Johan Reyneke, viticulturist and partner of Reyneke Wines is serious about producing excellent wine — biodynamically.

Biodynamic farming requires a certified organic status as an essential prerequisite. To this end three variables are implemented.

Firstly, a holistic view is taken of the farm as a 'living organism' the aim here is to encourage all forms of life (plants, animals and humans) on the farm to flourish in a rich diversity.

Secondly, herbal preparations such as yarrows, chamomile, valerian, stinging nettle, and so on, are used in homeopathic quantities to foster plant and animal vitality and longevity.

In the third instance a planting and pruning calendar is adhered to, which ensures harmony with the natural rhythms and cycles that influence all life processes on the farm. In organic viticulture no harmful herbicides, pesticides or fungicides are permitted in the vineyards.

The Reyneke farm can be found on the Polkadraai hills outside of Stellenbosch.

Man and the environment

Working in close relationship with the University of Stellenbosch, they have, since 1988, replanted vineyards with noble cultivars suitable for the area. Johan is fascinated by the extraordinary relationship between man and environment and from the outset he has encouraged empowerment practises. It was in fact his workers who were the architects of the master plan for the farm.

Johan has had amazing success from using these farming methods and his wines speak clearly of consistent quality.

On a recent visit to the farm Johan and his team presented a tasting of their current wines. Their whites — the Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc both showed exquisite expression of fruit with balanced acidity and lovely freshness.

The flagship white — a wooded Sauvignon Blanc — had a delicious creaminess which went well with the organic snacks offered at the tasting. Their award-winning Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon were both powerful and elegant wines but the surprise of the day was the Cornerstone red blend.

The Cornerstone 2007

The Reyneke Organic Cornerstone 2007 is a serious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz.

The wine imparts spicy black cherry aromas which invites you to a palate of intense black fruit flavours with a long rich velvety finish. The wine benefitted from 16 months in French oak and although perfectly acceptable to drink now there is potential for several years of further cellaring.

Expect to pay: R98

To order this, contact Wine Concepts.