Yesterday saw the release of the first Single Vineyard wines made by Keermont.  Their white blend, the Keermont Terrasse, is a firm favourite but until yesterday we have never visited the farm, situated in the Upper Blaauwklippen Valley in Stellenbosch.
The Wraith family from Gauteng purchased two adjacent farms in 2003 and Mark Wraith still resides on the farm. These two farms are now farmed as one estate known as Keermont Vineyards.
Mark Wraith & Alex Starey
Alex Starey (winemaker, viticulturist and all round nice guy) took us on a tour of the vineyards, stopping at the specific single vineyards designated on the various wine labels (Topside, Steepside and Riverside).  SAWIS’s rules regulating a single vineyard designation is quite interesting and will (and should be) a topic for many a debate; but suffice to say, all these wines are legally registered as Single Vineyard wines.  The opportunity to see exactly where the wines come from, to be able to identify the individual terroir (soil, aspect, elevation, meso climate & a little bit of magic) always adds to the drinking pleasure.

Three wines currently comprise the Keermont Single Vineyard Series, with a possibility of a Cabernet Franc in the future:

Riverside Chenin Blanc 2013
Topside Syrah 2012
Steepside Syrah 2012

Topside Syrah vineyard
Interesting fact is that both Syrah’s were vinified in the same manner, the only real difference is where the grapes are grown – and it shows in the glass.  The Steepside Syrah has a herbacious, red fruit nose that packs quite a punch on the palate (baking spice, more red fruit and liquorice) while the Topside Syrah is more velvety, elegant and subdued showing darker fruit and dryer tannin.  As these wines are quite young, I can imagine that they will evolve over time and compete with each other like fraternal twins do.
Steepside Syrah grown in the traditional Sur Échalas or “stok-by-paaltjie” style
The Riverside Chenin Blanc is a stunner: Orange blossom, hazelnut and yellow stone fruit with quite surprising acidity and incredible texture (creamy and full).  The wine evolves in the glass making you reach for a refill again and again.  The fact that the wine is made from a 42-year old vineyard surely plays a huge role as well.
42-year old Chenin Blanc vine
These wines will only be produced in years when the vintage and yield allows.  The current excellent range of wines will always get preference, as it should.  Our favourite Keermont Terrasse is not going anywhere!  In an age where we’re all looking to see where our food is coming from it is perhaps time to also focus on the origins of the wine in your glass.  It is also great to see expressions of single sites and specific terroir.  These wines are just perfect for us: It’s geeky, it’s special and it’s delicious.

www.keermont.co.za