Full of Hope at the Cape of Good Hope
GastroJournal Report
Stuart Botha, a young winemaker of just 37 years, is an important and experienced voice in the South African wine industry. Since 2017, he has been responsible for producing 14 different wines for the renowned Tokara winery, located outside Stellenbosch. The vineyards, where the grapes grow between 350 and 550 meters above sea level, are among the top locations in the region.
"One of our biggest challenges is the electricity supply, which constantly fails in the country. We maintain our operations with generators and solar panels," Botha tells GastroJournal. And during the Covid crisis, Tokara's export markets helped, as the winery sells almost half of its annual production of one million bottles abroad, mainly in Europe. Switzerland, along with Germany and the Netherlands, are among the most important markets for Tokara, with Kapweine as the importer.
Aiming for a European Wine Style
It was only in 1996 that the first Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted in South Africa, which is a proud achievement for the country in modern times. "In South Africa, we have been using typical European grape varieties for 364 years. Stylistically, I want to produce my wines classically like in the Old World, which is not entirely easy because we also have very hot summers here," Botha explains.
Bruwer Raats (52) was ahead of his time when he founded his own winery 23 years ago, focusing on Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc varieties. After graduating from Elsenburg agricultural college near Stellenbosch, the father of three sons gained experience in Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (USA), and Rheinhessen (Germany).
"When I returned to South Africa, I noticed that the most successful winemakers were those who specialized," he explains his strategy. He focused on these two grape varieties "because I love them. I didn't want to fulfill someone else's dream, but my own," says Raats. "Only five winemakers in all of South Africa worked with Cabernet Franc at that time. Both grape varieties were considered the uncoolest."
Today, 85 percent of Bruwer Raats' 120,000 bottles are exported annually, mainly to the USA and Great Britain. South Africa and Europe rank third. "Especially for us as premium producers, it's impossible to sell all our wines in South Africa. The domestic market is too small for that," Raats explains.
The Future
When asked where he sees the South African wine industry in the future, Bruwer Raats gives a humorous answer: "About ten years ago, we gained recognition with regions like Stellenbosch, Swartland, or Walker Bay. Two, three years ago, our terroirs became known in the wine world." Today, experts know that Cabernet Sauvignon thrives particularly well in the Stellenbosch region, while Syrah prefers the climate and soils of Swartland. Merlot, on the other hand, prefers to grow in the Helderberg area of Somerset West. "However, Stellenbosch alone has nine different terroirs. It is our mission to establish these terroirs and express their true character with our wines," explains the winemaker.
Bruwer Raats uses this knowledge for his top wine, MR de Compostella: The Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot grapes are picked in Simonsberg near Stellenbosch, the Merlot grapes in Helderberg, and the Cabernet Franc grapes practically on his doorstep. Annually, there are 6,000 bottles of this top wine, which is the first South African representative to be served in Emirates First Class and is ranked among the top 50 in the world according to "Robert Parker Wine Advocate."
Discovery Taaibosch Crescendo
The up-and-coming Taaibosch winery is practically writing the future today with its Crescendo. The first vintage of this Cuvée of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon was only produced in 2018, and a bottle costs less than 20 Swiss francs ex-cellar. The winemaker Petri Venter, only 26 years old, takes care of the wines. With Le Chant du Coq, matured in old oak barrels, the winery also offers an elevated everyday wine that stylistically resembles the southern Rhône Valley. Taaibosch, like Raats Family Wines, is located in the greater Stellenbosch area.
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
TOKARA
Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon – 2020
CHF 24.90 instead of CHF 35.00
92 Points by WINEMAG SA
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
TOKARA
Director’s Reserve – 2020
CHF 34.90 instead of CHF 49.00
93 Points by WINEMAG SA
Top Sale
RAATS FAMILY
Family Cabernet Franc – 2019
CHF 65.00 instead of CHF 75.00
94 Points by WINEMAG SA
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
TAAIBOSCH
Crescendo – 2019
CHF 29.90 instead of CHF 39.00
98 Points by Tim Atkin
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF
Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon – 2019
CHF 43.90 instead of CHF 59.00
96 Points by Tim Atkin
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
ANTHONIJ RUPERT
Optima – 2018
CHF 19.90 instead of CHF 29.00
4.5 Stars by Platter’s
All prices in CHF incl. VAT. Daily price as of 17.04.2023.
Offers valid while stocks last. Errors and price changes reserved.
