The Old Wagonhouse

The Old Wagonhouse

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Withoek wines is a small cellar in the Little Karoo. The cellar is owned by Koos 'Jack' Geyser, a Bloemfontein based engineer. He started on this project of his in 1996 in partnership with his cousin Koos Geyser who was a farmer in the area.

The first steps was the production of Port style, Cape Ruby, which did very well in local competitions. It got a double gold in the Suid Kaap Markklaar Wynskou and a silver at Veritas. The cousins also tried there hand at other fortifieds namely Hanepoot and Muskadel. In 2000 they decided to try their hand at a dry red. Mostly made of Tinta Barocca, Souzao and Ruby Cabernet. This wine was well received. This wine was barrel matured for 18 months in 3 fill French Oak.

At the moment Withoek range exists out of a Dry Red 03, Tawny Port, Cabernet franc/Shiraz 2007, Soet wyn and Muskadel 2006.

Dry Red 2003
Still made with the same cultivars as the first Withoek Dry Red it continues in the same style. It is spicy. According to Tony Mossop the right partner for a pepperoni pizza. Good value at R20 ex cellar.

Tawny Port
This Tawny Port is the only one with a Wine of Origin Klein Karoo and also shows the rich spices with nice caramel finish so typical of a good Tawny. The colour is still a bit dark but definately shows the necessary tawny colour at the edge. A definate buy at R45 ex cellar.

Cabernet franc / Shiraz 2007
A more classical style of red wine with red berries and smooth finish is a wine to be enjoyed now or over the next 2 years. The coffee flavours of Cabernet franc works well with the spices of the Shiraz. R35 ex cellar - a steal.

Soet wyn
Fortified Muskadel / Hanepoot blend which was oak matured for 1 year. A experiment with this favourite. The alcohol and wine integrated well and is a easy drink for someone looking for something on the sweeter side. R20 ex cellar - nearly at cost.

Muskadel 2006
This wine made by Leanne April was a hit from the go. The muskadel picked at 25 degrees Balling and after the fermentation started fortified. The grapes coming from a small block of Red Muskadel grapes also shows the pinkish colour associated with the Red Muskadels. Also oak matured for 12 months it was one of the first wines made and bottled on the premises. A jewel in the Withoek range a must buy at R45 ex cellar.

As you see most of our wines are very affordable and wines made to enjoy.

Contact us on South Africa 044 21 33639 and or fax 086 628 7853 or email. withoek@telkomsa.net