Gariep Delivers Great Value White Niche

The Orange River is full of gems. Those diamonds that tumble down the Big Muddy from secret kimberlites upstream and those vinous gems that tumble out of the five wineries of the Orange River Wine Cellars. So no surprises to report that the 2013 Colombard was the best quality value among the niche whites submitted to the Best Value Guide last year.

Caps off to the Spar supermarket group who each year despatch Tinus van Niekerk, Abe Beukes and I up north to screen wines for the annual Tops @ Spar Orange River Winemaker of the Year Competition.

OWK95

Orange River Cellars Colombard 2013 14.50 R26.45
Bon Courage Gewürztraminer Dry 2013 14.60 R36.00
Swartland Bukettraube 2013 14.50 R28.50
Bon Courage André’s Fame Colombard 2013 14.50 R35.00 
Alvi’s Drift Viognier 2012 15.30 R44.00

As is confirmed by this Colombard, the Groot Gariep is a reservoir for Groot Bargains. Robertson features with a handy double act from Bon Courage while the Breedekloof flag is held aloft by Alvi van der Merwe.

The Swartland Bukettraube is always reliable and so what if the Swartland Independent does not approve of it. A club which gives the green light to untried and untested Marsanne and boycotts Bukett is farming cloud cuckoo terroir.

Rumour insists that Swartland Winery wines will soon be made in Riebeek Cellars as the Co-op has been cuckooed out of its cosy nest by Leeuwenkuil Vineyards. Either that or demand for the Chocolate Block is forcing them out.