Meet the Young Winemaker of the Year who just made history
In the 2021 Tim Atkin South African Wine Report, in its 9th year and released last week, Elizma Visser of Oilifantsberg Family Vineyards in Breedekloof in the Western Cape is named Young Winemaker of the Year, the first woman to be awarded the honour. She shares her three favourite Olifantsberg wines
RELAXATION Olifantsberg syrah 2017
Our rocky mountain terrain with its fragrant fynbos creates a perfect setting for our syrah. The aromatics on this wine lure you into this serene space. Notes of mulberries, aniseed and fynbos dominate the nose. On the taste the wine surprises you with its fresh yet structured palate. Juicy blackberries and fresh plum with soft savoury spices linger with each sip. This syrah is my go-to wine when I want to relax. The wine is elegant enough to be enjoyed by itself but also a wonderful accompaniment to any meal.
HARMONY Olifantsberg Lark chenin blanc 2019
There is something so beautiful about the call of a lark early in the morning. Our chenin blanc has its own harmony to it. A streamlined wine with intense mandarin orange and nectarine on the nose. The intensity of the wine overflows on the palate with a very layered taste of citrus and stone fruit supported by a fleshy, apple-skin-like texture. Poised and elegant like a perched lark.
The Lark carries my signature style so well by offering the most natural expression of this beautiful grape we as South Africans hold so dear.
DIVERSITY
Olifantsberg Blanc White Blend 2018 (roussanne 55%, grenache blanc 34%, chenin blanc 11%)
It is no secret that the Blanc White Blend is my absolute favourite wine to produce every year. Attention to detail and a lot of creative energy goes into the making of this wine. Selfcontained and confident is how I describe it. Notes of white blossoms, baking spices and citrus fill the glass. A hint of nectarine-like sweetness on the first sip. Thereafter the palate reveals layers of lime, nectarine, toasted almond, orange pith and a tea-like finish. It captures the diversity of the farm within one glass.