By Anlé Britz
Let me start by creating a picture of what to expect on your next wine adventure. Sitting at the foot of the Ou Kaapse Weg and hugged by the Silvermine Nature Reserve, Steenberg (formerly known as ‘Swaaneweide’ – The Feeding Place of Swans) has a story written in the books shaping the becoming of the award winning wine estate we know today.
The Steenberg Estate
As you enter through the main gate, the Sauvignon Blanc grape block is luring you to the towering widely open doors of the tasting room. Take some time to appreciate the multiple strategically placed Edoardo Villa sculptures all around the estate reflecting back the beauty of movement and nature. Stepping into the building is an artwork as the cellars are displayed through floor-to-ceiling glass and timber slated walls with the magnificent ‘grape sculpture’ by Divali Natural Lighting above the centered bar. The terrace is the place you want to be caught with a glass (or a bottle) of wine appreciating the water features and natural curves of the manicured and natural gardens around you on any day.
The Wine
Getting to the wine, we were seated by Gwen who greeted us with a bright smile and a bubbly welcome showing her loyalty and passion in representing Steenberg to its full glory for over 8 years. The Flagship tasting was a no-brainer and we kicked off with the Steenberg 1682 Pinot Noir Cap Classique NV. The grapes travelling form Robertson celebrates the red berry fruitiness of strawberry and raspberry of a beautiful ingrained Pinot Noir fermented on the lees finishing the wine with a lingering toasted brioche sweetness. No surprise once you realise that the Steenberg winery is owned by Graham Beck since 2005.
Before my visit, I was told that the Black Swan is a must as this Sauvignon Blanc has a story to tell, but also that it celebrates the absolutely unique terroir of Steenberg (translated to stone mountain). The result – on point. The story behind the name Black Swan was inspired by mistaking the swans in Catherinas’ (more info to follow) native birthplace Lübeck Germany, for the South African spur-winged geese. The wine was vibrant with a fresh asparagus and capsicum nose and a follow though palate of slight hints of apricot and a lengthy finish as a result of the extended lees contact under cool temperatures. What a gem of a wine that is acknowledged with awards over 8 years – rightfully so.
Second in line was the Semillon 2022 who closed the white wine tastings on a high note. With a beautifully curated balance of nature’s influence of a long slow ripening season and the French oak barrel fermented and aged winemaking practices. The wine sang citrus and orange blossoms with a bright acidity and lingering taste of custard and vanilla jubilation. I encourage you to take a short drive up to Semillon Street to stand for a moment in the pure beauty of where these masterpiece grapes originate from.
Up next, the Steenberg Catharina Red Blend 2020. A balanced Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blend that fully exhibits the red-haired brave, unconventional and indomitable owner of the name. Catharina was the first female land owner in the South African history dating to the year 1688 where she mandated for the land from Simon van der Stel. With a mission to cultivate it into an empire farmland of cabbage and radish to feed the Simons Bay to Table Bay overnight travelers and sailors. Catharina was an independent woman outliving four husbands who has succumbed to fatal deaths by lions, elephants and at the hand of men. Tales tell that she revenged her first husband’s death (Hans Ras, a soldier and free burger) by getting on a bareback horse with a gun at hand to hunt down and kill the lion that ended the life of the father of their children. The blend soils your palate with a variety of dark fruit, spice, vanilla and dark chocolate that adds a layered and complex depth to the wine.
Finally last but not least, I made my first acquaintance with an Italian grape variety, the Steenberg Nebbiolo 2019. Grown on the Steenberg estate, this wine represents its origin proudly with its savoury tomato relish, sour cherry and a hint of raspberry characteristics. The South African influence adds a lingering note of rooibos tea leaf and aniseed to its portfolio with a lengthy finish on this slow developing wine. What a positive introduction on another world of wine cultivars.
My final notes would be to indulge in an artistic made and designed meal at the Sixteen82 Bistro and before leaving find the metal artwork created in Catherina’s name depicting her life and personality. And while you are on the exploration streak, be sure book a bespoke and exclusive Artoute Norval Foundation tour. The Norval Foundation shares estate boarders with Steenberg and promises a one-of-a-kind art experience by strolling though the sculpture garden and gallery.
See you with the next toast.
