Dear De Krans Wine Club Member
It is hard to imagine that in March 2000 Calitzdorp saw the worst flood in its history and in March 2021, just over 20 years later, we finally got enough rain to break the six-year drought. If you live or work on a farm, water takes on a new, significant meaning. The amount of water, and the timing of water is completely out of your control and it becomes either your curse or your blessing. It teaches, it grounds and it humbles and forces to adapt and innovate. Like the ebb and flow of water, so we have come to know life. We are so excited about this year – to showcase our new vintages, return to hosting festivals and events at the farm, participate in trade visits, do tastings and to finally start replanting vineyards we have lost to the drought. Since the beginning of time, wine has been there to celebrate life’s moments – regardless of how big or small. We look forward to celebrating with you.
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2022 Harvest report
With the first signs of autumn appearing on the leaves, winemakers can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the end of harvest is in sight. Although harvest is exciting and signifies new beginnings, it is sometimes the unpredictability of the weather that becomes a real challenge.
This past season was a real bumpy ride at De Krans, starting with some spring frost (luckily very little damage for us) early October, followed by a devastating hail storm 2 weeks later, in which we lost 40% of our 2022 crop within a few minutes. During the months of November and December we received more than our fair share of rain, with a lot of disease pressure due to the wet conditions. This was followed by warm weather in January and February, with a few serious heat waves to contend with.
With the 2022 grapes all harvested and safely in the cellar, we are optimistic that between our vineyard manager and winemaker they were able to produce real good wines despite all the curve balls in terms of adverse weather received this year!
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Visit De Krans Wines: Upcoming dates and events
When it comes to wine tastings, events, and festivals, there is a lot of catching up to do to make up for the last couple of years and people seem to be doing just that. We can’t wait to join in all the fun and to welcome you to the farm.
We kick off with the KKNK in Oudtshoorn from 29 March – 3 April. During this time you are welcome to enjoy our child-friendly destination with a play area, outdoor chess board, vineyard walking trails and our new kiddies menu. Look out for our delicious ostrich burger on offer for KKNK visitors to celebrate our Klein Karoo heritage.
Visit our tasting room to stock up on your favourite wines and to try our brand new P&T, which is available for tasting, to enjoy at the bistro and to take home. Visit us over Easter, where the kitchen will have amazing dishes on offer from home-made hot cross buns, curry fish and home-made chocolate easter eggs for the kids. Come May, we will be celebrating Mother’s Day where all mother’s will receive a complimentary glass of wine with their meal at the bistro, and on Monday 9 May, we celebrate International Moscato Day. Be sure to look out for our Premium Moscato carry pack promotion over the mother’s day weekend running into Moscato Day.
Tasting room: Mondays – Saturdays 9am – 4.30pm, Sundays 9am – 4pm
Bistro and Deli: Mondays – Sundays 10am – 4pm (kitchen closes at 3.30pm).
We are open seven days a week, but will be closed on Good Friday, the 15th of April.
Save the dates:
Calitzdorp Expressed: 17 – 19 June
Blossom Festival: 3 September
Succulent Festival: 16 – 18 September
Follow us on social media for regular updates on all upcoming events.
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Featured wines for Autumn
De Krans Wild Ferment Chardonnay
Arguably one of the most delicious hidden treasures in our portfolio is the unwooded De Krans Wild Ferment Chardonnay. The spontaneous fermentation by the wild yeasts that occurs naturally on the grapes, means a slower fermentation process, which results in more intense fruit character of lime, citrus, grapefruits, and flavours of butterscotch.
Autumn is the time of Easter and long weekends, and most of all, lazy Sunday lunches with the perfect mix between sun, cool breezes and of course, good food and wine. The Wild Ferment Chardonnay finds the sweet spot between light and fruity, and creamy and full, and is the perfect accompaniment to pair with firm fleshed fish like yellowtail, roast chicken, pasta dishes and homemade pizza.
De Krans A Twist of Fate
Few wines embody the magic and beauty of autumn, than the De Krans A Twist of Fate. With its lovely cherry red colour, this Portuguese blend pays tribute to the start of the first Portuguese grape varieties that made their way to Calitzdorp in the Klein Karoo – the Tinta Barocca in 1973 and the Tinta Amarela in 2004. Both varieties were planted by mistake, believed to be different grape varieties, and by this pure accident, the port capital of South Africa got its start. Similar to a Pinot Noir in style and drinking occasion, this red wine is best served slightly chilled and boasts flavours of strawberry, red cherries, spice, leather, earthiness, and subtle oak.
De Krans Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon
The De Krans Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon pleasantly surprises with the typical characteristics of cassis, ripe berries, cherries, fresh prunes and cedar spice. The wine is made, using a 50-year old French Champagne basket press with a very soft pressing action, resulting in a soft tannin structure in the wine. Combined with 12 months in older French oak barrels, this is a full-bodied red that is smooth and easy-to-drink, making this a great option for an incredible ‘value for money’ everyday red. The Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon forms part of our Classic Varietal range and also includes the Free Run Chenin Blanc, Wild Ferment Chardonnay and Pinotage Rosé.
De Krans Cape Tawny (Limited Release) Non-Vintage.
One of our unsung heroes is definitely the De Krans Cape Tawny (Limited Release) Non-Vintage. It boasts its own range of regular Veritas gold and double gold medals, and is probably the most versatile port-style wine in the range, especially when it comes to drinking occasion. The wine soothes and warms in winter, and is equally delicious when served chilled on hot days. With its amazing character of coffee, toffee and nuts, the sweetness is elegantly balanced by a refreshing acidity. To truly elevate this wine, pair it with a platter of a selection of breads, baked Camembert, rosemary and drizzled honey – you’re welcome☺.
Looking for an older wine to celebrate a special occasion or year? Please contact us at marketing@dekrans.co.za to enquire about our special selection of older red wines and port-style wines, dating back to 2002. Wines like these no doubt makes for a special gift that will be cherished long after it has been opened.
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2021 Award-season wine box promotion
What a great way to celebrate our award-winning wines, while also getting the opportunity to taste a bigger variety of wines in our portfolio. Our Value Awards Box includes wines that have excelled in the value category, as well as in other competitions, such as Platter’s Wine Guide. The Premium Awards Box focuses on our best, premium, top-end, high-scoring wines. Both awards boxes are available at an excellent discounted price of cellar door price less 25%:
Value Awards Box: 25% discount – total price per box: R434.25
Premium Awards Box: 25% discount – total price per box: R747.75
Both these boxes are available as long as stocks last, so do not wait too long to place your order of these special wines!
Autumn Giveaway
You don’t want to miss our autumn giveaway where one lucky person will win 1 x case (6 x 4 carry packs) of our brand-new released Port- style & Tonic. To stand a chance to win this amazing prize, you must buy one of our special, promotional awards boxes, and place your order before Thursday 28 April 5pm. One winner will be chosen at random and will be announced the next week. Only people with a valid, SA delivery address will be allowed to enter.
Place your order now
Order wine to the minimum value of R1500 and receive FREE door-to-door delivery nationwide (one delivery address per order). Should your order be for less than R1500, we are happy to calculate a delivery quote based on your delivery address. We will then furnish you with a pro forma invoice with our banking details. Please note that regardless of the value of your order, we will only courier wine in multiples of 6 bottles (a full case) to minimize breakages.
