published on: Friday, 18 May 2012
Hoopenburg Wines, the quality-driven boutique wine farm situated in the Greater Simonsberg Ward of Stellenbosch, one of the Cape's prime wine-growing areas, has released new vintages across all three of its wine ranges: the top-end Integer label, the Hoopenburg estate range and the easy-drinking Guru wines.
Virtually encircled by the majestic Simonsberg mountain range, and commanding an unobstructed view of Table Mountain, the vineyards, charming homestead and tasting centre at Hoopenburg are blessed with an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.
Hoopenburg, owned by the Schmitz family from Germany, is unique in that it is the only wine estate in South Africa where 100% of the vineyard comprises bush vines. “Our dry-land bush vine vineyards are naturally controlled to have yields of below 6 tons per hectare. Nourished by pure underground water, they produce grapes of exceptional taste and flavour. All our grapes are hand-picked and sorted and only the best juice is extracted,” says Anton Beukes, General Manager and Cellarmaster.
The Hoopenburg team, following and believing in the principle of environmentally-friendly farming, have converted their chardonnay and shiraz vineyards to organically grown blocks and the rest of Hoopenburg is farmed according to South Africa’s IPW Scheme (Integrated Production of Wine).
The pinnacle Integer range production is very small, with each label reflecting the number of barrels produced. The wines are elegantly packaged, with distinctive, stylish labels designed by Anthony Lane.
The new vintage Integer Chardonnay 2009 is a rich, seductive, elegant Chardonnay with an enviable pedigree: previous vintages having been honoured with a whole series of prestigious accolades, some of which are:
• 4½ stars in Platter’s SA Wine Guide for the 2008, 2007 and 2006 vintages and two nominations for Platter’s 5 stars;
• Double Gold at the 2010 Michelangelo International Wine Awards (for the 2007 Integer Chardonnay);
• Best White Wine Trophy at the 2010 Santam Classic Wine Trophy competition (for the 2006 Integer Chardonnay);
• Wine-of-the-Month Club Best Chardonnay of the Year in 2009 (for the 2006 Integer Chardonnay);
• Gold medal at the 2007 International Wine Challenge in London (for the 2005 Integer Chardonnay).
The 2009 Hoopenburg Integer Chardonnay is a feat of rich flavour concentration, layered complexity and incredible length. The nose beguiles with fresh lemon and citrus blossom as well as wafts of nutmeg and almonds and a touch of lime. On the palate the buttery richness is beautifully balanced with citric zestiness and well-integrated oak. The 2009 Hoopenburg Integer Chardonnay retails nationally for approximately R90.
The Hoopenburg estate range of single cultivar wines, produced from low-yielding bush vines, prides itself on capturing the typical flavours and fruit of each varietal. The wine label, designed by Anthony Lane, reflects the panoramic view one can see when working in the vineyards.
The Hoopenburg Pinot Noir 2009, a classic pinot noir, reveals gorgeous plums and mulberries with an earthy forest floor character, vanilla undertones and hints of spice and pepper. The wine is elegant and harmonious with firm but ripe tannins. The 2009 Hoopenburg Pinot Noir retails nationally between R90 and R95.
The Guru is an easily accessible, uncomplicated range of wines. The packaging is modern and distinctive with a whole range of fun ‘did you know’ information on the back label.
The Guru Merlot 2008 has an intense nose of prunes and black olives, and a medium-bodied palate with soft, round, lingering tannins. The Guru Merlot 2008 retails nationally at approximately R39.
Hoopenburg is part of the Stellenbosch Wine Route and is situated on the Old Paarl Road (R101): 4km from the N1 and only 30 minutes from Cape Town.
The estate is open for wine tasting Monday to Friday:
Tel: 021 884 4221
Email: anton@hoopenburg.com
