The Boplaas Gamka Branca Reserve 2017 has received 94/100 points in the Cape White Wine Report from Wine Magazine, the highest score of all wines featured in the highly regarded South African survey. Wines from 32 producers including some of the country’s top wineries were submitted for consideration.

The wine was personally crafted by Boplaas owner Carel Nel and daughter-winemaker Margaux Nel and comprises Chenin blanc 49%, Chardonnay 20%, Viognier 7%, Grenache blanc 14% and Verdelho 6%.

“The diversity of varieties, vineyards and sites we used, highlights the intrepid nature of Cape wine,” says Carel. “This maiden release combines the Portuguese variety Verdelho – a recent addition to the Boplaas plantings, but one which has a bright future.”

The Chardonnay is a cool climate wine; the Viognier brings exotic character; the Grenache blanc hails from Stellenbosch; and, the Chenin blanc is old, dry-land bush vine Swartland Steen. Once vinified, the wine was barrel fermented and matured.

In the glass, the blend displays an exotic mélange of citrus blossom, tangerine and lime marmalade, toasted oats, ripe pear and mild tannic grippiness. It has a long saline finish with undertows of subtle white spice, preserved lemons and melon.

Margaux says the wine can be confidently cellared for the next half decade or more, or decanted in its youth to accompany rustic fare, fresh seafood, soft cheeses and charcuterie.

The Gamka Branca gets its name from the farm’s nearby watercourse. The Khoisan tribe named the river, originating in the Great Karoo and carving its way through the mighty Swartberg range. It is named Gamka or “lion” possibly because when in flood, this usually placid river, literally roars through ravines.

The Gamka has been the life-blood of the Calitzdorp part of the Klein Karoo since the Nel family settled here in the mid 1800’s and its waters are still harnessed today to cultivate crops, provide water for man and beast, as well ensuring we can tend vines to craft fine wines.

The Boplaas Gamka Branca Reserve 2017 is available from the two Boplaas tasting rooms: in Calitzdorp and at Klipheuwel, Klein Brak on the Garden Route. It retails for R150 per bottle. Visit the Boplaas online shop at www.boplaas.co.za, as we ship all over SA free of charge if you purchase more than R1500.