The Naked Truth

25 June 2008

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Cape Grace’s Carno du Toit, The Naked Winemaker, shares some trade secrets on how to become a wine connoisseur.

What makes a good wine?
A good wine is determined by the way it is made – from the health and quality of the grapes to good cellar practices and excellent balance. But many other factors add to its enjoyment. Good company and a special occasion will always make a bottle of wine more memorable.

A wine must deliver on what it promises. If you know what you are drinking, most of the time you won’t be disappointed. I know people who turn up their noses to a Romani-Conti because they are not familiar with the style and history of this magnificent wine but will happily insist that a £4.99 bottle they bought is the best in the world.

Experiment and taste as much wine as possible. Read up on wine and sample as much as you can to get a feel for what you enjoy. Remember that everyone’s taste differs and what one person may enjoy, another may not.

Is price always an indication of quality?
I see it more as an indication of style. If you are looking for a big, robust red with 18 to 24 months maturation in barrels you are unlikely to find it for under £5 as it is simply not possible to make it for that. Wine can sometimes be sold at a higher price simply because it is viewed as a ‘premium’ product. This does not always reflect its quality, so don’t be afraid to go for a mid-price wine or lower – they are still good wines.

What key things can a wine label tell you about a wine?
Apart from the obvious like the vintage, varietals and origin of the wine, the look and feel of a label also conveys the style. If the label is modern and contemporary, the style of the wine usually reflects this.

Once you have selected your wine, what is the best way to store it?
Store it out of direct sunlight in a place where there is least variation in temperature. Fluctuation in temperature is the main culprit for destroying a wine. Ideally, wine should be stored between 10 and 15 degrees although up to 20 degrees is fine. Keep it well away from boilers and ovens and never in outdoor sheds as the temperature change in these places can be too radical. A perfect place is somewhere cool, slightly dank, and dark. Remember to lay wines with corks on their sides. Screw cap bottles can be stored at any angle.

What is the best way to serve red wine?
Red wine should be served at between 14 to 18 degrees. Room temperature is usually higher than this, so red wine often benefits from slight cooling in the fridge - about 20 minutes should do the trick. Most young wines will benefit from decanting and breathing for 15 minutes or so. Mature wines can also taste better after being decanted to ‘open up’, but some rapidly oxidise and deteriorate, making it wiser to pour them straight from the bottle into the glass.

What is the best way to sample wine?
Sample your wine in natural light using a tulip-shaped tasting glass. Try and taste wine in an odourless environment, away from heavily scented perfumes and cooking smells, to fully appreciate its qualities. If you’re tasting a number of wines, regularly rinse your palate with water and dry crackers. Light white wines should be tasted before full-bodied reds with sweet wines and port tasted last.

Why do you think South African wines are such good value for money?
There is a huge diversity of terroir and styles to choose from in South Africa, with wine growing regions benefiting from soaring mountains, the influence of the Atlantic, and some of the oldest soils in the world. South Africa combines the best of both New World and Old World techniques.

What are particularly good grape varieties from South Africa and why?
I am very fond of Chenin Blanc, which is probably the most versatile varietal we have, and it can be made in a young, early drinking style that easily rivals Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. It can also be made into rich, opulent wines that stand shoulder to shoulder with great Chardonnays. It blends beautifully with most white varietals and has great maturation potential.

Shiraz is another terrific varietal and South Africa has various different styles from big robust Shiraz from the Swartland region, to more refined and spicy Shiraz from the Stellenbosch Region.

What makes Cape Grace wines special?
Cape Grace brings all the factors of diversity, terroir, style and value together in its wines, which are renowned for their affordable quality.

Why are you known as ‘The Naked Winemaker’?
It started out as a bit of a joke. I was on a photo shoot at Cape Grace and steeled my nerves with a glass or two of wine. The shoot took rather longer than planned, by which time I had lost my inhibitions completely and ‘The Naked Winemaker’ was born! It is also rather more figurative than literal. I enjoy stripping wine down to what it really is and making it accessible to everybody.

So you don’t make your wine in the nude then?
No – I never have and never will! Cellars are cold and not the kind of place where you want to leave anything dangling…

About Cape Grace wines
Using the finest quality grapes from the vineyards in the Western Cape of South Africa, the Cape Grace range includes Pinotage Merlot, a soft, velvety wine combining the taste of plums and mulberries, Cape Grace Semillon Chenin Blanc with clean, fruity aromas of peach, melon and passion fruit. Cape Grace wine is available from ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield and Waitrose, with prices starting from £4.49.

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