Tolchards Wine Brochure 2023 - Magazine - Page 203
W AT E R K L O O F / S O U T H A F R I C A - 2 0 3
IN ONE PA RAGRA PH, T ELL US
A BOUT YOU R E THO S TOWA RDS
W INE MA KING A S HA RV EST F OR
THE NEW V INTAGE BEGINS?
Keep it pure and simple. We aim to
make wines that reflect our unique
terroir as well as the vintage. The best
way that we aim to achieve this would
be to work as gently as possible and to
not manipulate the process at all
by adding a lot of products.
W HAT DO YOU CO NSIDER IS
THE BIGGE ST C HA L LENGE TO
W INE MA KING IN SOUTH
A FRICA AT PRE SE NT ?
Each winery has its own struggles
but I would say that South Africa’s
winelands have struggled with
especially ferocious winds this year.
Being just 2 miles from The Atlantic
Ocean, Waterkloof has borne the brunt
of it. On the one hand the winds are an
asset: They reduce the yield naturally
and hence increase concentration in the
grapes. They cool the vineyards, thus
extending the growing season to increase
complexity of flavour. They also reduce
the risk of fungal diseases. However, too
much stress can push even the hardiest
vines (and humans!) to their limit, and
our normally miserly white grape yields
have been cut in half to a tiny 2 tons
per hectare this year.
TEL L U S A BOUT YOU R
PR O UDEST ACHIEV EME NT TO
DATE A S A W INE P RODUC ER?
Most people who know me would tell
you that I love working at Waterkloof and
the day that Paul conveyed his trust in
me by appointing me as head winemaker
was one of my most memorable days.
