Theuniskraal Gets a New Look

Theuniskraal is situated in Tulbagh and was originally the first estate to produce white wine in South Africa. It received its name in 1705 when the land was owned by Theunis Bergenarie.

The estate is well known for their Cape Riesling, which put them on the map, and is one of only a few farms that produce it in South Africa. It is currently owned by the Jordaan family and has been in their name since 1927. The grapes are grown between 120 – 130 hectares of land and produce about 2000 tons annually. They produce 9 different white varietals and 4 reds. 250 tons of the harvest is used to produce farm styled wines and bottled into 5 different wines which get marketed and distributed through Distell for local consumption.

In 1948, the estate launched a Riesling (Cape Riesling) which two years later was awarded a gold medal at the Commonwealth Wine Show in London. Theuniskraal Cape Riesling has had a great following ever since.

The new-look range comprises three wines from the 2012 vintage – the acclaimed Theuniskraal Cape Riesling; the Theuniskraal Bouquet Blanc, a sweet white blend of Gewürztraminer and Muscat de Frontignan; and the Theuniskraal Moscato Rosé, a semi-sweet blend of Muscat Ottonel, Muscat de Frontignan and Shiraz. It also includes the 2011 Theuniskraal Semillon Chardonnay, an unwooded blend of these two cultivars; and the 2011 Theuniskraal Prestige, a dry red blend of Ruby Cabernet, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

“We are very excited about the change in the packaging of our wines,” says winemaker Andries Jordaan, the third generation at Theuniskraal. “We wanted our wines to resonate more with a younger set of wine drinkers without losing its appeal to our more mature and established consumer base.” With the new hip and happening label as well as the screw caps I think that Andries Jordaan will get his wish.

The beauty of these wines is not only the facelift the packaging received but the unbelievably affordable prices, it’s widely available from leading liquor outlets at around R34 to R45 a bottle! If you are ever out in Tulbagh it is a MUST to stop by and experience the warm welcome received from Andries Jordaan and cousin Wagner Jordaan who are both definitely holding the family name up high!