Van Rensburg to release anti-Swartland wine

Outspoken South African producer Andre van Rensburg of Vergelegen is to release a wine poking fun at the popularity of the Swartland.

Andre van Rensburg

Dubbed “NTS”, standing for “Not The Swartland”, the wine will go on sale exclusively at High Timber restaurant in London run by Neleen Strauss.

Speaking to the drinks business about the project, Gary Jordan of Jordan Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, who co-owns High Timber with Strauss, said:

“The wine will be a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is currently being blended and go on sale at the restaurant next year.”

Just four barrels of the wine have been made for High Timber, which is known for selling bespoke blends created for the restaurant by top South African producers.

While Jordan welcomes the positive publicity the Swartland has received in recent years, he believes it’s time for the media to turn its attention back to Stellenbosch.

“There are some good wines coming out of the Swartland but there are also a load of ‘natural’ wines from there which are faulty and shouldn’t be on the market,” he said.

“The Swartland thing is a fad, and long may it last, but South Africa’s classic regions shouldn’t be forgotten about.

“I think some producers in Stellenbosch are a bit jealous of the attention the Swartland is receiving, but what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. We’re all in the same game and we need to promote South Africa together,” he added.

Rather than taking a radical new approach in order to grab back the headlines, Jordan believes producers in Stellenbosch should make quality their priority.

“Stellenbosch is finally waking up to regionality and producers are realising that you don’t need to add a jam jar of acid and whack everything with new oak in order to make good wine,” he said.