Tolchards Wine Brochure 2023 - Magazine - Page 133
Responses by
Senior Winemaker, Riebeek Wine Company
Having the title of ‘Senior Winemaker’ means the buck stops
with you, being solely responsible for a vineyards results
many of which are arguable out of your control could seem
a daunting task. However, that challenge hasn’t stopped
Jacques Theron being at the top of his game and bring a
selection of wines that are out standing (also responsible
for nurturing our new Kraal Bay range). Jacques Theron has
been hands on, working in wineries since he graduated from
Stellenbosch University in 2003 after receiving a Bachelor’s
degree in Viticulture and Enology. In 2017, he became the
Senior Winemaker at Riebeek Valley Wine Co where his
raison d’être is to express the terroir in each glass of wine.
2023 Harvest seems to slightly
smaller than 2022. Especially
Chardonnay and Shiraz.
The season has started a little
earlier but we suspect it will
be a longer harvest again this
year. The first white cultivators
especially some Bush-vine Chenin
Blanc will shape up to make some
aromatic and textured wines.
DO YOU DO ANYTHING
DIFFERENT TO OTHER
WINE MAKERS?
Yes, I think so. I love wine,
and like to try new and different
things each year. I also have a few
quirks as any wine winemaker has.
WHAT IS YOUR
BIGGEST CHALLENGE
AS A WINEMAKER?
To try and keep in budget. Costs
of everything is sky-rocketing.
You want to make the best wines
& the best process with the best
grapes but it comes at a cost.
WHAT IS SPECIAL
ABOUT YOUR WINERY?
As a winemaker I can truly
be myself here and make
world class wines. We also
offer a full circle service,
and we are truly Swartland,
tenacious and hardworking.
We have an excellent portfolio
of different styles of wine.
HOW HAS YOUR JOB
CHANGED OVER THE
LAST 10 YEARS?
Over the last 10 years my role
has grown to a more senior role,
and I am getting more involved
in management of the whole
production process, while having
time to fine tune blends and
finishing and experiment with
style and cultivators - get back
to the passion for making wine.
“Enjoying life with friends and
family, while experiencing a sense
of place in the character of the wine.”
Jacques Theron
Senior Winemaker at
Riebeek Valley Wine Company
133
HOW IS THE
HARVEST LOOKING/
BEEN FOR 2023?
JACQUES THERON - RIEBEEK WINE COMPANY
RIEBEEK Jacques Theron
WINE CO.
