Tasting the bush vine produce of Swartland Winery

Enjoy the adventure of tasting something new

Swartland Winery taught me that adventure and exploration need not only be climbing a high mountain or diving into the deep ocean.  One can obtain as much satisfaction from something less physically challenging.

In fact I enjoy exploring new tastes just as much as hiking a new trail or visiting a new destination. So on a recent sunny afternoon some friends and I tasted the Swartland Winery Bush Vine range.

I had asked Yvette Borgelt ,who represents Swartland Winery, to introduce us to this lovely range. Yvette has been involved in the wine industry for many years and has a thorough knowledge of her wine.

More about Swartland Winery

Swartland Winery - Wine Tasting - Bush Vine Range

Swartland Winery is located near the town of Malmesbury north of Cape Town.  It is a co-op and has been in operation since 1948.

Yvette said, “The farmland of the Swartland region is well suited for the cultivation of grapes in the bush vine style and the many microclimates enable the production of a wide selection of wines. “

She added, “The drier conditions of the Swartland region result in smaller grape berries that have increased levels of concentration and flavour components.”

Great wines, great company

Swartland Winery - Wine Tasting - Bush Vine Range

I had invited a mixed group to the tasting and, as one would expect, the afternoon started off with polite conversation and stiff postures.

Yvette wisely welcomed each guest with a glass of the Cuvee Brut Savignon Blanc. There is nothing like a bottle of bubbly to lighten the conversation and relax the atmosphere.

“This sparkling wine is a great alternative to some of the more well-known brands that are often served at weddings.  It is relatively inexpensive and the packaging is smart.”

Despite this being a Brut, I found it less dry than the MCC equivalents.  Tropical fruit dominated the nose and pallet and are complimented hints of vanilla and nuts.

I think that this well rounded bubbly will satisfy the pallet of both the wine connoisseur and those people whose sparkling wine experience is limited to toasting at special events.

We all took our seats and began the tasting in earnest.  Yvette held our attention and the pallet cleansers kept our taste buds fresh.

Within the Bush Vine range are a Chenin Blanc, a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Pinotage and a Syrah.

The Chenin Blanc found great favour with our Chenin enthusiasts. Pale straw in colour with aromas of dried apricot and peaches, we found it to be very creamy in the mouth.  The dried fruit carried through to the palette along with hints of citrus.

“This is a well-balanced wooded wine with a long aftertaste.  It is light enough to enjoy more than one glass in a sitting,” said Yvette.

Next on the menu was the 2015 Cabernate Sauvignon.  In fact all the red wines were of this same vintage.

Yvette informed us that, “This is a barrel matured wine that is at a good drinking age.  Look for the brick red centre and the lighter rim.”

Two of our more seasoned tasters gave this Cabernet Sauvignon plenty of praise.  Personally I loved the earthy aromas and found berry fruit to be strong on the nose and the pallet.  Dark chocolate and moca were evident too.

I found the Pinotage less complex than the Cabernet Sauvignon.  The fresh, earthy aroma was first on the nose followed by hints of vanilla.  On the pallet I found it to be of medium intensity and well structured.  I need a few more tastings to decide whether this or the Syrah is my favourite.

“The Syrah, as one would expect, has plenty of white pepper on the nose,” Said Yvette.

For many of us at the table this was the wine we most enjoyed.  Red berry fruit complemented the pepper on the nose.  Our more experienced tasters claimed this to be a full and complex wine and one that could take a long afternoon of pleasant contemplation.

With the formal tasting over, we opened a couple more bottles of each wine and sat back and enjoyed the company of fellow wine lovers. Just the kind of adventure for a sedate, sunny afternoon.

For more information on the Swartland Bush Vine Range, visit their website www.swartlandwinery.co.za.

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