Yes, we picked much later this year than previously. The rain pushed everything even further forward by a week or two. Just when we thought picking could commence, the rain caused the sugars to fall, worries about rot on the white grapes gave us sleepless nights and we had to wait very patiently for the red grapes’ concentration to get where we wanted it to be.

“But all in all the forecasting for the 2008 vintage was quite accurate,” says Corlea Fourie, winemaker at the cellar. “Due to the long, cold winter we had in 2007, the grapes lived up to the promise of a great vintage.”

The only thing Corlea battled with was exactly when to pick the grapes. “With rain forecasted in February, we couldn’t decide if we should pick before or after the rain. But thanks to our quick thinking, all white grapes were in the cellar before the rain started, avoiding the much feared rot. Luckily the red grapes were not

influenced by the rain and when tasting the juice in the cellar, I can tell that this was by far a year for Chenin and Shiraz.”

The successful harvest was celebrated by participating in the 2008 Wellington Harvest Festival. Bosman Family Vineyards said thank you in a festive manner by opening their gates for a connoisseur picnic, wine tastings and informative cellar tour hosted by Corlea and Petrus. Family and friends came together to enjoy the picturistique surrounding, sipping wine, and just relaxing to the tunes of a live band under the lush big oak trees - it was a great weekend!

Wine et al

We have released two brand new wines – the Chenin Blanc 2007 and the Adama 2007 – and the excitement surrounding these to jewels is well suited.

“The Adama was a wonderful work experience,” says Corlea. “We really do have a lot of confidence in our Shiraz grapes. But the surprise factor in the making of this wine most certainly was

how well the other components came together in this sublime blend.

“Although Shiraz/Mourvédre and Viognier is a relative familiar blend, the Primitivo added another dimension to the wine. The Primitivo is a great example of the possibilities we have on this farm with the different grapes we work with here.”

Chenin Blanc 2007

Heinie Nel was the man responsible for the grapes of this beautiful wine. Together with Corlea, they created a wine rich in tropical fruit, structure and mineral hues. The grapes came from three vineyard blocks that brought different aspects to the end product. Quince, melon and grapefruit on the nose follow through on the palate and the elegant structure and pleasant acidity make a firm favourite of this wine.

“Drink it now or let it lie for two to three years,” Corlea advises.

Known for their love of a good old story, this one will be added to the Bosman treasure chest of stories in time. The name of this wine holds special meaning to the farm workers. Most of them are descendants of Adam Appolis, the person who handled the plough in the days before 3G internet connection, Byoncé and Barbie. The days when horses and ploughs were still used. Nicknamed Adama, a vineyard block was named after Adam to honour him and his legacy.

This is a big wine with exotic, juicy flavours of black plums and red berries. This red blend with 85% Shiraz, 10% Mourvédre, 3% Primitivo and 2% Viognier is a blending success from Corlea’s hands with notes of vanilla and spice carrying through to an exciting palate with elegant and delicate tannins.

Three clones of Shiraz were used in the making of this wine.

“The Mourvédre also hails from the same farm the Shiraz came from and the Primitivo and Viognier were made on experimental basis, but these two cultivars earned its way into this blend,” tells Petrus Bosman excited.

“Even early on the wines pleasantly surprised us – elegant and in balance. But that’s after all what we strived for, balanced vineyards, innovative winemaking techniques and respect for tradition.”

With De Royan being a seasonal newsletter and the cooler weather approaching fast we would like to include a recipe that would compliment our Chenin Blanc brilliantly.

Autumn cries out for curries and hot food, and one of my favourite recipes is green curry crayfish on basmati rice. The structure and the freshness of the Chenin Blanc marries in perfect harmony with the boldness and hotness of the curry therefore enhancing flavours of both dish and wine.

Download Green Curry Crayfish recipe (PDF).

Our wines are available directly from our family to your doorstep. To place and order and for more information about our exclusive hand-crafted wines, please contact Carla on 021 873 3170 or email her carla@bosmanwines.com

We invite you to visit our refreshed and updated website www.bosmanwines.com which features our new releases and a gallery of our estate.

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Warm regards,

Petrus Bosman
Bosman Family Vineyards
Tel: (021) 873 3170
E-mail: info@bosmanwines.com
Website: www.bosmanwines.com