The age of a bottle of wine can be quite important. And just as with people, wines can be quite sensitive about the issue. Not all wines get better with age, some prefer to be enjoyed while young and fresh, others urge you to let them mellow for a short while and for a number of wines, it would be a waste not to allow them plenty of resting time before opening them for a special occasion. If you get it wrong, you might be quite disappointed.
But it is not an easy or exact science and it goes much deeper than ageing reds and drinking whites early. Expect the cultivar, vintage conditions, terroir, winemaking methods and storage conditions to all contribute to the way a wine matures. And what is considered being matured for one wine, might not be matured for the next. At five years some wines might still be too young to confidently show their character, while some others might be at the top of their game – or even already over it!
To offer guests an opportunity to learn more about wines and how they age, the ever innovative team at La Motte presents a Vinoteque tasting that introduces guests to the art of wine maturation and the ability of South African wines to embrace maturation when they are made in the correct style and kept in ideal conditions.
A perfect activity for the cold winter months, the La Motte Vinoteque tasting is hosted in the estate’s beautiful Rupert vinoteque where a well-informed wine tasting ambassador will conduct guests through a tasting of La Motte wines at various stages of maturation and discuss the wines in the broader context of the Franschhoek Valley and Cape winemaking region. Not only will guests be introduced to an exclusive selection of wines not otherwise available for tasting, but they will also be guided towards making better decisions when it comes to purchasing and cellaring special wines.
The La Motte Vinoteque Tasting is a wonderful activity for those who enjoy exploring the complexities of wine and a perfect treat for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Vinoteque Tastings are strictly on appointment only: Mondays to Frida, 09:00 – 15:00. Closed on Sundays and Christian religious public holidays. To book: tasting@la-motte.co.za or +27(0)21 876 8820.
Cost: R200 per person – maximum of 8 people.
No children under the age of 18 allowed.
