Newsletter April 2024
Figure 1 – A harvest of brilliant varietal expression and fruit concentration.
Reflections from Paul Clüver Family Wines’ Harvest Season
With the 2024 grape harvest having finished on Paul Clüver Family Wines in the middle of March, the vineyards are bare of fruit, their leaves now slowly taking on their golden-brown autumnal hues before they will drop-off in winter. Post-Easter rain has replenished the soils, and soon the planting of cover-crops will commence as another cycle begins in the Year of the Vine.
With all the grapes harvested and the juice fermented into young wines, the cellar has returned to its monastic silence as winemakers and staff talk in revered tones about the status of the various varieties in their respective maturation vessels, comment on particular traits emanating from vintage 2024 and predict how these wines will further age before bottling. You don’t work in wine, you live with it.
Figure 2 – A spread of bare soil waiting to be planted with vines in August.
From Apple Orchards to Vineyards
For years, visitors to our farm would have taken a road running between apple orchards to get to the restaurant and tasting room. Last year the entrance looked totally different after the orchards had been removed, leaving a vast empty spread of Bokkeveld shale soil looking out onto the mountains of the Groenlandberg.
This year, however, these patches of land will be hives of activity for they are to be planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards – not only for the making of wine, but also to give visitors to Paul Clüver Family Wines an immersive visual vineyard experience upon entering the main drive.
Currently the earth is being ripped by bull-dozers, a vital process required to loosen the hard layers of earth so as to open-up the drainage systems the young vines will require. Chalk, phosphate and kalium has also been laid on the surface, and with the ripping-process these necessary elements will be worked into the soil to balance the acidity and stimulate general soil health. Thus, when the new Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines are planted in August over the five hectares of virgin Paul Clüver earth, their environment will be ready for them to grow in, and to flourish. And produce more great wines.
Figure 3 – Clüver&Jack – an artisanal cider created by Paul Clüver Family Wines and Bruce Jack Wines.
Back by Popular Demand
Clüver&Jack is back. Stocks of this popular artisanal cider made from Elgin apples in its noticeable packaging are back on the shelves, and Clüver&Jack fans can be sure to find these nifty glass bottles holding the best crisp apply cider at their usual outlets. With the popularity in cider growing world-wide, Clüver&Jack offers a crafted cider made from various apple cultivars offering Elgin’s other great taste, and that is the fruit of its apple orchards.
Figure 4 – A delightful french dish, Chardonnay Coq au Vin.
Chardonnay Coq au Vin
Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite Coq au Vin recipe, a traditional French dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. Featuring succulent chicken thighs, crisped bacon, and a medley of onions, carrots, and garlic, this recipe offers a symphony of flavours in every bite. Simmered in a luxurious Chardonnay sauce infused with herbs and spices, this dish promises to transport you to the heart of French cuisine.
Pair with our Paul Clüver Estate Chardonnay.