Just 20 minutes from Cape Town lies a wine valley with rolling hills and flourishing vineyards that produce some of the country’s most award-winning wines.
This is where you would find Durbanville Hills Wines. On top of the Tygerberg Hills with breathtaking views of Table Mountain, Table Bay and Robben Island. These are all landmarks synonymous with Cape Town.
We were very privileged to be invited to the launch of The Collectors Reserve. The whole concept started a few years ago when it was needed to do something new and fresh and how to connect the brand with Cape Town.
The afternoon kicked off in the barrel maturation cellar with a glass of Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blanc Sparkling wine and canapés whilst Albert Gerber (MD of Durbanville Hills) and Martin Moore (Cellar Master at Durbanville Hills) took us through the concept of The Collectors Reserve.
The Rhinofields was their reserve range, which was named after the Renosterveld (named after the protected indigenous plants that grow in the area). The challenge they faced was that people could never connect the Rhinofields as a reserve range of Durbanville Hills Wines. It also became very difficult for them to explain to someone in Brazil what exactly a “Renosterveld” is.
The Collectors Reserve range is a play on the art side, a play on the collectors side, a play on the reserve side. It is a unique range specially crafted by the winemakers using only the finest grapes from Cape Town’s best vineyards.
Cape Town being Cape Town, prominent landmarks were handpicked to connect city culture with viticulture.
One of Cape Town’s vibrant artists, Theo Paul Vorster, was asked to depict his vision of seven proudly Capetonian landmarks onto each bottle. This range has been designed as a collector’s item for both wine and art lovers alike.
Each landmark becomes a distinctive story which can be found on the back of the respective bottles. As the slogan says “Artistry in every glass”. This is a much easier story to tell than Rhinofields.
Theo Paul Vorster is known for creating unique pieces of art using Linocuts. The Lino block is cut and printed by hand on Fabriano paper. All prints are individually hand-coloured with acrylic ink. When an edition has been completed the Lino block is finished in oil paint and sold exclusively.
We made our way to the fermentation cellar where a delicious Collectors Reserve lunch awaited us. Stainless steel tanks with the smell of fermented grapes lingering in the air, together with a long but beautifully decorated table to set the ambiance.
THE CAPE MIST SAUVIGNON BLANC
“The Cape Mist is a natural phenomenon in Cape Town, stealthily moving in as a cool Atlantic breeze over Table Bay. The mist provides a soft blanket over the surrounding slopes and creates the perfect cool climate conditions associated with the Durbanville terroir. These conditions are crucial in creating the perfect environment to grow Sauvignon Blanc, renowned for its abundant and lingering tropical fruit flavours and balanced freshness”.
This was paired with a seafood trio of Smoked Salmon Fishcake, Prawn Ceviche and a theatrical showcase of Fresh Oysters served with mint & basil gremolata.
THE PROMENADE PINOTAGE
“A leisurely stroll down the seafront promenade affords breath-taking panoramic views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, a beautiful reminder that certain experiences should be savoured and enjoyed at a leisurely pace. The Pinotage rewards an unhurried approach with lingering complexity on both nose and palate”.
This was paired with a delicious Quail served with bacon, sage and caramelised onions with a dried fruit chutney on the side.
THE LIGHTHOUSE MERLOT
“The cheery red and white candy-striped lighthouse in Green Point with its foghorn, affectionately known as “Moaning Minnie”, is well-known for guiding ships along the misty Cape coast. These misty, cool climate conditions develop the Merlot’s unique character, displaying notes of mint and red cherry”.
This was paired with a flavoursome Beef Sirloin served with mushrooms, potato puree, rocket, jus and a delicious tomato spread.
The Mint & Cucumber Spritzer was served as a palate cleanser and was delicious and so refreshing.
THE CAPE GARDEN CHENIN BLANC
“The Company’s Garden in Cape Town dates back to when fresh produce and supplies were first provided to ships rounding the Cape. Although originally a vegetable garden, it was not long before the first Chenin Blanc vineyards were planted, and today, the Gardens are recognised for their contribution to the Cape’s horticultural heritage. The Chenin Blanc is a true tribute to these Gardens and the origins of Chenin Blanc in the Cape of Good Hope”.
This was paired with a Cheese Delight – a mixture of cheese, fruits and nuts.
It was a great afternoon spent with the team of Durbanville Hills Wines and we wish them all the best with this Collectors Reserve Range.
Contact details:
info@durbanvillehills.co.za
+27 (0)21 558 1300
Categories: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cultivar, Durbanville, Durbanville Hills, Merlot, Pinotage, Region, Sauvignon Blanc
