Situated in the heart of the Franschhoek Wine Valley, just off the Robertsvlei Road, is where you’ll find the farm La Brie, home to the Landau family. This is also home to the heritage vineyard of their Semillon, 112 years old to be exact.  

When Basil Landau acquired the farm in 1986 he was unaware of the vineyard’s existence, but since discovering these heritage vines, they have been nurtured and developed into what has become the estate’s flagship wine, with the maiden vintage produced in 1995. The bush vines receive no irrigation, and the grapes for the 2014 vintage are whole bunch pressed with natural fermentation taking place in small French oak barrels, comprising 25% new and 75% older barrels. The must was fermented between 14º and 17ºC, and the lees was stirred daily for two months and then once a month for the next eight months thereafter. Barrel maturation took place for 12 months. The final blend comprises approximately 15% Semillon Gris, which naturally mutated from the Semillon vines planted. The average annual production from this block is approximately 3,5 tons per hectare, and produces a superb dry Semillon which is one of the very few heritage wines still being produced in South Africa today, which is regarded as one of the Franschoek Valley’s iconic wines.

The current release of the 2014 vintage, is described by winemaker Wynand Grobler as a dry wine with nutty nuances intermingled with zesty lime and red apple aromas. A full, rich palate of honey, nougat and citrus is perfectly balanced with caramel richness and a beautiful lingering creamy finish. Ready to drink now, this wine has great aging potential for up to at least 10 years from harvest. A wine made to last and improve with age. This has been proven regularly with earlier vintages such as the 2002 which is still drinking beautifully.

Taking into account that Semillon makes up only 1% of wine produced in South Africa this is truly an undiscovered gem, which has consistently received rave reviews from industry role players and media alike. The perfect wine to enjoy with Breyani, Chicken Curry, Roast Pork, Seafood, Shellfish, Roast Chicken, Paella and even cheeses.

Available directly from the farm or La Cotte Wine Sales in Franschhoek at R350 per bottle.

For more information contact basillandau@mweb.co.za.