GrapeRadio – Wine Talk Show

South Africa has a long history of wine, going back to the Dutch settlers. The wines, however, never received much distribution to other parts of the world, due primarily to trade sanctions during the latter part of the last Century in reaction to apartheid.

When apartheid finally ended in 1994, South African wineries had hoped to make up for lost time. However, the quality was spotty, and its wines were not well received. Fortunately, it was this same public reaction that ultimately pushed the wineries to improve quality. Today, there are many fine wines coming out of Africa. Located in the Stellenbosch region near Cape Town, Kanonkop is seems emblematic of the changes that have happened and are still occurring in South African viticulture and winemaking.

Join us as we talk with Abrie Beeslaar, winemaker for Kanonkop Estate. You’ll hear how varieties like Pinotage and Chenin Blanc are not only alive and well, but are also viewed as the trump cards not just for Kanonkop, but for the entire region.

For more info: Kanonkop Estate: www.kanonkop.co.za

Sponsor: The Wine Club, Fine Wine Merchants: www.thewineclub.com

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Show #306
(1:05:24 min 62MB)

Those familiar with Maison Joseph Drouhin are in for a treat, as we spend some time with Laurent Drouhin talking about family and wine. Maison Joseph Drouhin bwas founded in 1880, when Joseph at the age of 22, left Chablis and settled in Beaune. He was succeeded by his son Maurice who began to establish a vineyard domaine for the House, purchasing land in such appellations as Clos des Mouches and Clos de Vougeot. With its 73 hectares (182.5 acres), the Joseph Drouhin Domaine is one of the largest estates in the region. It owns vineyards in all of Burgundy: Chablis (38 hectares – 95 acres), Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, (32 hectares – 80 acres), Côte Chalonnaise (3 hectares – 7.5 acres). It is comprised of a majority of Premier and Grand Crus, planted with the two Burgundian grape varietals, pinot noir and chardonnay.

Robert Drouhin, succeeded Maurice in 1957, acquiring many of these additional vineyards, especially in Chablis. He was one of the first Burgundians to introduce “culture raisonnée” – doing away with pesticides and other chemicals. Robert and Françoise Drouhin’s four children: Philippe, Véronique, Laurent and Frédéric run the Maison now.

Join us as we talk with Laurent Drouhin (Director of U.S. Sales), about his family’s history, as well as the wines of Burgundy and Oregon of course.

For more info: Maison Joseph Drouhin: www.drouhin.com

Sponsor: Pinot Days: www.pinotdays.com

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Show #305
(57:19 min 54MB)