallery evening at Wincester Mansions!

So if you have not earmarked this date yet, then make sure to get a seat as not only will you be tasting some of the most magical marriages of mouthwatering delights, you will also receive a glass of Bouchard Finalyson to complement the menu!

Our Junior winemaker, Chris Albrecht, will present and always happy to explain and elaborate on any “wining”!

Menu 1st June 2011 at Wincester Mansions

Vineyards, Wine and the Seasons with Pinot noir as our honoured guest!

As the season changes along with the colours in the vineyard, the wines mature in barrel or in tanks and the chill in the mornings awakens our awareness of the important events of the winter.

The vines need this cold so that dormancy can begin and the vines take their well-deserved winter rest, however in the meantime while the vines are still actively photosynthesizing at a reduced rate, the rain is welcomed now – as we would like to encourage root growth, so that the vines are well prepared for the following seasons bud break for which the plants will need all their stored energy from the post harvest time.

Not only is there a change in the season, but even wine writers are commencing with the additional lyrical seasoning!…

See this fun article on Pinot noir -Suzy Bell!

post-harvest activities: clearing of land for new vineyard

… the man behind the wine! 

Harvest 2011 at Bouchard Finlayson

Winemaker, Peter Finlayson, who started this establishment in 1989, has always been aware of the impact farming can have on nature.

Upon arrival on the farm, he started the rehabilitation of the land, which had been heavily damaged due to the builder’s grit mining. He has continuously taken the initiative to start projects, which have the goal of sustainability in the cellar, vineyard as well as the rest of the land.

Apart from activities on the farm, he also has a passion for wildlife and documents moments in nature on his yearly self-initiated wine safaris in Kenya by taking photographs of wildlife.

A recent project has been in a less attractive holiday destination, where he has financially uplifted and encouraged ten passionate individuals to safeguard the wildlife at the Bumbusi Camp Nature Reserve in Hwange, Zimbabwe. Read the rest of this entry »

News flashes on Bouchard Finlayson as we head for Easter!

Perhaps interesting to view this tasting video – it will illustrate how Pinot noirs differ in style…

Tasting Video: Three South African Pinot noirs

When speaking of the Chardonnays…

Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat 2010 R150 from leading retailers

And of course a lovely place to visit! Come by! We are even open over Easter (on Saturday and Monday)!…

Host of heavenly vines

Easter also calls for a taste bud tantalizing wish lists! with the….

Top 100 Grape

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Pinnacle Pinot from the point of Africa!

Our recent 92 points for the Galpin Peak Pinot noir 2009, has inspired us to once again move forward at a pace with a sharpened focus on the continuous improval of the wines, starting in the vineyards!

Not only is our Pinot the kind of wine that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, as mentioned in the previous blog, but it is according to one of our clients in Germany one of those rare wines that can be enjoyed anywhere in the world!

The comment was based on the fact that on numerous occasion he had discussed with his clients, that often wines lose their character when they are tasted in another country, in a different season or at a different time of the day.  The statement made, was that our Pinot noir was so certain in its structure and aromatic composure, that this wine tasted just as good in the middle of a snowstorm a few months after having tasted it in sunny South Africa!

Pinot noir grapes

Well, how could we object this – a truly great wine can only compete with itself… and with the 2011 vintage looking good we hope to once again stir emotions and the senses when this bottling is ready to be probed!

“If you appreciate opera you will appreciate the analogy to Pinot Noir. Like opera, it takes intense preparation to put on a performance. Like opera, so much depends on who and what you have to work with. And, like opera, if the result is indifferent the audience will walk away. But if you get it right, if you achieve that high, perfect note that turns your skin to gooseflesh, everyone stands up and applauds.”

(Peter Finlayson)