Groot Phesantekraal Estate In Celebration Mode
18:08:00Groot Phesantekraal, the exemplary heritage estate peacefully tucked away on the outskirts of Durbanville, is once again in celebration mode!
- Groot Phesantekraal Chenin Blanc 2018: 2018 Michelangelo Double Gold
- Groot Phesantekraal Berliet Pinotage 2017: 2018 Michelangelo Gold
- Groot Phesantekraal Cabernet Sauvignon 2015: 2018 Veritas Gold
It was only one year ago that the Brink family launched their Groot Phesantekraal wines, which included a maiden Blanc de Blanc 2015 Cap Classique and flagship Berliet Pinotage 2016 as well as an award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc.
- Groot Phesantekraal Sauvignon Blanc 2017: Winner of a 2017 Veritas Double Gold and a prestigious place amongst the 2017 FNB Top 10 Sauvignon Blancs
- Groot Phesantekraal Chenin Blanc 2017: 2017 Gold Wine Awards medallist
- Groot Phesantekraal Cabernet Sauvignon 2015: Michelangelo 2017 Gold medallist
With four generations of grape farming weaved into the Brink family’s story, André and Ronelle fulfilled a life-long dream in 2005 when they launched their own family wine brand, Phizante Kraal Wine, in very small quantities. The wines were made for the Brinks by family friend, Thys Louw (Diemersdal Estate). The past couple of years have seen some changes. Etienne Louw of Altydgedacht has taken over as winemaker and all the wines have been rebranded. Phizante Kraal, one of the names of the farm during its long history, was changed to the current name of the farm, Groot Phesantekraal, in 2017, and the new wine labels include the Brink family crest.
Awards: 2018 Michelangelo Double Gold Medal
Made by Etienne Louw, this wine is clean and crisp with summery stone fruit, pineapple, quince and some spice on the nose. Unwooded and fresh, yet intensely fragranced thanks to 56-year-old bush vines offering effortless fruit concentration and complexity. Appetising, lip-smacking, bone dry finish. Ideal al fresco summer sipper, great on its own, but also with scallops, fried calamari or smoked chicken salad.
Cellar door price: R55
Groot Phesantekraal Pinotage Berliet 2017
Awards: 2018 Michelangelo Gold Medal
This flagship red wine was made by Etienne Louw, a regular recipient of Absa Top 10 Pinotage awards. The farm’s Pinotage is named after the 1927 French Berliet that belonged to André Brink’s late father. Having been meticulously restored, this splendidly orange classic automobile is portrayed on the wine’s label and proudly showcased at the estate. Etienne believes that the unique elegance and fruit-structure of Durbanville Pinotage will cement the ward’s position as one of the leading production areas for this variety. This limited release Pinotage exudes characteristics of this uniquely South African variety - ripe red fruit, subtle toasty oak and an elegant tannin structure. This wine will develop further complexity with careful cellaring for 8 to 10 years. It makes a beautiful accompaniment to slow-braised pork belly or hearty game dishes. For the more adventurous, seared salmon or even a dark-chocolate based dessert is recommended.
Cellar door price: R135
Groot Phesantekraal Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Awards: 2017 Michelangelo Gold Medal and 2018 Veritas Gold Medal
Made by Thys Louw, this is a rich and complex wine. Durbanville’s typical dusty, herbal notes are well supported by red and black fruit with a hint of spice and vanilla and cigar box notes. The medium-bodied palate shows Cabernet’s cooler flavours including spearmint, red berries and plum, supported by a bright line of acidity. Well-integrated élevage in French oak and fine, soft tannins makes for a rounded, seamless finish. Accessible now, but better in 3 to 5 years. Allow breathing time to open up or decant an hour before serving. Enjoy with grilled lamb, hearty vegetable stews or risotto, or beef carpaccio with parmesan shavings.
Cellar door price: R110
Groot Phesantekraal also produces a Blanc de Blanc Cap Classique, a Sauvignon Blanc and the barrel-fermented, single vineyard Anna de Koning Chenin Blanc. See additional information below.
To purchase Groot Phesantekraal wines, please call 021 825 0060 or visit www.grootphesantekraal.co.za/our-wines.
Being newly launched, the wines are available at the farm and at select wine merchants but will become more widely available in due course.
A VISIT TO GROOT PHESANTEKRAAL
Just 20 minutes from Cape Town, tucked within the Tygerberg Hills, a wonderful welcome awaits you: beautiful gardens, historic white-washed buildings and spectacular views across the valley. This is tranquillity at its best and you are about to be spoilt with an excellent selection of wines and exquisitely presented gourmet food in their authentically restored restaurant housed in the farm’s original stable.
Wine Tasting
Sip Groot Phesantekraal wines and awaken your tasting senses by comparing your experience with over 100 scents stacked up against the wall: black cardamom, szechuan pepper, eucalyptus, nougat, cut-grass, coconut, cloves, ginger, vanilla, cumin seeds… to name just a few. In addition to the range of wines, Groot Phesantekraal’s very own extra virgin olive oil is available at the tasting room for R70 a bottle. Next door is the original chicken coop where private tastings are held. Or perhaps you prefer an informal outdoor tasting on the grassy terrace where you can enjoy a delectable cheese and charcuterie platter while sipping your wine and gazing across vineyards and farmlands.
One of the oldest farms in Durbanville, the rich heritage is woven into the very fabric of the estate, most notably in the elegantly rustic restaurant located in the original stable that dates back to 1767: a charming mixture of past and present. The white-washed plastered walls, original stone floors, open-beam thatched roof and original feeding troughs blend seamlessly with modern touches and wonderful views over the rolling hills and mountains beyond. The menus, based on a combination of contemporary country style and traditional cooking, provide hearty, wholesome meals; a perfect foil to the farm’s wines. The small but eclectic menu changes regularly according to seasonal availability as much of the produce used is sourced on the farm. These “favourites” remain on the menu but the trimmings and sides vary according to the season: steak, slow-roasted pork belly, pan-seared line-caught catch of the day and there is always an interesting vegetarian dish available. Delicious desserts include the popular Dark Chocolate Fondant. Run by husband and wife team, Juan and Maret van Deventer, the restaurant is very popular for its Saturday brunch, the only wine farm in the valley to offer one - and offers breakfast and lunch from Tuesdays to Fridays. In addition to a Full Farmer’s Breakfast, popular choices include the Salmon Trout Bagel and Sweet Brioche French Toast.
New at Groot Phesantekraal, visitors can enjoy alfresco lunches on Saturdays. Overlooking rolling vineyards, parents can relax while their children run freely on the expansive lawns. The menu includes Fine Cheese and Meat Platters with Ciabatta (Everything is local: chorizo-style salami and a coppa ham with a cremona (SA gorgonzola), a jong belegen boerenkaas and a mature cheddar) as well as Chorizo or Caprese Pizza Platters, all served on wooden boards. There is always a Sweet Treat on offer to end the meal.
Opening hours and contact details
Wine Tasting & Sales: Open Tuesday to Friday: 08:00 - 16:30 · Saturday: 09:30 - 14:30
Restaurant: Open Tuesday to Friday: Breakfast: 8:00 - 11:00, Lunch: 12:00 - 15:00
Saturday Brunch: 09:00 - 14:30
Saturdays on the Lawn: 10:00 - 14:00
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Booking is essential
Tel: 021 825 0060
Tasting Room: wines@phesantekraal.co.za · Restaurant: restaurant@phesantekraal.co.za
Website: www.grootphesantekraal.co.za
Groot Phesantekraal Farm, Klipheuwel Way (R302), Durbanville 7550
GPS: 33° 48″ 20S / 18° 40″41 E
HISTORY 0F GROOT PHESANTEKRAAL
One of Durbanville’s oldest farms, the heritage that is Groot Phesantekraal dates back to 1698 when Cape Governor Simon van der Stel granted the land to its first owner, Captain Olof Bergh of the VOC (whose name lives on as one of the Cape’s rare aged brandies produced by the solera method). A story of improbable love, triumph and perseverance is woven into the farm’s history. Olof Bergh’s heart was captured by the beautiful Anna de Koning, daughter of a freed slave in the Jan van Riebeeck household. Anna and Bergh married in 1676 and together they farmed the land now known as Groot Phesantekraal. After her husband’s death, she became a wealthy widow, inheriting Groot Constantia. Thanks to her intelligence and beauty, she became a distinguished member of the Cape of Good Hope elite.
Records show that by 1756 some 40 000 vines had been planted on Groot Phesantekraal. In 1759 the property was sold to the Louw family and later purchased by Arend Brink in 1897. Primarily devoted to mixed farming (grains, cattle and sheep), fourth generation current custodians André (Oubaas) and Ronelle Brink planted vineyards covering 50ha of its 840ha expanse in 1996. These replaced mostly old bush vines from which father Rennie harvested grapes to supply what is now Distell as well as some leading Stellenbosch wineries for their top-quality labels. Since launching their own wine label in 2005, André and Ronelle Brink continue to sell the majority of their grapes, primarily Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz to big-name cellars, retaining only some 50 tons for their own wines.
MORE ON GROOT PHESANTEKRAAL WINES
Groot Phesantekraal Blanc de Blanc MCC 2016
This Cap Classique was made by Etienne Louw, who is well-versed in MCC, having made the overall winning Cap Classique at the 2015 Amorim Cap Classique Challenge. Made from 100% Chardonnay, gorgeous aromas of green apple and citrus combine with biscuity notes from the lees maturation, to create a wine that is both complex and refreshing. The full mouthfeel can be attributed to malolactic fermentation and the 17 months of lees maturation in the bottle. The tantalising delicate bubbles in the wine rounds off the taste experience. Enjoy with deep-fried calamari, steamed crayfish, sashimi, sushi and even pan-fried Cob. A touch of butter holds up wonderfully to the biscuit notes. It also likes cheese, holding up against the creaminess of most cheeses.
Cellar door price: R140
Groot Phesantekraal Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Awards: 2018 Michelangelo and Veritas Silver Medals
Made by Etienne Louw, Groot Phesantekraal’s Sauvignon Blanc has a great pedigree including a Veritas 2017 Double Gold, four placings in the Top 20 of the FNB Sauvignon Blanc Awards as well as two placings in the Top 10. The first time was in 2013 when three of the Top 10 Sauvignon Blancs came from the very same vineyard, a small block planted in 2007 on high ground on the farm which consistently delivers exceptional grapes. Clear pedigree and regional suitability of the variety shows in an abundance of boldly aromatic fruit. The complex and intriguing nose displays a melange of cool, crunchy tropical fruit, with passionfruit and guava dominating. The palate is still very youthful, with mouth-watering grapefruit and lemongrass notes along with cut grass and gooseberries. A distinctive, structured, elegant Sauvignon with a range of flavour and nuance and a layered, lengthy crisp finish. This Sauvignon Blanc becomes better with age, with the tropical nose tending to develop on the palate after 6 to 12 months. It stands up beautifully to strong flavoured shellfish (like mussels) and goats cheese salad.
Cellar door price: R80
Groot Phesantekraal Anna De Koning Chenin Blanc 2017
Awards: 2018 Michelangelo Silver Medal
This flagship white wine made by Etienne Louw is named after the beautiful Anna De Koning, daughter of a freed slave who became the wife of the farm’s first owner Olof Bergh in 1676. Much of this farm’s history and legacy is linked to Anna who rose above her circumstances and went on to inherit Groot Constantia once her husband died. Thanks to her intelligence and beauty, she became a distinguished member of the Cape of Good Hope elite. This barrel-fermented, single vineyard expression on limited release is a flag bearer for Chenin Blanc of Durbanville origin. Concentrated, elegant sweet melon fruit with honeyed almond, nougat, candied nuts and citrus notes on the nose follow through onto the palate. Richness derived from lees contact and barrel maturation impresses on the weighted, textured palate that has opulence well captured in firm acidity and a dry finish. Serious yet refined, powerful yet elegant. A worthy dinner companion that will complement rich, buttery grilled gamefish, and a salty charcuterie spread. It also makes a good companion for a baked cheesecake, slightly infused with lemon, or even an apple almond tart.
Cellar door price: R130
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