Long famed for a heritage of crafting the finest Cape “Port” styled fortifieds, Boplaas Family Vineyards is now blazing a path with their range of Portuguese varietal table wines and special Family Reserve bottlings which are perfect for the cold winter evenings and chilly weekend braai’s.
At the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountains lies the quaint Klein Karoo hamlet of Calitzdorp, which is home to the well known and highly revered Cape “Port”-styled fortified wines of Boplaas Family Vineyards. However, this dedicated family winery is far more than a one trick pony and their range of trail blazing Portuguese varietal table wines and blends firmly attest to this.
Although far removed from Portugal’s Duoro, Calitzdorp and much of the Cape in fact, share many commonalities, including: a Mediterranean climate, low rainfall, testing growing conditions, ample sunshine & ancient soils. The Portuguese varieties are perfectly suited to low rainfall, poor soils & high temperatures, all the while producing sustainable yields of high quality fruit offering the opportunity to the winemaker of crafting exceptional wines and fortifieds. Boplaas is fortunate to possess old vine plantings of Tinta Barocca, Touriga Nacional & Souzão – with new plantings of all three coming into production soon – while Verdelho, a white Portuguese variety, is a recent addition to the farm yielding resoundingly positive results. A part from home grown fruit, Boplaas also sources Portuguese varieties from a select few growers possessing exceptional sites – this “terroir” driven practice started back in 1996 with the aim of crafting the most exceptional quality wines.
First mistakenly planted as “Shiraz” by Boplaas patriarch Oupa Danie Nel in the late 70’s, Tinta Barocca started the Nel’s journey in producing authentic “Port” styled fortifieds, but also the crafting of fine table wines from “Port” grapes with the maiden release of Tinta Barocca in 1982 and has remained a part of range ever since.
Recently, the Boplaas Tinta Barocca has been re-packaged in the Boplaas Portuguese Collection range with its emblematic eye-catching cockerel label, and the 2013 won a gold medal at the Cape Port Producers Association (CAPPA) TOP 10 in 2014. Tinta Barocca is noted by its ripe plum, black hedgerow fruits, subtle spice, notes of cocoa and powdery tannins making it an ideal partner for rustic stews, wood-fired pizzas, hearty pastas or vegetarian fare.
An old vine selection matured in a portion new French oak & characterised by prominent dark chocolate, cocoa nib & intense black plum is bottled as the Boplaas Tinta Chocolat – an ideal accompanied to rustic fare, charcuterie or even a double baked chocolate soufflé with berry compote as dessert.
The Boplaas Portuguese Collection also includes the Boplaas Touriga Nacional 2014, Tinta Barocca-led Boplaas Cape Portuguese Red Blend & Verdelho led Cape Portuguese White Blend – the latter garnering a Platter’s 4 Star rating in 2015 and available from cellar door for R40 p/b. Touriga Nacional with its boisterous bouquet of spice, fynbos & red fruits is the perfect accompaniment for grilled red meat, venison, rustic country fare, charcuterie, biltong, droë-wors or mature cheese.
Crafted in small batches from the highest quality parcels of older vines and the finest fruit, the Boplaas Family Reserve wines are deemed for long term cellaring and as showcase of the wine making heritage of the Nel’s and the vines of the Cape. Among this select range is the Boplaas Ring of Rocks 2013 (unique blend of old vine Tinta Barocca & Touriga Francesa), Touriga Nacional Reserve, South Africa’s only varietal bottling of Touriga Francesa & the cellar master Carel Nel’s private blend, Gamka.
The maiden release Boplaas Gamka 2012 received a Top 100 South African Wine 2014 nominations, Gran d’Or medal from the Michellangelo International Wine & 4 Star from Platter’s. While the Boplaas Family Reserve Touriga Nacional 2012 received a Top 100 South African Wine 2015 nomination. Boplaas proved its prowess with Portguese varieties at the 2014 Cape Port Producers Association Challenge, by crafting 5 of the TOP 10 table wines, with the Boplaas Tinta Barocca 2013 taking top honours and a gold medal, while the Boplaas Family Reserve Touriga Nacional 2012 also won gold and the Woolworth’s Boplaas Portuguese Connection 2012, Boplaas Tinta Chocolat 2013 & Boplaas Touriga Nacional 2013 rounded out the royal flush. The Boplaas Portuguese Connection – a blend of traditional Portuguese & classic French varieties – is crafted exclusively for Woolworth’s and since the inception of the CAPPA Challenge TOP 10 has featured every time.
Come discover the finest of the Portuguese variety table wines grown in the Cape and our range of Cape fortifieds, at our cellar door in Calitzdorp, as well our tasting room in Little Brak along the Garden route. The Boplaas Portuguese Collection range of varietal wines are also available nationwide from all fine retailers.
