OLDENBURG VINEYARDS: THE UNDISCOVERED GEM OF STELLENBOSCH

WHEN Adrian Vanderspuy brought Oldenburg Vineyards back to life in 2003, he was completing a circle. Born on a neighbouring farm, he left South Africa as a small child, returning to Stellenbosch annually to visit his grandparents on Oldenburg, and Old Nectar in Jonkershoek.

In the early 2000’s Adrian became increasingly aware of the view that South Africa and its wine industry were set to experience a renaissance. With liberalisation from a quota driven system, in the context of the New South Africa – it seemed clear that an interesting and positive change was in the air.

With extensive research into the winemaking potential of Oldenburg, he bought the farm in 2003. It was clear from the analysis of the terroir that the farm had potential to produce wines of outstanding quality, thus Adrian decided to replant the vineyards, which had suffered from over a decade of neglect.

Oldenburg Vineyards released its first commercial vintage in early 2010, with a Cabernet Franc 2008, Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 and Syrah 2008, and in January 2011, released their maiden white wine vintages – a Chenin Blanc 2010 and a Chardonnay 2010.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY AND TERROIR:
Oldenburg’s vision is to establish itself as a premium boutique producer. In 2004 Adrian employed viticulturist and winemaker, Simon Thompson, who was previously at Tokara. Their shared belief is that Oldenburg is the ideal location to realise this vision.

Banhoek Valley - Stellenbosch

As Simon says about the farm: “The geography, the soil and the climate all point to the possibility to make extraordinary wines. Here we have everything we need from nature, to make the best wines.” He adds that the philosophy is to tread as lightly as possible and to craft wines with minimal intervention. “We strive to interact with nature in a sustainable manner.”

As much as possible is done by hand, including pruning, leaf removal, crop thinning, weeding and harvesting. “Vineyards can survive for decades and even centuries, with the correct approach and care we believe ours will also,” says Adrian.

The correct Terroir in combination with advanced viticulture practices are key. Choosing the right rootstocks and vine clones in combination with correct row direction and plant spacing, are all part of this philosophy, adds Simon, as well as crop loading, which results in lower yields. Grape bunches are thinned three times per season as part of yield management, so that only the best grapes make it to the cellar, resulting in intense flavour profiles.

As far as microclimate is concerned, Rondekop, meaning round hill, is visible from just about all corners of the farm and is the centrepiece of the vineyards, giving all aspects of the compass, reiterates Simon, with the coolest aspects south-facing and the warmest north-facing.

Rondekop rises to 450m from the lower river flats at 300 metres above sea level. Thus it receives longer hours of sunlight than the nearby areas where the surrounding mountains shadow them. The vineyards have a generally cooler microclimate due to the altitude and orientation of the valley – allowing the cooling summer South-East winds to traverse them.

THE WINES
The Oldenburg wines are made only with grapes from the estate and the range includes three red wines and two white wines. The guiding principle is to let the grapes do the talking and create wines that are elegant, with the best of both Old and New world styles.

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The Cabernet Franc 2008 was aged in French oak (20% new barrels) for 15 months and is a rich, complex wine with an inky crimson colour. Ripe cherries, black currants and even freshly picked herbs come forward on the nose and this seamless wine demonstrates great balance of acid and tannins.

The intensely deep mulberry-coloured Syrah 2008 was aged in French and American oak for 15 months, (50% new barrels). Typical Syrah notes of white pepper come through on the nose along with red cherry and vanilla. A lively palate is redolent of herbs and again, balanced acidity keeps the tannins in check. MORE

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, has intense hues of ripe cherries. On the nose you will find notes of blackcurrants and peaches and hints of cigar box and herbs. The wine was aged for 15 months in French oak barrels (50% new), and has a muscular palate where the fruit dominates, along with balanced minerality and tannins.

Oldenburg recently released its 2010 Chenin Blanc, which was aged in French oak. This creamy, highly textured wine offers up hints of tropical fruit on the nose, which carry through on the palate with elements of honeysuckle and tropical melons-which are held in check by a touch of minerality.

The 2010 Chardonnay, is both elegant and immediately appealing. Also aged in French oak barrels, notes of fresh peaches and cream dominate the nose, while the palate offers up rich butterscotch tones balanced by a touch of citrus.

Other varietals have been planted, such as Viognier, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Grenache and Mourvedre , to allow flexibility and creativity with future blends.

THE TASTING ROOM (OPENING MAY 2011)
The new tasting room, commanding spectacular views of the vineyards, Banhoek Valley, and surrounding mountains, has been designed by renowned architect Simon Beerstecher, in association with Cape Town born, UK acclaimed interior designer, Kelly Hoppen.

The thatch roof is an acknowledgement of Africa but is juxtaposed with modern clean-cut lines throughout, with almost all materials locally sourced. Different textures make up the interior from wood to rough hewn stone. The high-pitched ceilings and the use of large windows give it a light and airy feel.

THE BANHOEK VALLEY
Oldenburg’s location in the spectacular Banhoek Valley is the ideal environment to produce superior wines. Along with the excellent soils and microclimate the valley boasts some of the Cape’s best wineries such as Thelema, Tokara and Delaire-Graff.

“This is definitely a valley we want to open up to the world”, says Adrian. Oldenburg is poised to establish itself as one of the veritable gems, not just in the valley, but also South Africa, as a destination winery with a collection of fine wines to match.

For further information on Oldenburg Vineyards call (27) (21) 885 1618; email admin@oldenburgvineyards.com or visit www.oldenburgvineyards.com