Description
HOW PORTUGUESE VARIETIES
ARRIVED AT BOPLAAS
This is an extract directly from Boplaas:
“The presence of Portuguese grape varieties in Calitzdorp can be explained through events of chance and a fortunate accident or two. Most importantly, once it had found its way here, it thrived thanks to the climate and soils that are ideally suited to them.
The story begins in the 1970’s, when Boplaas patriarch Oupa Daniel Nel returned from a visit to the Swartland with his Chevy El Camino packed with bottles of Pinotage and Shiraz. His friends and neighbours needed no encouragement to make short work of the Shiraz. So, it was decided this was a variety to plant.
Vines were sourced and planted. Only later was it discovered – partly by Carel, Oupa Danie’s son who is now Boplaas owner and cellar master, that something was amiss.
Carel was studying Oenology at the University of Stellenbosch when it was revealed his father’s vines were Tinta Barocca and not the intended Shiraz. A trip to Portugal followed and soon the Nel’s had befriended many of the Douro’s top port producers, from whom they gained valuable insights that shaped Boplaas’ own legacy of fine wines.
Carel was instrumental in raising the quality of port wine in South Africa.
Today, sixth generation winemaker, Margaux Nel, completed her MSc degree in Viticulture from the University of Stellenbosch on terroir of Touriga Nacional and has followed in her father’s footsteps making some of the most awarded Portuguese variety table wines.”
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