A New Dawn For Welgegund Heritage Wines

Including the launch of Welgegund Heritage Wines Chenin Blanc 2017 and Providence 2015, a Rhône-style blend

Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Hawequa mountains at the end of an oak-lined cul-de-sac in Wellington, lies Welgegund Heritage Wines. Welgegund means ‘well-bestowed’ and you don’t have to venture far to experience the fruits of its blessings. A place of natural beauty, with heritage buildings dating back to the early 1800’s and a unique fingerprint of terroir and climate, this family-owned boutique wine farm has seen major restoration over the past 4 years under new ownership.

Established in 1777, Welgegund was once the property of Cecil John Rhodes, the Prime Minister of the Cape Colony in the late 1800’s. It was one of the best fruit farms in the Boland and was eventually consolidated after his death into Rhodes Fruit Farms. Since taking ownership in 2014, Gavin and Kelly Brimacombe have left no stone unturned in a sweeping transformation of Welgegund. The Manor House, dated 1820, has been authentically restored and refurbished and is now, once again, a beautiful family home. The Manor House is featured in the book “The Old Buildings of the Cape” and is on the register of Provincial heritage sites. Older heritage buildings on the farm are also being sensitively restored to provide a tasting room and guest suites.

The new dawn at Welgegund includes the comprehensive rehabilitation and rejuvenation of the 35-hectare estate embracing the fynbos and dryland vineyards, including the very old chenin blanc (1974), cinsaut (1974) and carignan (1979) bush vines, as well as a new winemaker. Friedrich Kühne, ex Doolhof wine and vine man, also joined the team in 2014, bringing with him a wealth of experience gained in South Africa, France and the USA, and a passion for producing high quality wines. Emy Matthews was appointed Sales and Marketing Manager in March 2018. From wine farming stock in Hungary and with fifteen years’ experience in the South African hospitality and wine industries, Emy has the energy, passion and knowledge to elevate the Welgegund wine brand.

Two award-winning wines produced from ancient dryland bush vines are currently making their debut, the barrel-fermented beautifully round Welgegund Heritage Wines Chenin Blanc 2017 from 44-year old vines and the Welgegund Heritage Wines Providence 2015, a fruit-driven Rhône-style blend of 60% shiraz, 30% cinsaut (1974 vineyard) and 10% carignan showing tremendous body, concentration and structure. Both these wines were honoured at the 2018 National Wine Challenge incorporating Top 100 SA Wines, the Chenin receiving Double Platinum as well as Top 100 SA Wines 2018 status and the Providence awarded Double Gold.

Welgegund have also produced their first olive oil, a lively and fruity extra virgin olive oil cold pressed from a blend of selected olive cultivars grown on the historic Cape farm.

Although historically a fruit farm, it is as a wine farm that Welgegund has truly come into its own, thanks to the ideal combination of terroir and climate. The ancient decomposed granite of the foothills yields vines that produce intensely flavoured fruit ideal for creating the very best wines. The breezes funnelling down the valley from the Bainskloof Pass moderate the extremes of the climate. The old dryland bush vines offer extremely low yields of fruit (average of 2.4 tons per hectare) with exceptional concentration.

Welgegund’s old blocks of chenin blanc, cinsaut and carignan form part of the new and exciting Old Vine Project, an industry initiative dedicated to recognising the special character of the Cape’s wine heritage and to preserving these beautiful old vines. Vineyards more than 35 years old are being honoured with Certified Heritage Vineyards plaques, and wines made from these heritage vineyards will proudly bear the Old Vine Project Heritage Certification Seal – A World First!

The wine philosophy is to craft wines of authenticity and distinction. Whole-bunch pressing provides low yields of the best quality juice. Gentle winemaking allows the expression of the natural elements bestowed upon Welgegund. With quality the bedrock, the focus is on growing cultivars uniquely suited to the fingerprint of the farm, Rhône-style varieties, and launching limited releases only in very good years. The body and backbone contributed by the mature vines are complemented by fresh fruitiness derived from more recent plantings. Top quality niche cultivar wines will soon be making their appearance, namely a Cinsaut and a Grenache.

WELGEGUND HERITAGE WINES CHENIN BLANC 2017

Accolades: The Welgegund Heritage Wines Chenin Blanc 2017 was recently honoured at the 2018 National Wine Challenge incorporating Top 100 SA Wines, receiving Double Platinum as well as Top 100 SA Wines 2018 status.

Vineyards and cellar: This wine is produced from 44-year old north-west facing chenin blanc dryland bush vines planted in 1974. Whole cluster bunches were gently pressed. The fermentation was partly natural, with different yeasts added for the desired complexity. 33% of the wine was barrel fermented in French oak and aged independently before final blending. The barrel portion was stirred for lees contact every second week for 4 months and only a portion of the juice underwent malolactic fermentation.

Old Vine Project: The 2017 Welgegund Chenin Blanc, made from vineyards older than 35 years, proudly bears the Old Vine Project Heritage Certification Seal - A World First!

Tasting notes: The low-yielding 2017 vintage provided exceptional fruit, with high concentration, ample finesse and purity. The flavour profile of this wine is beautifully round, fruit-driven and displays subtle oak character. Noticeable fruits include citrus, stone fruits, pineapple and lime and a hint of white blossoms complements the overall aroma. The 2017 vintage has superb maturing potential and is sure to age gracefully.

Retail price: Welgegund Heritage Wines Chenin Blanc 2017 is currently only sold at the cellar, for R230 (excl VAT) per bottle, but will soon be more readily available nationally.

Serving suggestions: A great companion to line fish, calamari, lobster, mussels and lemon butter prawns. Also excellent with roast duck and game birds. The wine does however have sufficient structure to pair well with lamb and pork. Also lovely with soft white cheese.

WELGEGUND HERITAGE WINES PROVIDENCE 2015
Accolades: The Welgegund Heritage Wines Providence 2015 was recently honoured at the 2018 National Wine Challenge with Double Gold as well as 4 stars in the 2018 Platter’s wine guide and Silver DWWA.

Vineyards and cellar: This wine is a Rhône-style blend of 60% shiraz, 30% cinsaut and 10% carignan, from the best fruit in selected vineyards - all dryland bush vine, giving concentrated colours and aromas. The vineyards are a collection of mature and vintage vines, including carignan (2003), shiraz (2002) and cinsaut (1974). Welgegund was the first farm in South Africa to actively propagate carignan, a southern French grape variety of Spanish origin. All cultivars were fermented separately. Cold soaking was conducted prior to fermentation, extracting colour early, with fermentation in open fermenters, with three punch downs a day. Two rack and returns prior to 16 months in 95% French and 5% American oak. Only 30% new oak was utilized, respecting the fruit and the unique character of each cultivar.

Tasting notes: The shiraz provides tremendous body and structure, adding dark fruit and spice while the cinsaut component adds plenty of red fruit, freshness and youth. The carignan contributes to the enjoyable and lengthy end to the wine. This wine is predominantly fruit driven with undertones of subtle oak. Complex dark fruit (mulberry, blackberry and black cherry) as well as some red cranberry fruit notes are complemented by cloves, nutmeg and a hint of pepper. The tannins are soft and extremely silky. Drink now, with further ageing beneficial.

Retail price: Welgegund Heritage Wines Providence 2015 is currently only sold at the cellar, for R320 (excl VAT) per bottle, but will soon be more readily available nationally.

Serving suggestions: Excellent with grilled pork medallions, grilled tuna, roast lamb, venison and brandy flambéed matured steak served with a creamy Madagascan green peppercorn sauce. Also perfect with hearty homemade soups in winter and very well received with dark chocolate nougat, or mature cheese for dessert.

WELGEGUND EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

The Welgegund team are proud to have produced their first olive oil. It is a lively and fruity extra virgin olive oil, cold pressed from a blend of selected olive cultivars. The hand-packed fruit is all grown on the historic Cape farm. Aromas of freshly cut grass, green pepper, and a hint of lemon harmonise beautifully and reflect the unique growing conditions on this heritage farm in Wellington. Enjoy on its own, or by adding your favourite spices and balsamic vinegar, as a dipping. Also perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, roast vegetables and salads.

Retail price: R120 (excl VAT) from the cellar.

A VISIT TO WELGEGUND HERITAGE WINES

A visit to Welgegund, a hidden treasure off the beaten path with a rustic appeal and spectacular mountain backdrop, offers an authentic wine and olive oil tasting experience. A scenic 50-minute drive from Cape Town, Welgegund is a must for connoisseurs and wine lovers.

Wine and olive tastings that showcase the intense deliciousness of this estate’s produce can be enjoyed by appointment only. Take the time and make an appointment. It’s well worth it!

Welgegund Wine Farm, 119 Berg Street, Wellington, South Africa

Tel: 021 873 2123 · Email: emathews@welgegund.co.za

Website: www.welgegund.co.za · Facebook: www.facebook.com/welgegundwines/

Twitter: @WelgegundWines

Instagram: @Welgegund_wines

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