This winery features a fantastic restaurant, spectacular views and very pleasant wine.

As so often seems the case, I had more places to go and things to see then I had time in the day so I was unable to have a full wine tasting at this lovely winery in the Franschhoek.  What I did enjoy was lunch.  Since we passed Graham Beck on the way in, I felt obliged to begin the meal with a Graham Beck Brut.  Of course, I was not disappointed.  There was a mix-up with our reserved seating, so we just chilled out on the bubbly and gouda cheese. 

Eventually we moved to a window table and the view was spectacular as you can see for yourself.

I get goosebumps just thinking about it.  Notice the vines - I can hardly remember anywhere in the Stellenbosch, Paarl or Franschhoek where I saw any new vines.  The South African Vitners use many of the old techniques of training and pruning the vines.  Many prefer bush vines and the flavor characteristics of the fruit they produce.  I would be interested when I return to try to do some tastings of comparable wines pruned differently.  Certainly the management of the canopy and the density of the fruit on the vine will have an affect, but I don’t know how.

A few quick words on the La Petite Ferme wines.  I had both the Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc.  By this point in my West Cape wine experience I was very familiar with the South African finish and genuinely preferred it in the Sauvignon Blanc.  This Sauvignon Blanc was quite lovely but unremarkable - well chilled and perfect for a Springbok Bobotie with which I paired it.  Please don’t tell “Bokkie” my Springbok companion - but I really enjoyed the Bobotie.

Lunch itself was another traditional South African dish, an Indian Curry.  Loved the chicken - Adored the homemade chutneys and relishes that accompanied it  The Shiraz held its own against the spicy curry and relishes but I could have gone a bit lighter.  Peggy had the leg of lamb - Shiraz was perfect for her meal.  Should you find your self in Franschhoek, I would put this at the top of your places to eat list.

I am beginning to wind down on South African wineries - just two more blogs in my head although who knows where I will ramble between now and then.

Your humble correspondent,

Doyle