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Wine Interest &
Activities
We started with our own cellar in 2001. We are proud to be
amongst the several cellars in Wellington that are making waves
in the wine industry. Our commitment is to "Wine of Origin -
Wellington". We grow approximately 70% of our grapes on our own
Estate on soils that have been described as within "the top 5%
soil quality in the land". The remainder of the grapes comes
from other Wellington vineyards.
Flagship Range: Our Flagship Range
known as Carpe Diem, also made in our maiden year, reflects
rigorous vineyard selection methods, harvested under conditions
of optimal balance between chemical and physiological
parameters. In the cellar it has longer maceration periods, and
the wine is produced from mostly free-run juice. It is matured
in new French and American oak barrels for a minimum period of
15 months. These wines have achieved significant success in both
South African and International markets and are admired for
their additional elegance and fruit intensity.
The first Cabernet Sauvignon (2001) won a Gold at the
International Wine Challenge, while the 2003 vintage won the
Trophy for the Best Cabernet Sauvignon at the Fairbairn capital
wine Show in 2005. The Pinotage won the best Pinotage two years'
running at the Fairbairn Capital Trophy Wine Show and the 2003
Carpe Diem Pinotage was awarded a place in the ABSA Top Ten in
2005 as well as taking the SA Red Trophy at the International
Wine Challenge
The 2004 vintage saw the launch of Diemersfontein Carpe Diem
Viognier – our first white wine.
Premium Range: Our premium range, with the
distinctive black and cream label, was launched in the year 2001
with four varietal wines - Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot
and Shiraz. We are happy to say that almost immediately our
special quality was recognised, and our Pinotage was awarded a
coveted place in the ABSA Top Ten Pinotage competition of that
year. Our aim is to produce intense and well-balanced wine of
substantial complexity with the potential to age well, whilst
readily drinkable when young (wood matured between six and nine
months). It is our ‘coffee/chocolate’ Pinotage (the original) in
this range that has made Diemersfontein so many friends.
Blends: The 2003 vintage marked the
launch of our two first blends - "Summer's Lease" - a Shiraz
based blend with Mourvedre and Pinotage, and "Heaven's Eye" - a
Bordeaux type blend. These blends started their journey with
Silver Awards from the 2004 International Wine Challenge, and
four stars in the Platter Guide.
In 2005 Diemersfontein Wines was awarded 'Most Successful
Producer' at the Fairbairn Capital (now Old Mutual) Trophy Wine
Show.
Wine tasting Open 10.00 to 17.00 seven days a week
R15/person (minimum 6 people). Cellar Tours by appointment.
Winemakers: Francois Roode and Brett Rightford assisted
by Klaas Windvogel and Anna Pietersen, make up the team
responsible for making the wines at Diemersfontein.
Francois was born and raised on the edge of the Namibian desert,
so when moving to Cape Town the lush Cape winelands stole his
heart. Studying viticulture at Elsenburg established a firm
grounding, but “it was the wine that I felt myself drawn to”,
explains Francois. Starting out at Perdeberg Cellars with the
emphasis on technical logistics, Francois moved to
Diemersfontein in 2003 where he was able to take on the more
creative side of winemaking. “Having control over vineyards and
being able to make wine in smaller quantities allows us the
freedom to experiment”, comments Francois.
Brett on the other hand was brought up in Cape Town, attended
Rondebosch Boys High and qualified as a horticulturist at Cape
Technikon. “ While working in Wellington (the largest nursery
for vines in South Africa) as a horticulturist, I developed an
affinity for vines and met my wife to be. Having an adventurous
spirit, it was a natural step to take on the challenges of
winemaking,” explains Brett. He went on to work at Jordan Winery
where he developed a feeling for both the technical and artistic
aspects of winemaking. Realizing that he needed a deeper
knowledge of all things vinous, Brett went back to study under
Loftie Ellis at Elsenburg. While studying I was fortunate to
make wine on the Groenberg area in Wellington, which allowed me
to gain a feeling for the area and the fantastic potential that
is locked-up in its soils, people and vineyards!
Making reference to the fact that both Francois and Brett fall
under the Gemini sign astronomically, they are referred to as
‘the twins’ by the rest of the Diemersfontein staff.
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