Is there a wine identity crisis in South Africa?

Remhoogte Winery gives you an idea of fun at Neverland, without the controversy. They have mammoth dogs roaming the estate; Zebras, Wildebeest and Spring Boks fill the other half of the landscape.

Wild life fills the foreground landscapes

It was anything but fun a few decades ago, with the Boustred family playing a role in South Africa's freedom. Their great, great, great grandfather Thomas Cullinan found the world's biggest diamond in Jan 1905, naming it the Cullinan Diamond. In the subsequent decades, with South Africa fighting for freedom, it was given as a "gift" to England (Colonization anyone?). Today it sits proudly on the Queen's scepter and crown. Unfortunately, Family fortunes did not filter down to the Boustred branch of the family. Not like they ever needed it, with their sharp business acumen.

Sir Thomas Cullinan, 5000+ Btls Produced per year

South African wines have a 3 centuries old history, easily older than many french vineyards. Their  proud wine legacies were reset in a blink of an eye in the early 1900s and further compounded by apartheid. Proper winemaking didn't formally return till apartheid were on it's last legs. In the early 1990s, winemaking was making a comeback, and Remhoogte was among them.

They bought a farm in the 90s , planted predominantly with 3Ha Chenin Blancs in 1987 . What clone was planted was anyone's guess. The unknown clone as it turned out, was a match winner in 2008. Winning Chenin Blanc of the year for other fortunate winemakers who purchased them. It was a no brainer that Remhoogte continued this success by making 2 different styles of Chenins. An unwooded style, with tropical fruits and nice acidity; and the wooded style with honeycomb complexities colored a tint of botrytis. Both racing up the top Chenin Blanc charts, if there ever is one.

Renown Chenins. First Light (Unwooded), HoneyBunch (Wooded)

Many other wineries didn't had this fortune, of a quick result proving success. Many had to plant and replant grapes. Wineries with lesser equipped bullets ($$) quickly perished. Decades of experimentation has continued till date. Remhoogte whilst maintaining their core brands, has produced some 'orange' natural, and Riesling wines. Meanwhile, strict French laws had ensured such experimentation is a strict 'no no' in their appellations.

Orange Chenin Blanc, fermented on the skins inoculated

Carbonic Syrah

Such freedom, serves to excite and confuse consumers on the wineries value propositions. Though they are quick to correct me, and state that Chenins will always lead on the forefront. Anything else is an added bonus.

Pinotage is now one of the most planted grape in Remhoogte.

There has never been a country quite exciting like South Africa that intrigues for a long time. Make no mistake, the wines made here are serious in nature and will rival any French wines in a blind.
One day, like Apple the brands would be established and consign things of old to the past. Just like the word Steen.

Scout for some Remhoogte wines here.
https://www.stellezvine.com.sg/remhoogte

Gerard Zhang