Set in the heart of the picturesque Garden Route are the majestic Outeniqua Mountains, home of the unique Garden Route range of wines. The wines, which comprise a Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, are made from grapes grown in this mountainous area, situated 600 metres above sea level and less than 20km from the Indian Ocean. Launched in 2011, under the watchful eye of well known winemaker, Boets Nel, wine enthusiasts can look forward to enjoying the new release vintages of these two varietals.
Before going about producing these wines Boets spent a considerable amount of time studying the possibility of producing premium wines from Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz grapes grown in the cool climate Waboomskraal area on the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains near George, where these varieties really excel. He firmly believes that both Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz vines need the influence of the ocean for the grapes to ripen slowly in order to produce these superb quality wines.
Boets describes the Garden Route Sauvignon Blanc 2012 as a complex wine with tropical fruit and grassy flavours, supported by a beautiful earthy minerality, typical of its cool climate origin. Named Champion Sauvignon Blanc at the Klein Karoo Young Wine Show in 2011 and 2012, this perfect summer wine retails for approximately R60 per bottle and is available from some retail outlets nationwide. Enjoy on its own, chilled, or serve with roasted white meat dishes or fresh seafood dishes.
A 2011 Champion Shiraz winner at the Klein Karoo Young Wine Show, the Garden Route Shiraz 2011 is a multi-layered wine with ripe, dense fruit flavours and in perfect balance with the creamy, rich vanilla-oak. The perfect partner to any roasted or smoked red meat dishes such as game, lamb or venison, the wine retails for approximately R80 per bottle and is available from some retail outlets nationwide.
For more information on these wines contact Boets Nel on 044 213 3314 or dekrans@mweb.co.za.
The name Garden Route was chosen because it already is a strong brand, easily recognisable and the grapes are grown in the picturesque Outeniqua Mountains, overlooking the beautiful Garden Route. Residents of and visitors to the Garden Route that love the temperate climate, beautiful scenery and the leisurely lifestyle of this region, will easily identify with these premium wines. The labels depict the abundance of the fauna and flora of the Garden Route in a unique way.
