The inaugural Winemag Competition for Alternative Grape Varieties saw Swartland organic producer Org de Rac score 92 points for its Roussanne 2017. This competition, which aims to rate the standard of South African wines made from alternative grape varieties as well as to promote an awareness of these wines, saw 97 wines being entered with Org de Rac achieving the second highest score in the White Wine category.

“Roussanne is a wonderful white variety made famous by the great wines of the Rhône region in France,” says Org de Rac cellarmaster Frank Meaker who pioneered the planting of this cultivar on Org de Rac where it is also used in the flagship white blend Die Waghuis.

“The rocky soils and sunny, dry climate of Piketberg where Org de Rac is situated, is ideal for this grape especially as you have a westerly breeze from the Atlantic fanning the vineyards. This is the kind of region that makes a winemakers hands itch with excitement as I believe it to be conducive to a multitude of grape varieties – from the traditional plantings of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot we have, to newbies such as Verdelho and Roussanne.”

Org de Rac has one hectare planted to Roussanne on a cooler south-facing slope with east to west row direction. The soils are of terra-rossa formation with a high percentage of shale, providing a well-drained, cool root environment.

“Roussanne is generally a mid-season ripening variety,” says Meaker, “and these grapes for the Roussanne 2017 were harvested at 22.8° Brix with a total acidity of 6.2 g/l. They were crushed, chilled down to 15° C and left overnight on skin contact in rototanks. The juice was settled, racked and fermented dry before undergoing malolactic fermentation. A small portion was left on wood staves for added complexity.”

Frank Meaker, the cellarmaster at Org de Rac.

The result, says Meaker, is a wine with fresh mineral and citrus characters as well as a seductive floral depth.

“Winemag’s initiative in presenting this competition should be welcomed,” says Meaker. “South Africa makes wonderful Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, but we can do so much more in this country with other varieties. Not only by expanding our national portfolio of diversity and quality, but offering consumers a broader spread of wines to choose from.”