Message from De Trafford, South Africa:
'Sijnn First Release
We have taken the liberty to notify everyone on our De Trafford mailing list that we finally have the first wines from our Malagas vineyards, near the mouth of the Breede River (Sijnn), ready for purchase. The wines will now be available for tasting and sales from De Trafford Winery in Stellenbosch every Friday and Saturday morning 10.00am to 1.00pm or by appointment while stocks last. Attached are our price list and Platter Wine Guide Ratings, which are very encouraging for the first vintage.
Background to the Malagas Project
This is an exciting new vineyard venture on a stony plateau between Malagas and Cape Infanta approx. 230km east of Cape Town. Together with a few strategic partners, a small run-down ostrich and grain farm was purchased early in 2004. The new and potential vineyards are located 70m above the Breede River, 25 km from the sea by boat and 15 km as the crow flies. At this stage there are no other vineyards within a 40 km radius, the closest being those inland around Swellendam and along the coast at Elim.
The complex stony soils, together with a warm dry climate (350mm) moderated by the constant sea breezes offers excellent vineyard potential and the possibility of producing something unique. As this is quite a pioneering venture, extensive soil studies were undertaken and together with climatic data a variety of proven Mediterranean or southern European varieties have been planted, including Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon and Trincadeira together with future plantings of Grenache. Chenin Blanc and Viognier have been planted for a white wine blend together with future plantings of Roussanne.'
Amongst the wines on sale is the:
A barrel fermented blend of ⅔ Chenin Blanc & ⅓ Viognier. 120 rand (£9.86)
Further details from here.
