Roving Sommelier is passionate about premium quality regional South African wines. Talented winegrower, Justin Van Wyk’s latest project is Van Wyk Family Wines. Justin, of Constantia Glen Winery fame, has spent the last six years working with selected vineyards planted across the greater Western Cape. Van Wyk Family Vineyards is a highly anticipated endeavour, and one we believe is well worth waiting for.

Justin Van Wyk hails from a sheep farm in the Great Karoo and now lives in Cape Town with his beautiful wife and two daughters, to whom this range of wines is dedicated. They are symbolised by three delicate, yet vibrant daffodils, which in turn pay homage to their Welsh heritage.

2016 was Justin’s first vintage under the Van Wyk Family Wines label. ‘I have a specific interest in sourcing grapes from old vines, and when it comes to varieties such as Chenin Blanc and Cinsault; there are an abundance of old “undiscovered” vineyards where the true potential of the grapes has not yet been realised’, explains Justin.

On the style of the wines, he tells us, ‘I have a small number of vineyards that I have worked with from the beginning, but I am continuously exploring the vineyards of the Cape to find parcels and sites that I would like to work with, mostly with the aim of sourcing from old vines as much as possible.’ In addition to old vine Chenin Blanc and Cinsault, his interest lies with cool climate Syrah which he sources from the Elgin Valley.

Sourcing fruit to vinify in his own style requires a very hands-on approach. ‘I personally work with the growers in terms of viticulture and then also personally decide on picking dates. I personally collect the grapes, always in the early hours of the morning on the chosen picking date, so that the grapes reach the cellar before it becomes too warm in the day.’

‘Besides being very selective about chosen vineyards and varieties, I aim to make honest and elegant wines that are expressive of nature, circumstance and my passion for the Cape’s heritage grape varieties. As a result of this stylistic choice, I often find that the red wines in the portfolio are often lighter and more delicate than the white wines’, he continues.

As for the inspiration behind his labels? ‘The ram depicted on the label is a Merino ram, and the other elements such as the hills and windmill are typical Karoo elements. The three daffodils bring an element of colour to the logo, and they signify the colour in my life, my wife and two daughters.’

This skin contact white wine is handcrafted allowing for increased extraction of flavour and aroma. A highly concentrated and vibrant wine, beautifully balanced with a refreshing crispness. The Viognier adds phenomenal floral aromas of jasmine and orange-blossom, whilst the Chenin Blanc offers lovely, rounded notes of peach and pear drop.

Equal parts old vines Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, and Viognier from vines in Darling, Swartland and Constantia Nek respectively. Each of the grapes are fermented individually. Following alcoholic fermentation, the grapes were pressed, and the wine transferred to old French oak barrels to complete malolactic fermentation. Following this, the three barrels were blended and transferred back into barrel for maturation on the fine lees for a period of 14 months in 3rd and 4th fill French oak.

This honest and elegant wine is true to its origin and is an expression of nature, circumstance, and passion. Best enjoyed served chilled with or without food and in a convivial atmosphere.

Total production of 868 bottles.