The look and spirit of Indaba reflects both South Africa’s position as a leader in sustainable production and the handcrafted approach found in South Africa’s art world. Leading the world in sustainability, South Africa is largely considered to be the greenest wine region on earth. Indaba wines are crafted in the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest, yet most diverse of the six plant kingdoms.
Sourced from regions including Stellenbosch, Paarl, Durbanville and Robertson, Indaba wines consistently garner “Best Value” and “Best Buy” accolades. Production is overseen by celebrated winemaker Bruwer Raats (proprietor and winemaker of Raats Family Wines). Mosaic, a Bordeaux blend representative of the best grapes coming together, is a new addition for the 2012 vintage.
This week we sat down in our NYC office with Renier van Deventer to discuss wine, travel and future ambitions. Cape Classics awarded Renier the Indaba Scholarship in 2010 for an honors oenology program, a 1-year master’s degree at Stellenbosch University, South Africa that he successfully completed in 2011. A commitment to social responsibility has always been a key part of the Indaba Wines philosophy. A portion of the proceeds from the brand’s global sales funds the scholarship, awarded to financially needy and academically deserving students to pursue wine-related studies at graduate and post-graduate levels.
Where did your interest in wine develop? I’ve always had an interest in science, though originally it was geared towards the medical field. I started working at De Grendel Wines in South Africa as a side job while I studying for my undergraduate degree; there the “wine bug” bit me and I put medicine aside.
What’s the most interesting aspect of winemaking for you? All the smells and tastes of the earth. I used to walk through the herb gardens as a child and crush herbs just to smell and taste the differences. It’s in my nature to do that, and leads me to never want to stop tasting wines.
You just completed a harvest for Three Hares in California. Compared to working in South Africa, what was the experience like? The vineyard I was working for in California is boutique, in that it produces small quantities. I found that when you go smaller, you work harder. Every grape goes through your hands; it is very physical and precise in detail. In South Africa, I only worked at farms that produced larger quantities, more consumer friendly and tangible wines. Both places have helped me figure out what size vineyard I want to run in the future, and while there are different approaches, that doesn’t necessarily mean the wines are better whether bigger or smaller in size.
What was your goal in coming to the US? Honestly, my goal for the trip – other than doing harvest in California - was to come to the Cape Classics office and personally thank everyone for providing me with the Indaba scholarship support. It’s been life changing and I’m very grateful.
If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be? I believe many in the winemaking industry have become too status driven. You can be good at what you do but it doesn’t mean you can’t stay humble. I would like to see more winemakers pay credit to nature for all it provides us.
What’s your ultimate goal? I always say I want to make wine and sell it myself. I want to create approachable and affordable wines and be out there marketing them. I learned this while working the tasting room at De Grendel and interacting with guests. Winemaking doesn’t end when the juice is in the bottle.
I also want my occupation to have philanthropic meaning outside of wine. Using Cape Classics for example, and being on the Indaba Scholarship, you made a huge difference in my life. I would like to work to that point where I am able to make such a difference in people’s lives.
What wine excites you the most? Sauvignon Blanc is my favorite. The acidity, freshness and crispness remind me of summer year round, and I’m a summer guy. There’s so much you can do with Sauvignon to create different styles, which is also why it goes with anything foodwise.
What are your next steps? I’m going back to South Africa for the holidays, before heading to the west coast of Australia in January to work harvest at a vineyard in an area called Dunsborough.
Where would you ultimately like to settle down and make wine? I would like to work in Europe after Australia. Then I can give you a precise answer. I want to expand my vision as much as possible, the more I broaden my perspective the firmer my decision will be on where to settle down.
Indaba Wines has a new look beginning with the 2012 vintage. Reflective of the rich diversity of South Africa's Western Cape’s floral kingdom; “a beautiful place where beautiful things grow”. The color choices for each wine were based on what you see in the Cape - the slightly muted hues, the way the light falls on the mountains, the sun-faded affect caused by the strength of the African sun. Rolling into stores now.
Looking to shake off the wine ‘blahs’ and end the ‘same old’ routine? Cool Whites, Hot Nights: Chenin Blanc Tasting is your ticket out! Hosted by Cape Classics and Brand South Africa, this ultimate wine bash gives you the opportunity to sip through an ENDLESS flow of Chenin Blanc, snack on MAX’s infamous fried chicken and 'nacho mamma’s' oysters, and rock out to tunes in Austin’s hippest dive.
From sunny South Africa, Chenin Blanc is the region’s most widely planted grape. Crafted in a range of styles - from clean and fresh like a Pinot Grigio to oak aged rivaling bold a Chardonnay – it’s so versatile there’s a bottle of Chenin for any occasion. Given its “foodie wine” status, we’ll be pairing it up with a multitude of flavors.
Cool Whites, Hot Nights will be going down at MAX’s Wine Dive on Thursday, November 8th from 5:30-8pm. This event will be one you definitely don't want to miss, so grab tickets now! Tickets are $20 and include food and wine! We’ll be giving away a gift certificate to MAX’s for one lucky winner.
*Wine sampling will be available throughout the event. Each guest will also receive a ticket for one (1) full glass pour of their favorite Chenin Blanc.
All sales are final.
To purchase your ticket: http://coolwhiteshotnightsaustin.eventbrite.com
“This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petit Verdot and Grenache, with a spine that’s all ripe dark berries and cherries. But there’s enough savory herbs and peppery spices to keep it complex and layered. The texture is slightly creamy, with a lush, fruity palate, and a tobacco and toasted spice infused finish.” — 89 points, WINE ENTHUSIAST
Thelema is one of South Africa’s elite wine producers. Founded by Cape wine trailblazer Gyles Webb in 1988, Thelema is one of South Africa’s most acclaimed estates, and was named a Wine & Spirits “Top 100” Winery in 2008. Mountain Red is Thelema’s second label, crafted from estate fruit grown on their Stellenbosch and Elgin properties. Aged 18 months in French oak this approachable, crowd-pleasing red is the perfect seasonal selection.
Looking to shake off the wine ‘blahs’ and end the ‘same old’ routine? Cool Whites, Hot Nights: Chenin Blanc Tasting is your ticket out! Hosted by Cape Classics, this ultimate summer wine bash gives you the opportunity to sip through the different styles of Chenin Blanc, enjoy oysters, and jam out to summertime tunes in one of Boston’s chic outdoor hotspots.
From sunny South Africa, Chenin Blanc is the region’s most widely planted grape. Crafted in a range of styles – from a clean and fresh approach like a Pinot Grigio, or oak aged rivaling bold Chardonnays – it’s so versatile there’s a bottle of Chenin for any occasion. Given its “foodie wine” status, we’ll be serving up an array of the grape’s favorite pairings in addition to oysters.
Cool Whites, Hot Nights will be going down at The Yard – Liberty Hotel in Boston, MA on August 23rd from 5:30-8pm. While sipping an ENDLESS flow of Chenin, chill on the sofas, dance to the beats, or watch live the shuckers shuck in the secluded ambiance of a Beacon Hill secret garden. This event is going to be one you definitely don’t want to miss, so grab tickets now!
Don’t let the dog days of summer get you down, come party with us in The Yard!
Tickets are $20 and include food and wine! We’ll also be giving away a gift certificate to The Liberty for one lucky winner.
*Wine sampling will be available throughout the event. Each guest will also receive a ticket for one (1) full glass pour of their favorite Chenin Blanc.
To purchase tickets: http://coolwhiteshotnights.eventbrite.com/
Situated on the high slopes of Helshoogte Pass (“hell’s heights”), Bartinney overlooks the picturesque Banghoek Valley in Stellenbosch. The estate was established in 1920 by a retired director of Harrod’s, the famed London department store, who described it as “the most beautiful valley on Earth." Today, current proprietors Michael Jordaan and his wife, Rose, are passionate about crafting quality bottlings that are a true reflection of Bartinney’s extreme terroir. With the hands of seasoned winemaker Ronell Wiid, the estate's Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are elegant, balanced, and an expression of the land they hail.
Bartinney 2010 Chardonnay - This elegant Chardonnay displays a bouquet of apricot blossom and lemon with a delicate vanilla nuance. The intense yet soft and refined palate shows a prominent pineapple, citrus and ripe pear character, interlaced with chalky acidity and hints of toasted hazelnut.
Bartinney 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon - This vibrant Cabernet displays aromas of plum and cassis with a subtle hint of mint. Luscious blackberry and cassis flavors are complemented by notes of dark chocolate, coffee and cedar, backed by refined tannins. 91 points, Wine Spectator.
Committed to conservation and sustainable farming, Bartinney was awarded Biodiversity & Wine Initiative (BWI) Champion status. BWI is a ground-breaking partnership between the South African wine industry and the conservation sector that aims to preserve the rich biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Bartinney is one of only 21 farms to achieve Champion status, committing more than 10% of their farm to conservation. Bartinney is also one of few South African wineries awarded Carbon Neutral status by Global Carbon Exchange, an environmental sustainability consultancy.
