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De Wetshof Estate has over the past two decades become renowned in the Cape for its innovative and advanced use of technology in helping to produce both better grapes and create great wines.
Proprietor and winemaker, Danie de Wet’s love of wine emanates from the time he was a young boy following his father around the farm in the Robertson Valley. The De Wet ancestors arrived at the Cape in 1694 and the family has been involved in the wine industry ever since.
But Danie, who studied at Geisenheim in Germany, realised early in his career the importance of combining a good grounding in wine, natural instinct, together with cutting edge technology, to stay at the forefront of a dynamic and ever-changing industry.
These concepts he has applied in both the vineyard and the cellar.
Careful planning has gone into soil mapping all vineyards on the estate, to identify the correct terroir for the various varietals he nurtures. These run from the alluvial soils near the Breede River, which runs through the estate, as well as the lime-rich slopes stretching up the slopes of the surrounding hills and mountains.
De Wetshof’s emphasis on Chardonnay dates back to Danie’s days as a student at the Geisenheim Institute in Germany, where he studied viticulture and oenology. While there he tasted many fine examples of this variety, as well as undertaking visits to leading Burgundian wineries. Today he has his own vineyard specific Chardonnays offering widely differing styles.
The De Wetshof D’Honneur 1993 is a multi-dimensional wine distinguished by a remarkable complexity of flavours derived from the fine quality of grapes and good wood. With alluring tertiary notes and a lively palate, this wine displays a hint of naked freshness and subtle citrus undertones.
Jean’s Thoughts
Well, I never thought that a South African Chardonnay could last this long. It is crispy, refreshing and after all this time still has good length on the palate and barely any oxidation. Impressive!
Brendon’s Thoughts
Now you can taste why Danie De Wet is known as ‘The King of Chardonnay’. This wine’s elegance and sophistication for a 13 yr old Chardonnay is a tribute to South African whites and their potential to age well. A personal favourite!
At Caveau: R 240.00 per bottle
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