Organic wine just tastes better; biodynamic even better than this. This is the word from the experts: after farming for 23 years and making organic wine for 13 of those, Silvermist Vineyards owner and winemaker Gregory Louw says you can definitely pick up a difference in the wine.
He can even explain why: ‘Organic bunches are fewer on vines, the bunches are smaller, the berries are smaller and the berry skin is much thicker. When you extend the skin contact, without the use of enzymes or filters or extraction, huge amounts of dissolved solids move from the skins into the juices. The result is a juice with more dissolved solids.
‘The skin-to-pulp ratio is much higher in organic farming and with extended skin contact and this incredible extraction into the juice, the wine begins on a strong playing field, which translates directly to the wine complexity.
‘The majority of flavour compounds in grapes is around and near the skin, so the organic berry has more skin and less pulp. The wine is more concentrated in flavour.’
Erica Armstrong from Haut Espoir in Franschhoek agrees. ‘Our experience is that it definitely tastes much more herbaceous, more fynbos-y. The flavours are much more concentrated because your berries tend to not be as massive and juicy.’
Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville is busy going through the transition, necessarily in stages, but the whole farm will be certified organic by January 2028. Winemaker Wade Roger-Lund says they want ‘to leave the farm in a good state for generations to come’. And yes, there is a difference in the taste and aroma profiles, he says.
Bu hikaye woman & home South Africa dergisinin April 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye woman & home South Africa dergisinin April 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Till death do us part
It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages, said Nietzsche. He may be on to something, says Lorraine Kearney
Hit the ROAD
Ensure your vehicle is as ready as you are for your long-awaited summer road trip
Make a meal of it
There are two basic rules when it comes to wine and food pairing: acidic wine with acidic food, and low acid wine with savoury food, Lorraine Kearney learns
Update your GARDEN
Now's the time to refresh your outdoor space
the art of INTERIORS
Colour and texture are the stars of this apartment, writes MARGARET RAFFERTY
FALLING OFF THE DIET WAGON isn't a disaster
Changing your mindset is key when it comes to smashing your health and fitness goals, says Annie Deadman. Already let things slip? It's not over yet
LIFE after BETRAYAL
Broken trust can take on many forms, but there's always one common denominator - a feeling of hurt that can last for decades
The Ties That Bind
We're all humans, which means we all need relationships to survive. stands to reason that good relationships are the best kind to have. There are ways to get there, says Lorraine Kearney
A beauty REVELATION
The self-care sanctuary Nylde Hoffman and Riëtte Lategan introduced to Stellenbosch has become a sought-after location. We spoke to them about how clients and staff are equally important in their success
Love me, LOVE MY MONEY
Married people are generally wealthier than their single counterparts. But finding peace with your partner when it comes to finances can be a tall order