Guild aimed to blend the perfect recipe for an exquisite Bordeaux
The Lydenburg Wine Guild has been entering the annual Blaauwklippen Blending Competition (BBC) since the club's inception in 1987 – and this year will be no exception. What with the guild's 2019 winning reputation and good name to be upheld!
Although somewhat postponed due to Covid regulations, the 2021 entries have to be submitted before the end of September.
Ten members and friends of the guild came together at Paardeplaats Nature Retreat to prepare their blending recipe for an exquisite Bordeaux blend.
The guild president, Dr Jakkie Swanepoel, orchestrated the process, ordering the four raw Blaauwklippen wines and measuring apparatus for the winemaking exercise.
The Paardeplaats host, Brian Whitehorn, prepared a mezze spread and warned newcomers that it would be “work before eat”.
Each participant received a glass of Saronsberg Bordeaux blend for comparison, and the scene was set for intensive winemaking.
Due to the intricate process of measuring different percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, the blenders traditionally kept to multiples of 5 or10 ml at any time. Not so this year.
Dr Johan Düring fetched unused syringes from his suitcase, and for the first time, it was possible to add milliliters of any cultivar to the recipe. After the 11th round of intensive swirling, nosing, and tasting, the team members were happy with their Bordeaux blend.
BBC runs a Facebook competition to focus more attention on this annual competition. Local wine lovers and friends could assist the guild by liking Gerda Whitehorn’s Facebook post on Lydenburg’s attempt at putting our town on the wine map once again. For more information or to join the club, WhatsApp Gerda on 079 515 7799.
