DE KRANS WINE CELLAR

De Krans Wine Cellar is situated along the upper reaches of the picturesque Gamka River Valley near Calitzdorp. The history of the farm dates back to 1890, when it was bought by the Nel family. Since 1985, most of the classic Portuguese Port and wine varieties have been planted. The present owners and cellar master are brothers Boets (who qualified as a Cape Wine Mater in 1997) and Stroebel Nel – the viticulturist.

Background

Die Krans Wine Cellar is situated along the upper reaches of the picturesque Gamka River Valley near Calitzdorp. The history of the farm dates back to 1890, when it was bought by the Nel family. Since 1985, most of the classic port and wine varieties have been planted. The present owners and cellarmasters are brothers Boets (who qualified as a Cape Wine Master in 1997) and Stroebel Nel.

The cellar has won more than 500 medals and awards since 1980 and was crowned Champion Private Wine Cellar in the Klein Karoo region numerous times. De Krans is also known worldwide for its award-winning ports, as well as very interesting red wines from unusual grape varieties eg. Touriga Naçional and Tempranillo. De Krans also produces an impressive range of excellent value wines from classic grape varieties.

The Vintage Reserve Port is widely regarded as one of the best Ports in South Africa. Only traditional Portuguese varieties are used in all De Krans Ports. The whole range, namely the Cape Ruby, Cape Tawny, Cape Vintage and Vintage Reserve Ports, are made in the drier classical style. The 2003 Vintage Reserve Port received the well sought after 5 stars in the 2006 John Platter Wine Guide and did it again in 2007 with the Vintage Reserve Port 2004! The De Krans Cape Tawny Port shined at the Michelangelo International Wine Competition by winning the Grand Prix Runner-Up Trophy (the second best wine out of 1316 wines entered)! It was also one of only 15 wines awarded a double gold.

Wine tasting is offered daily Monday to Friday (8 am to 5 pm) and Saturdays (9 am to 3 pm). There is a 30 minute vineyard walking trial through the vineyards of De Krans. Each year in February visitors get the chance to pick their own Hanepoot grapes at De Krans.

Their top selling wine, the Relishing Red NV, is just one of these and has unofficially become known amongst wine lovers as the perfect partner to be enjoyed at a braaivleis, the official national dish.

With World Cup 2010 upon us there won't be a shortage of celebrating, and as South Africans there is nothing better than celebrating your favourite team's win with friends and a braaivleis. With this in mind there is no longer an excuse not to complete the circle with an award-winning, yet affordable, estate wine.

A previous Best Value for Wine winner, the Relishing Red NV is made from a blend of Pinotage, Ruby Cabernet and Merlot grapes, and spent three months in wood to ensure maximum maturation potential.

Winemaker, Boets Nel, describes this as a "mouth-watering red wine with sweetish plummy fruit, well rounded and velvety soft tannins".

He recommends serving it at room temperature, or even chilled in summer with a picnic meal. Sold in a screwcap bottle, and retailing at approximately R26.00 per bottle, the De Krans Relishing Red NV is available from most outlets countrywide, and is without a doubt the ideal braaivleis wine.