South Africa’s Western Cape is home to Spier Wine Farm whose origins go back to the 17th century. Their popular ranges include 21 Gables (Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage); Creative Block (an innovative range of blends); and Spier Signature (an ‘everyday premium’ selection, including a sparkling wine). While Spier’s winemaker Johan Jordaan was in town for the Dar Wine Festival he sat down with SCF for some wine talk.
How did you become involved in the wine business?
I grew up among the vineyards from the Western Cape’s Breedekloof. Vineyards and wine were imprinted in my blood as my father was a grape grower. I remember the smell of must (the aroma of skin, seeds and stems) and grape skins during trips to the cellar during harvest. It was probably a foregone conclusion that wine making would be my chosen path.
What attracted you to the Spier wine estate?
It is a very vast, beautiful and environmentally responsible estate. The way things are done at Spier resonate with my own values. It has a great focus on what happens tomorrow, we cannot just use for today without giving back and investing in the future of our planet and people.
What grape varietals do you get most excited about?
I love drinking Chenin Blanc, it is a fruity wine that does not have an overtly high acidity, but can still be crisp and refreshing. It also makes beautiful full bodied, oak-matured wines like 21 Gables that compliments spicy food that is not hot but rich in flavour, like Swahili-style cooking. As for reds, I like Cabernet or Merlot and also the associated blends. They are fresh and vibrant wines with great potential for ageing.
What awards did Spier win in 2014?
I make the Creative Block and 21 Gables red wines. They have won numerous awards over the years. In 2014 Spier won four silver medals at the international Concours Mondial de Bruxelles wine competition. Our wines received four silver and three bronze medals at the International Wine Challenge. At the Decanter World Wine Awards in London, Spier received a gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the week-long event. We won 7 double gold, 6 gold, 18 silver and 5 bronze medals at the Veritas Wine Awards.
What is your favourite Spier wine?
I like all Spier wines! In hot weather, I like drinking Signature and Creative Block 2 whites. For spicy fish or mild curries, I like 21 Gables Chenin Blanc. For reds in cooler weather, I like Creative Block 3 for curried meals with red meat and Creative Block 5 with dishes with rich sauces or stews. 21 Gables Pinotage is great for lamb, game meat or beef as it has a lot of fruit and compliments the flavour of the meat. Frans K. Smit, our flagship blended wine, is saved for special occasions and is great with hard cheeses or just reflective conversation.
Any other food and wine pairing favourites?
Fresh lobster with Creative Block 2. For reds, beef Bourgogne with Creative Block 5.
