Visitors to the Southern Cape can now enjoy the unique character and warm ambience of Black Oystercatcher's new tasting and function venue whilst the connoisseur reveals the superior quality of their range of wines nurtured at the cool tip of Africa. The tasting room will be open from Monday to Friday (10h00 - 17h00) and during peak season, also on Saturdays (10h00 - 16h00). Situated alongside their magnificent new rim-flow pool overlooking the rolling hills of Elim, visitors will be able to relax and indulge in light meals and gourmet tapas platter with freshly baked farm bread, country jams and cheese during peak season, whilst enjoying the picturesque tranquility of the surroundings.
Black Oystercatcher Wines are grown and produced on the family farm, Moddervlei, just 6km from the historic missionary town of Elim and 30km from Bredasdorp. The unique situation of the Agulhas district has made it one of the most closely watched wine producing regions in the world. Owner and winemaker Dirk Human is part of a long and proud tradition of farmers in the area and he and his family were instrumental in establishing the Elim wine ward. His passion and understanding of the region infuse this boutique label with a delicate maturity.
"The vineyard is uniquely situated at the tip of Africa to make a truly exceptional range of wines," says Human. He explains that as the farm is bordered by oceans on three sides, the cool sea breezes constantly caress the grapes, allowing them to ripen gradually. Furthermore, the maritime terroir of the peninsula provides cool laterite, sandstone and broken shale soils in conjunction with mild temperatures and a high light intensity during ripening. These factors serve to engrave the grapes with intense minerality and berry flavours, thereby producing exceptional wines of distinction that are sure to capture the imaginations and tantalise the palates of wine aficionados the world over. ‘We are very excited to be able to finally open our tasting room doors and share our lovingly crafted wines with visitors at the tip of Africa,' concludes Human.
The two new wines in the Black Oystercatcher range are a Rosé and a red blend, Triton. The 2008 Black Oystercatcher Rosé is an equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. The distinctive red berry fruit on the nose with strawberry and pomegranate aromas, originates from the unique fusing of the two grapes. The wine lingers with a dry, crisp and mineral taste on the palate. The 2006 Black Oystercatcher Triton has been 100% barrel fermented for 16 months and has smokiness and sweet red fruit on the nose, with hints of plum, char and mocha. It has a remarkable minerality and soft tannin on the palate, which is complemented by a plump mouth feel and long finish.
Black Oystercatcher Wines are exclusively available at selected restaurants, wine bars and speciality wine merchants countrywide, and will also be on sale to the public on the estate at the new tasting room.
Take flight with individuality, rarity, discernment and style - while drinking a toast to one of Africa's southernmost wines. For further information, contact Black Oystercatcher Wines at tel: (028) 482 1618 or visit www.blackoystercatcherwines.co.za.
