Diploma Module 3 - The Final Frontier...

So it's been just under 2 years since I headed down this track, in the quest to quench my desire for wine knowledge. I have just completed my final module (Module 3 - Wines of the Old World) of Diploma at The Cape Wine Academy. The final exam was written last night and now all that is left to do is hold thumbs in the hopes that I passed and then drink, I mean taste wines like a thirsty mad man over the weekend, as practice for the practical tasting exam on Monday! This I shall have no problem studying for! hahaha

Module 3 was very interesting as we covered various old world wine producing countries including: Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Greece and Israel. I learnt a tremendous amount and it was fantastic learning not only about the various grape varieties and wine styles of these fantastic countries, but also about their cultures and history. I have decided that over the next few years, international travels will be planned around visiting the wine regions of all these countries, as its all good and well learning about them on paper and drinking their wines too, but now I need to experience it! 

Enjoying a Riesling in the Mosel, a Chasselas near Geneva, a Tokaj Aszu in Hungary, a Chianti in Tuscany, a Port in the Douro or a Tempranillo in Rioja, sounds damn fantastic to me! It will be such an experience to convert this knowledge into unforgettable and much appreciative experiences. We all know how much better a wine tastes in its natural home setting in the vineyards...  

I will admit that Module 3 to me was the most challenging of the 4 and it felt like a system overload at times, so my advice, start revising way in advance if you write this exam! 

There are many different words, regions, wine styles and quality categories for example to learn in each particular language.

So what next? Masters perhaps?? oh the love of the grape makes you do crazy things I tell you ;)

To start a wine course and to see the list of courses the Cape Wine Academy has on offer, visit their website at: www.capewineacademy.co.za or contact them on 011 024 3616.

     

Diploma Modules 1, 4, 2, 3... Go!

So I completed and better yet, passed, Module 1 of Diploma at the Cape Wine Academy. I have attended all the Module 4 lectures and will write the exam for such in 3 weeks time... hold thumbs! 

Modules 2 and 3 will be completed next year, after which I will hopefully commence with Masters thereafter, ouch! Masters sounds damn hardcore, but hey, it's all interesting and an excellent learning experience.

Thus far, I have learnt a tremendous amount and realised that no one person will ever know all there is to know about wine. It's such a vast subject with new innovative winemaking techniques always surfacing, differing cultures of countries and appellation/ wine of origin requirements, thousands of grape varieties, various climates,  varying terroir and new clones, it sounds almost impossible to keep abreast and that's what keeps it exciting ;)

Diploma is a lot more intensive then the previous Certificate course, which gives one an excellent foundation of South African viticulture, winemaking and the industry. Diploma Module 1 covered viniculture, viticulture and a brief introduction into France. Module 4 has been about wines of the new world and wow, what a thrilling experience to try different wines from around the world with a similar winemaking style to South Africa. Although new world wines are similar in that sense, per country basis, they are very different in character. It all seemed overwhelming initially, but eventually you start noticing characteristic trends of the various countries and realise the more wine you drink, the better you get! Just as time on the saddle is the best way to get mountain biking fit, sticking your nose into a wine glass and devouring it's beauty, is the best way to become wine tasting savvy. It's such a pleasing experience to be able to identify from which country individual wines in a blind flight come from! Well, it's difficult to get it right every time, but one day when I'm big and after litres and litres of more practice, I should eventually take my tasting abilities a notch up. 

I am thoroughly looking forward to Modules 2 and 3 next year, which will cover "Wines of France" and "Wines of the Old World."

For a list of courses the Cape Wine Academy has on offer, visit their website at: www.capewineacademy.co.za or contact them on 011 024 3616.

HAPPY WINE LEARNING!

Would You Like Some Cheese With That "Whine?"

Do you enjoy wine? Do you enjoy cheese? How about pairing the two together? 

For those that are interested, the Cape Wine Academy is launching a new course on 21 August 2014 at Miele in Johannesburg. Be sure not to miss out and book asap, see the advert below for details: 

Get Your Wine Groove On!

I still remember years ago when my early wine drinking days commenced, it basically consisted of sweet white or rose, because I just couldn't palate the dry stuff. My oh my, how the roles have reversed! :)
That being said, there was always this romance about wine to me. I think it all started when I watched 2 movies "Stealing Beauty," starring Liv Tyler, whom I admit may subconsciously have contributed towards this passion to wine, and "A Good Year" starring Russell Crowe. "Stealing Beauty" is a bit of chick flick, but in my manly defense, it is set on a wine farm in Italy and the footage of the vineyards definitely imprinted, or burnt, I should rather say, images in my mind and feelings in my soul, which still fascinate me to this day. "A Good Year" conjured the same emotion although it is set in Provence, France and it showcases the enchanting wine farm and wine making lifestyle. 

The fact that soil and climate conditions, location of the vineyards and the way in which the vines are treated, determine the quality of the grapes and that the winemaker then needs to produce wine from said grapes, is an art form in which there is much passion required to produce a masterpiece. I think this is what allured me to wine and think of it as something beautiful and special.  

So, I decided to learn more about this alluring beverage. I drank more of it, I read about it and I drank more of it! It was all still a little confusing until a day in 2011, that a Google search revealed The Cape Wine Academy to me. I got so excited when I saw the various courses on offer and I contacted them immediately to enroll in my first course, The South African Wine Course. I have not looked back since that day and my desire to learn more about wine has grown and I completed the Certificate Wine Course soon thereafter. Today I am enrolled for the Diploma Wine Course - Module 1 which commences in April and I can't wait!  I have learnt volumes through the Cape Wine Academy and met many like minded people. Their courses are interesting, the Lecturers are fun and captivating and I am no longer confused about this diverse subject of wine. 

So if you're interested in learning more about wine, as was I, read below about the Cape Wine Academy and the courses which they have on offer. Visit their website and contact them today and I assure you that you will not be disappointed! www.capewineacademy.co.za

Welcome to the Cape Wine Academy

Founded in 1979, the Cape Wine Academy is recognised as the official wine education and training institution in South Africa.The Cape Wine Academy provides a range of social and professional wine courses for individuals and tertiary institutions and specialises in creating bespoke wine-tasting events for corporate clients.

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The starting point to learning about wine is the South African Wine Course. On completion of an exam, students can join the Certificate Wine Course, followed by the Diploma Wine Course and ultimately the Cape Wine Masters, the highest qualification in wine education. The Cape Wine Academy also offers fun and social wine courses to enjoy with friends and family. Choose from the Food and Wine Pairing Course, the South African Brandy Course or the Wines of the World Course and ignite your passion for wine today! To start your career in the wine and hospitality sector, sign-up for the Front of House Course, boost your skills with the Wine Service Course or enroll for the prestigious Cape Sommelier™ qualification, which is a must for every CV. All Cape Wine Academy lectures are presented by South African winemakers, Diploma graduates and Cape Wine Masters, who are actively involved in shaping the South African Wine industry today.

   

Hello World!

Allow myself to introduce…. Myself. Welcome to my down to earth blog and the interesting road ahead! My mission is it to keep it interesting, entertaining and light hearted, so do come back again!

By day I’m a Professional Associated Valuer, involved in commercial property valuations and by night I enjoy, make and drink wine, which I have a passion for, hence the allurement to begin this blog.

I am a Wino (Wine Reviewer) at Real Time Wine, a member of Cellar Rats Wine Tasting Club and I attend wine tasting festivals and taste on panels whenever I can. I am in the process of completing the Certificate Wine Course at the Cape Wine Academy with the intention of qualifying as a Cape Wine Master – let’s see what happens! I have had a dab at making my own Shiraz with a Du Toit Wine-making kit, of which I am the distributor up here in Gauteng. It was a good learning experience and I understand the wine-making process a little better now. Was the wine drinkable you ask? Well, it was my first attempt and I will do things differently the next time around. Some bottles were not bad at all and they are all finished, the other bottles, uhm… lets just call them school fees J

I thought, let me hit the ground running with this blog and hence I have compiled a list of most of the reviews I have posted on Real Time Wine (so far).

The Real Time Wine "movement" is based on a simple premise - you shouldn't have to do a course or learn a new language to enjoy wine. It's a refreshing, humorous and sometimes risqué look at drinking wine - all reviews are 140 characters or less.

Ciao

The Wine Oak

So until next time, here goes:

2008 Allesverloren Shiraz. Hey man, so much of spice I feel like I'm in Durban! Very steaky, bit overpowering, needs some time. 7/10

2005 Arumdale Shiraz As smooth as a baby's bottom. Caution, it's so smooth, u won't even realize u consuming it. Toasty, mocha, spicy. SCORE 9/10

2008 Asara Cabernet Sauvignon. Like licking a sexy classy French lady, smoking a cherry cigar & fusion style dark chocolate & peppers for dessert. 9/10 Cellaring=awesome

2009 Asara Ebony. Like u sharpened a pencil & then stabbed a green pepper & a plum. Rich but drinkable. 7/10

2008 Backsberg Tread Lightly Merlot On hike, it bounced. Still able to enjoy the fruity, cinnamon freshness which lingers oak cherry. Hilarious if u throw the bottle to someone! SCORE 7/10

2009 Backsberg Merlot. Non "hikeable" version. The same, but easier drinking. Plastic bottle better buy then @ R50! R60 7/10

2010 Beyerskloof Pinotage. Good old faithful! Good enough for any occasion. Delicate berry and cinnamon flavours. 7/10

2007 Blaauwklippen Shiraz. A spicy biker chick wearing a leather jacket, takes u on a wild ride, then soothes u in an oak cabin after 8/10

2009 Boschendal 1685 Shiraz. Awesome bottle, beautiful plum colour. Excellent composure as spicy leather and earth meet fruit. 7/10

2009 Diemersfontein Pinotage. A dark chocolate bar in a bottle! Very rich. 9/10

Drostdy-Hof Extra Light White. Met eish(ys) ja! Careful, I almost downed a 2l doos wyn! Light &great when it's bright. R49 6/10 (due 2 ease)

2009 Hill&Dale Pinotage. Smell strawberry, taste strawberry which lasts 2 the bitter end..ing Nice, besides the ..ing 7/10

2006 Just matured Cabernet Sauvignon. Tastes like u chewing a piece of wood. It's smooth but something is... eish.. 4/10

2009 Kanonkop Kadette. So much like a Pinot Noir! Red Berries, berries & more berries and then some strawberry. Delicate 7/10

2010 La Capra by Fairview Merlot. "Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey." A little sweet for my liking, otherwise ok. R45 7/10

2010 Longridge Rose. Guavas on the sniff &strawberries 2taste. Fresh &Springy, makes me want 2take my Jeeps roof off ASAP! 7/10

2008 MB Cabernet Sauvignon. From FRANCE & 50 bucks?! Restrained & classy French wine BUT fruity too 8/10

2004 Meerendal Shiraz Like Queen Latifah, a LOT of body and strong. 7/10

2005 Neetlingshof Shiraz. It's dry but u can drink it. Cute wine, not a lot of sex appeal 7/10

2010 Orange River Cellars Shiraz. For R29, it has a cork & smells nice. Great with coke (extra point for the cork) 3/10

2010 Place in the Sun Merlot.Toffee in my nose,fruitcake in my mouth,is Christmas around the corner? Warm from alcohol R40 6/10

2009 Quoin Rock The Centaur Reserve Syrah. Delicate spice makes this nice, because of red berry, I want more very! Will age well 9/10

2011 Saxenburg Sauv Blanc n Engel het op my tong gepiepie! So much of crisp & fruity/grassy freshness. Drink in 1yr 8/10

2007 Saxenburg Cabernet Sauvignon Amazing balance, like a tight rope walker. Green peas, oak smokiness & berries, delicious! & can age. SCORE 9/10

2006 Saxenburg Shiraz. Chocolate, pepper, spice and all things nice! Wow! 9/10

2005 Saxenburg Shiraz Select. I'm lost for words... Silky smooth lingerie comes to mind. It's so good & could possibly score a TEN! 9/10

2007 Stellenbosch Hills Shiraz,Like touching a 9V battery 2 your tongue-u want to, but know u shouldn't. Nice Shiraz smell,but ends sour 6/10

2007 Stellenzicht Shiraz. Smoky spice and bitter chocolate. Sort of like Angelina Jolie & Margaret Thatcher in a glass, BUT it works! 8/10

2004 Vergenoegd Cab Sav. Big & bold,it has a hold. Can entice & full of spice. Extremely characterful & so a Mike Tyson of Cab Sav 9/10

2003 Vergenoegd Estate Blend. Parlez-vous français? says the tour guide. Feel like I'm in Bordeaux, France, but its a ZA wine! Classic! 9/10

2008 Warwick CabS, The 1st Lady,She calms me. I Really like this, feels like I'm being healthy eating fruit, it's good 4u. 8/10

2007 Zandvliet Shiraz. Smell: sprinkled pepper & chocolate on red berry in a smoky room(nice smoky) Taste: ditto! +dry 7/10, R80

2009 Zonnebloem Merlot. U confident & then It has a right hook u didn't see coming. Sharp & not characterful of a merlot. 6/10