Winemaker of Hermanuspietersfontein, Bartho Eksteen, set himself a serious challenge with the making of the cellar’s flagship white which would bear his name.

Die Bartho, a blend of Sauvignon blanc, Sémillon and Nouvelle, has won numerous awards over the past three years – both local and international – but, Bartho’s feeling is that “we have only just begun. The vineyards’ production is better and better with each passing year and our BWI Champion farm still has loads of potential to develop!”

With the Hermanuspietersfontein reds he has proven that he is more than a winemaker – he is a master blender. Die Arnoldus, Kleinboet and Die Martha are all quality 4-4½ star Platter wines which have already made their mark in the world of wine.

However, Bartho’s great passion and winemaking success lies rather with the Sauvignon blanc varietal which has truly earned him the title of South Africa’s Monsieur Sauvignon Blanc.

Die Bartho bears witness to his dedication and he believes that, over time, this will become one of South Africa’s leading Sauvignon blanc-driven wine styles.

“In the past I fermented the Sémillon component in oak and then matured it for a further 6 months before making up the blend. For the 2009 vintage the Sémillon was prepared in the same manner, but matured for only 5 months before blending and returning the blend to the oak for a further 2 months. The wood is more prominent than in previous vintages, but the feeling amongst some Cape Wine Masters is that the wine will age perfectly in the bottle,” says an excited Eksteen.

The Sauvignon blanc, Nouvelle and most of the Sémillon come from the Hermanuspietersfontein BWI Champion farm in the Sondagskloof between Stanford and Napier where they believe that Good Earth makes Better Wine. For viticulturist Ernst Bruwer soil, climate, weather conditions, best farming practices and conservation are matters of the heart. When it comes to caring for his vineyards, he is just as dedicated as a new dad.

He adds, passionately, “In viticulture, every day is important in the vineyards. We eat, sleep, drink and breathe the soil, vines and berries.”

Die Bartho 2009 was released on 13 February at the Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market.

For the Tasting Notes, Click here/Kliek hier

Call Ilse-Marie at 028 316 1875 for more information.