The Rhone Ranger of Val de Vie
Back in the days South African red wines were dominated by Bordeaux varieties but over the years a lot have changed. More and more producers are experimenting with different varietals. By focusing on what grows best where, they’ve managed to secure themselves a spot in the competitive international wine market and the critics like what they taste.
Harold Versfeld, the young winemaker at Val de Vie Wine Estate, believes that Mediterranean varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre are better suited to the warm climate of the Paarl wine region. Harold’s passion for Rhone-style wines started in the Napa Valley, where he was an intern for a while. Today, this Rhone Ranger is the man responsible for the top quality wines of Val de Vie.
Val de Vie's Rhone Ranger, Harold Versfeld
In February this year, Harold released a super sleek wine together with swim-star and super hunk, Ryk Neethling. The wine is selling like sweet cake and rumor has it that there’s another vintage on the cards. But there’s more to the Val de Vie portfolio than this celebrity wine. No less than 15 different Rhône varietals are grown at Val de Vie and they also make use of various Rhone varietals grown in other regions of South Africa.
The Val de Vie GVC is a white blend made from Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Clairette blanche grapes. The Grenache blanc block was planted in 1994 in the Piekeniers Mountain range near Citrusdal.The Viognier originates from Olyfenboom near Wellington and the Clairette blanche comes from a 20 year old bush vine dry land vineyard in the heart of the Swartland. The wines were kept on the primary lees for approximately 7 months, then blended, stabilised and bottled. It’s a very versatile wine which can be enjoyed with West Coast oysters and shrimps and retails at R135 a bottle.
Val de Vie GVC 2008, available online and from the cellar door at R135
The Val de Vie Shiraz, the Ryk Neething and the 1783 Val de Vie complete Val de Vie’s signature premium black label range. Non of them come cheap, but rightfully so.
The Val de Vie Shiraz retails at R155. This ripe Shiraz is pure pleasure in a bottle. The grapes were mainly sourced from the Botriver area which is know for its cooler climate.
The Ryk Neethling speaks for itself and offer magnificent value at R135 a bottle. It’s a fruit driven wine that’s just as full bodied as the man himself.
The Val de Vie 1783 is the flagship wine in the range and retails at R250. This delicate wine has a smooth finish that lingers on the tongue for several seconds. Pricy but divine, a true treat.
All wines can be purchased via their website.
It’s been a steep learning curve for the Rhone Ranger of Val de Vie but Harold conquered these lesser know grape varieties and turned them into magnificient wines. He’s definitely on the right track and I look forward to the many vintages still to follow.
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