One of most interesting parts of planning for the year ahead is being able to analyse, digest and reflect on the past year – the statistics, the insights, and the trends. One of the most notable insights, for example, is that our Pinotage Rosé is the De Krans wineclub’s best seller. Is it because of the trendy, blush pink colour with a slight onion-skine tone, is it the perfect balance of ripe red fruit and a refreshing acidity, or is it the global rise in popularity of Rosé as a category? How much does it really matter? Perhaps one of the lessons learnt this year is to not overthink it. Yes, we consider statistics, and we use it to implement strategy. But it’s not the most important. Listen to your gut, and learn to trust it. Facts are powerful, but so is intuition, connection, and experience. Allow the doubt, the questions, and the analysing, but learn when to let go of all the questions. So they like Rosé? Fantastic! Let’s keep making it, and make sure it tastes great.
We’re not sure if it’s the Christmas decorations or the warmer, balmy Klein Karoo evenings, but we are so ready for the festive season. Bring on the sunny days, the chilled glasses of Rosé and the special time with family and friends.
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Awards season in the wine industry is definitely as exciting as it sounds. Like anything in life, receiving recognition for the work you have done, always feels good, and being recognized by your peers even better. Some years are not so sparkly, just missing out on top awards, and scoring below your own expectations. You feel a bit deflated, definite disappointment, and then go back to the drawing board (or cellar). Other years are golden, where it seems that the stars just align and you spend the year filled with gratitude. For De Krans, 2022 was such a year.
When the 2022 Tim Atkin Annual South Africa Special Report was released back in September (only a few days after we released our Spring newsletter) we were so excited to receive fantastic scores for three of our wines, De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2020 (95 points), the De Krans Cape Tawny Limited Release (92 points) and the Garden Route Sauvignon blanc 2022 (91 points). Tim Atkin, British Master of Wine, has a vast knowledge and experience of South African wines. Receiving a good Tim Atkin rating never gets old and we couldn’t be happier.
De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2018 and Garden Route Sauvignon Blanc 2022 were awarded Gold medals at this year’s coveted Veritas Awards. Regarded as SA’s premier wine competition, the 2022 Veritas Competition awarded 103 Double Gold and 136 Gold medals. A total of 1 312 entries were received, which were judged by a panel of 70 local specialists during a five-day blind tasting session.
One of our favourite competitions has to be the Rosé Rocks Wine Competition – a literal pink fest of dry Rosé’s and sparkling sweetness, this competition just always feels very festive and celebratory. We are thrilled to announce that both the Premium Rosé Moscato Perlé and the Pinotage Rosé have received Gold Awards at this year’s Rosé Rocks Wine Competition. This annual wine competition where wines are judged blind by a four-person panel, celebrates Rosé wines in two categories: 1. Rosé Wine 2. Sparkling and MCC Rosé.
The awards season continued with the Ultra Value Wine Challenge, where the standout wine was the De Krans Premium Moscato Perlé Rosé 2022, which has not only received a Double Gold medal, but was also announced as the Sparkling Wine of the Year at the 2022 Ultra Value Wine challenge. The De Krans Pinotage Rosé 2022 and the De Krans Free-Run Chenin Blanc 2022 were both awarded Gold medals, with the De Krans Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 and the De Krans Premium Cape Ruby NV receiving silver medals. The annual Ultra Value Wine Challenge identifies the very best wine buys that sell for under R130 per bottle – the largest price point sector in the South African wine market.
It only seems fitting to end off the award season by being able to shine the spotlight on our winemaker, Christoff de Wet, for his selection as one of the six finalists in the 2022 Diners Club Winemaker of the Year. The category for 2022 Winemaker of the Year is Sauvignon Blanc, with Christoff receiving the nomination for producing the 2022 Garden Route Sauvignon Blanc. More than 180 entries were received this year, and after an intense judging process the field was narrowed down to 12 finalists – six for Winemaker of the Year and six for Young Winemaker of the year. The nominations are presented to the winemakers who produce a wine that the judging panel considers to be the best in a specified class – this year, Sauvignon Blanc.
We are thrilled to announce that De Krans Wines received fantastic ratings in the 2023 Platter’s Wine Guide, which was announced yesterday. We are especially thankful to have walked away with a 5 Star Rating as well as the Wine of The Year Award for our Muscat Blanc 2022 in the Dessert Wine (Fortified) Category. The other wine ratings received were as follows:
* 4.5 Star Rating *
Garden Route Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Touriga Nacional 2020
Tritonia Verdelho 2021
Cape Tawny Limited Release NV
Cape Vintage 2020
Cape Vintage Reserve 2020
* 4 Star Rating *
Tinta Roriz 2020
Premium Cape Ruby NV
Original Espresso NV
Garden Route Shiraz 2020
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If you find yourself on Route 62 on your way to Calitzdorp, Summer is also synonymous with fruit picking – classic, old-school, good-old fruit picking. During the months of November through to February we offer visitors the opportunity to bring their own basket, cooler box, or buy a carton, and head on out into the orchards and vineyards, and pick your own fruit – a wonderful tradition that has been a part of what makes De Krans special for many years. Whether you make it a family activity or bring your friends along, there is nothing better than spending some quality time in nature (yes, your furry friend is also welcome – just remember to bring along a leash). From 18 November to 4 December the Bulida apricots will be available to pick at R9 per kg. For delicious Oom Sarel cling peaches, make sure to save the dates 16 to 24 December when they will be ready for perfect pickings at R10 per kg. We will once again ring in the New Year with our annual Hanepoot picking from 1 February to 20 February 2022 at R10 per kg. Please note that the fruit picking is subject to availability, and to avoid disappointment we advise that you phone the farm beforehand, or look out for updates on our social media platforms and website ahead of your visit.
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Your visit won’t be complete without a stop at the De Krans Bistro & Deli for a chilled glass of De Krans wine and a cheese platter, a cappuccino or a delicious breakfast or lunch. The De Krans Bistro & Deli is home to a selection of delicious country cuisine, where guests can enjoy a variety of hearty, wholesome dishes. When you visit us this summer, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of small plates, delicious homemade cocktails, as well as an updated kiddies menu including a new health option. We are also excited to announce that our breakfast hours have now been extended to 12pm. All the lunch dishes have been paired to be enjoyed with wines from the De Krans range, allowing visitors to enjoy a thoughtfully curated food and wine pairing experience. For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to keep an eye out for the delicious desserts on offer. Visitors can choose to sit indoors, which is air-conditioned and a blessing on some sweltering hot days. Alternatively, choose to sit outside in the shade of the trellised Hanepoot vineyard. There is also a playground for young children, two boules courses, as well as a walk-around chessboard, making De Krans a family-friendly destination. In addition, the deli also offers visitors a wide selection of homemade items produced in and around Calitzdorp and the Klein Karoo. These include olives, olive oil, preserves, homemade rusks, honey and other delicious, seasonal treats from the area. When stopping by for fruit picking, why not grab the opportunity to taste our wide range of award winning wines and stock up on your old favourites or try something new. The collection ranges from port-styled to still wines and boast numerous local and international accolades amongst them. What better way to relax and celebrate the start of summer than visiting the countryside and getting closer to nature? This summer, take the road less traveled and you might be surprised where you end up. We can’t wait to share in your summer memories.
During the fruit picking season our operating hours are as follows (Monday to Sunday):
Fruit picking: 8am to 4pm
Bistro and Deli: 9am to 4:30pm (kitchen closes at 3.30pm)
Wine Tasting and Sales: 9am to 4:30pm
For more information and/ or bookings visit www.dekrans.co.za, email : dekrans@mweb.co.za or contact us at 044 2133314.
Please note that we will be open for the entire festive period, except for Christmas Day (25 December) when we will be closed. Throughout summer our business hours will be as follows (Monday to Sunday):
Bistro and Deli: 9am to 4:30pm (kitchen closes at 3.30pm)
Wine Tasting and Sales: 9am to 4:30pm
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We just love connecting with you through social media. Whether you tag us when you buy your favourite bottle of De Krans wine, or while visiting us on the farm, we love hearing your feedback and looking at your pictures. Please stay in touch this summer by tagging us as we share in your summer memories, or share your thoughts by writing a review about your visit to us on Google review or TripAdvisor.
Should you plan to visit us for some fruit picking, remember to check our social media platforms for any last minute updates or changes, or phone the office at 044 2133 314 for any enquiries.
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For us summer is synonymous with sunny, warm Klein Karoo days, lush green vines and of course our new Premium P&T (Port-style and Tonic). Winter has been too long and to celebrate the start of summer, for all orders of R1000 and more that we receive on or before 5 December, we are giving away a free 275ml bottle of the P&T to taste – on us.
Remember to serve it chilled, and share it with a loved one or a friend – chances are you will have found your new favourite summer drink. Made from white port, our new P&T is a pre-mixed, sparkling cocktail and the first of its kind in South Africa. Its unique passion fruit, citrus, pineapple and peach flavours are not only delicious, but also super refreshing, and whether you enjoy it chilled and straight from the bottle, or on ice with garnish like dried orange or pineapple. In addition to our wine club and online shop, the P&T is also available through Takealot, selected Ultra liquor stores, selected Tops stores and some independent stores.
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Yes, we are jumping on the bandwagon too, because we don’t want to miss out, but most of all, we don’t want you to miss out. For our De Krans Black Friday Promotion, there will be a 50% discount on all P&T orders received ON Friday 25 November (yes, only from 12.01am until midnight). This is a fantastic opportunity to taste our P&T for the first time, or to stock up if it has already become your new favourite. Happy shopping!
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Summer is all about good food, wine, and great company. We simply can’t wait to share in your summer memories – whether you enjoy the Moscato as an alternative for a bubbly, enjoy our delicious Garden Route Sauvignon or Pinotage Rosé with your favourite braaied fish, or one of our reds with your lamb chop or steak. Hereby our special recommended selection for this summer:
Garden Route Sauvignon Blanc 2022
The Garden Route wine label was created with the aim of producing top quality wine from cool-climate cultivars, with the grapes sourced from the Upper-Langkloof ward and making the wine at De Krans. The 2022 Garden Route Sauvignon Blanc is everything a modern and quality Sauvignon Blanc should be – soft on the palate, with a great complexity of flavours including green pepper, fynbos, passion fruit and guava, with a balanced and integrated acidity, and a lingering aftertaste. Harvesting usually takes place early March during the early hours of the morning to ensure the grapes get to the cellar at the coolest possible temperature. The wine pairs excellently with fresh cob or stump nose, served with a lime dressing, or a snoek or salmon pâté.
Tritonia Verdelho
The counterpart of the Tritonia Red (Calitzdorp Blend), this flagship white wine pays tribute to the Portuguese grape variety Verdelho, of which the vineyards were planted at De Krans in 2015 on the banks of the Gamka river. Not your everyday white, this wine has spent 12 months in oak and shows melon, lime, apricots, toasted almonds and floral blossoms on the nose, with ripe fruit, dried orange, nuts and soft oak on the palate. The wine is beautifully elegant and soft, with a balanced and refreshing acidity. From a simple chickpea salad, to braaied chicken, sea trout, or Christmas –day gammon, this wine will elevate its accompanying dish and definitely get the guests talking.
A Twist of Fate
This lighter style red wine is probably one of the most featured wines in our newsletters. Its chameleon-like way of being able to blend into different seasons and adapting to the food it’s served with, makes it an all year-round favourite, and with the rise in popularity in cultivars like Cinsault and Grenache, lighter-style red wines are definitely “in” this season. A blend of Tinta Amarela and Tinta Barocca, the A Twist of Fate tells the story of how the port- industry started in Calitzdorp by a mere Twist of Fate. Tinta Barocca was the first Portuguese variety to find its way to the Klein Karoo back in 1973 – by mistake, as Oupa Chris Nel was under the impression he had planted Shiraz. The rest is history, and with its strawberry, red cherry and spicy character, with delightful leather and earthiness, the wine no doubt will match in storytelling, what it offers in taste. Pair this wine with springbok carpaccio, or enjoy with a good-old braai.
Premium Moscato Rosé Perlé 2022
Following the success of the Premium Moscato White Perlé, together with the resurgence of the Rosé category, it only made sense to add a Rosé Moscato to the range. Made similar to the White Moscato, using Muscadel and Hanepoot grapes, the Rosé Moscato has a small percentage of Pinotage to give it the beautiful blush colour, and also adds some complexity to the flavour profile. This lightly sparkling wine boasts delicious strawberry, candy floss and muscat flavours with spicy aromas on the nose. Even though it is a natural sweet wine, the balanced acidity on the finish pleasantly surprises and together with the low alcohol of 8,5%, makes this a winning recipe. We recommend serving the Moscato in bubbly glasses as an alternative for a bubbly, or enjoy in a white wine glass served ice cold. Whether you enjoy it on its own, or with a salad, pizza or cheese- and charcuterie board, this is the ultimate summer favourite.
Original Cape Pink
The original Cape Pink, first produced by De Krans Wines in 2008, is probably one of the most versatile port-style wines and is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca , Tinta Amarela and Tinta Roriz. Made to be a “summer” port-style wine to be served chilled, this wine is delicious when enjoyed as a cocktail (visit our website for recipe ideas) or as an after dinner dessert, served on ice cubes, crushed ice, or as is. Similar to a Rosé, this lighter port-style wine achieves its beautiful pink colour from only a few hours of skin contact and is packed with elegant red fruit flavours like strawberries, cherries, and a hint of candy floss. The original Cape Pink is ideally paired with trifle, panna cotta, ice cream, or berries and meringue.
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We are running our quarterly newsletter giveaway and for our Summer Giveaway, two lucky winners stand the chance to each win a case of P&T (24 x 275ml bottles). All you have to do is to order wine to the value of least R2000 and you could be taking this amazing prize home. This competition is open to all wine club members with a valid South African delivery address.
Order wine to a minimum value of R2000 and receive a free door-to-door delivery nationwide (one delivery address per order). Should your order be for less than R2000, 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 be able to courier wine in multiples of 6 bottles (a full case), and in the case of our P&T a total of 24 x 275ml bottles will make up a full case, to minimize breakages.
We also would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone for their loyal support throughout this year. We wish you and your family and friends a summer filled with fantastic moments and wonderful memories, and a festive time filled with peace. Travel safely!
Take care,
The De Krans Wines team
