Newsletter January 2024

Figure 1 – Spoonbills wading on a lovely cool January day in Elgin

After last year’s wet, cold winter and spring, the summer of 2024 has been warm and sunny, resulting in our grapes for this year’s vintage ripening energetically. Sugar-levels are rising and with the fruit heading to the cellarmaster’s desired level of phenolic ripeness, the harvest is set to kick-off in the middle of February. This is earlier than usual, but about two to three weeks later than most of the other Cape’s wine regions due to Elgin’s status as the coolest of all Cape wine regions.

Figure 2 – Our oldest Chardonnay block 36 years old this year

Pinot Noir will be the first to hit the harvest-bins, followed by Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. At this stage the grapes are in superb health, the result of precision in our vineyard management practices where some tricky conditions were encountered when a few dollops of rain fell in December – just as the grapes were heading towards the late stages of ripening. Prevailing southerly breezes helped the vineyards to dry, and with the viticulture teams and cellarmaster Andries Burger keeping a keen eye on the vineyards, reports are that fruit is healthy with balanced acidity, sugar-content and pH levels.

Figure 3 – Cover crop in the young Pinot Noir vineyard

The cover-crops have turned into those delightful, invigorating layers of mulch adding nutrients as well as cooling the soils. And the cellar-teams are fine-tuning the equipment and getting the spirits up for next month’s harvest which is expected with eager enthusiasm. This is always a magical time for Paul Clüver Family Wines as each season leaves its imprint on that year’s wines, with the anticipation being palpable and we are sure the resulting wines will reflect another fine year.

Figure 4 – Village Chardonnay and Village Pinot 2023

Our Village Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the 2023 vintage are now available and we are humbled by the popularity this range has achieved since its inception. Made from younger vineyards and with a gentler exposure to oak barrels, these wines are deliciously accessible in their youth. Not only do they provide true varietal expression in enjoyable drinkability, but the Village range has also created a new generation of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay enthusiasts by allowing people exposure to these noble Burgundian varieties at a pocket-friendly price and aforementioned immediate drinkability. Still waiting to experience the Village Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the 2023 vintage?

Figure 5 – Village Pinot Noir flying high

The quality of this Village range is underscored by the Paul Clüver Village Pinot Noir 2022 now being available on British Airways Business Class international flights. Travelling to Europe over the festive season, Paul Jnr, our Managing Director, had the experience of enjoying his own wine during the flight. And by the looks of this photograph the airline service steward was as enthusiastic about the wine as Paul himself was. Fresh and elegant, the Village Pinot Noir was a delicious aperitif as well as a perfect accompaniment to BA’s excellent cuisine.

The word is that South African Pinot Noir can expect an increased following. The wines are top-quality, and with the exorbitant prices of Burgundian wines, Pinot Noir lovers are seeking wines from other regions, boding a tremendous opportunity for Elgin and South Africa.

Figure 6 – Dr Clüver creating his next masterpiece, what will it be?

Paul Clüver Family Wines received a stunning accolade at the beginning of this year. The renowned Top Wine SA Classification for the country’s best performing wines over the past 10 years was announced, with five of our wines making it into the hallowed Hall of Fame. These are Seven Flags Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and Village Sauvignon Blanc.

Figure 7 – South Africa’s most highly rated wines – 2014 to 2023

This is tremendous recognition – not only underscoring wine quality, but with the Hall of Fame comprising a look at 10 vintages it proves Paul Clüver’s consistency in producing distinctive wines expressing our cherished sense of place.

What a great way to herald in the new year!