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Montagu Wine and Spirits Company

Winery Description

Location and History

Montagu Wine and Spirits is situated at Rietvallei Wine Cellar between Montagu and Barrydale. Around ten producers supply the grapes that produce the wines of Montagu Wine & Spirits, with vineyards extending up to 60 kilometers for the furthest points. These vineyards are strategically positioned at elevations ranging from 400 to 700 meters above sea level, with the KOO region being the highest. This region experiences such cold winters that snowfall is not uncommon, creating a unique climate that greatly influences the grape-growing conditions.

The diverse and often mountainous terrain provides viticulturists with a range of slopes and orientations, allowing them to select the best locations for cultivating specific grape varieties. The varying altitudes and landscapes create multiple mesoclimates, from cooler highlands to warmer, fertile riverbeds. This variation in climate and terrain for the production of a wide range of wines, each with distinct characteristics. Sauvignon Blanc thrives in the cooler, higher elevations, while the fertile riverbeds are ideal for growing Muscadel (Muscat d’ Frontignan). The afternoon winds ensure good air circulation, preventing excessive humidity and overheating in the vine canopies.

These conditions create an ideal environment for the grapes to ripen fully, developing the rich colour, intense flavour, and complex aroma compounds that define high-quality wines. The diverse climate, topography, and terroir ensures give the winemakers a broad spectrum of grape styles and qualities to craft exception wines, resulting in a truely unparrelled tasting experience.

Muscadel offers a sweetness and complexity that has captivated wine lovers for centuries. This delightful dessert wine has a rich history, with Muscadel being one of the oldest grape varieties cultivated in South Africa. For many years, Muscadel wines experienced a decline in popularity, slipping from the spotlight despite their unique qualities. Yet, for those who have rediscovered this wine, Muscadel remains a cherished and sophisticated choice for those with a taste for sweet wines.

The production process of Muscadel wine is a fascinating one, involving the fortification of grape juice to create a dessert-style wine that is both rich and stable. Grapes destined to become Muscadel are harvested at peak ripeness, with high sugar content. After being pressed, the grape juice is fortified with neutral grape spirit, a crucial step that preserves the juice's natural flavours while preventing fermentation. This method ensures that the natural sugars from the grape juice are retained, resulting in a luxurious, sweet wine that is stable enough to age gracefully.

Wine Tasting

The true magic of Muscadel emerges when it is allowed to mature. The finest examples of Muscadel are often aged in barrels, where they develop a remarkable depth of character. Over time, these wines evolve into something truly special, with layers of complexity that reveal themselves slowly as you sip. Expect flavours of fruit cake, caramel, toffee, roasted nuts, and honeyed fruits.

Wines at MWS include Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Cape Ruby, Red Muscadel and White Muscadel.

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