World first as a new certification seal is launched by the Old Vine Project

By Admin | 20th April 2018

All over the world, old vines get proudly mentioned on labels, in many languages. Such is the value placed on old vineyards and the wines they produce. But only in one country, South Africa, is it possible for old vineyards to be certified by a regulatory authority. In South Africa, members of the Old Vine Project (OVP) can now put a Certified Heritage Vineyards seal on bottles of wine made from vineyards of 35 years or older, together with the planting date. This is a guarantee to the consumer of authentic wines grown according to the OVP viticultural and winemaking guidelines.

The first wines bearing the seal are now starting to appear on retail shelves around the world. 

World first as a new certification seal is launched by the Old Vine Project

All over the world, old vines get proudly mentioned on labels, in many languages. Such is the value placed on old vineyards and the wines they produce. But only in one country, South Africa, is it possible for old vineyards to be certified by a regulatory authority. In South Africa, members of the Old Vine Project (OVP) can now put a Certified Heritage Vineyards seal on bottles of wine made from vineyards of 35 years or older, together with the planting date. This is a guarantee to the consumer of authentic wines grown according to the OVP viticultural and winemaking guidelines.

The first wines bearing the seal are now starting to appear on retail shelves around the world. 

This is a crucial step forward for the OVP and its mission to preserve Cape vines older than 35 years – which also means, of course, developing the culture of caring for younger vines too, so they can look forward to a healthy and productive old age. The OVP wants to focus the minds of winegrowers, winemakers and all wine drinkers on the benefits that come with age in vines.

Some of the most exciting new wines in South Africa have come from noble old vines, the fruit from which had mostly been disappearing into huge anonymous tanks, the farmers receiving little reward for the low yields. Says Rosa Kruger: “We also believe that the renewed focus on the quality that old vines in South Africa can give will help to raise the price of grapes in our country.”

Now these wines – and the vineyards that produce them – are receiving both local and international acclaim.

In 2016, the OVP was formalised, with sponsorship from Johann Rupert. André Morgenthal (and, briefly, Jaco Engelbrecht) joined Kruger to take things forward. The OVP team has presented many tastings of some of the wines coming off these fine old vineyards, at home and abroad – from London to Dubrovnik(!) to New York – attracting interest and acclaim.

And, for the second year, the OVP presented old vine tastings as part of the University of Stellenbosch (US) Woordfees festival programme. One of the events was filmed by CNN, who were in the Cape for two weeks to shoot a documentary on the work of the OVP.

With traction gained and awareness spreading, more projects are being launched to augment the OVP footprint. “The time has arrived for the feel-good stories of vineyards and heritage to be complemented by tangible initiatives to add value to the old vine custodians and the greater industry,” says Morgenthal.

Already research has commenced to ascertain consumer perception of old vine wines, through a joint venture between the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, Winetech and the US. The Stellenbosch University’s Institute for Wine Biotechnology in collaboration with the Chenin Blanc Association is researching the unique qualities of old vine Chenin with Winetech, while Vititec has started massal selection on significant old vine blocks in order to clean the cuttings from virus and then propagating plant material for renewed planting.

It’s always been a dream of the OVP team to be able to give back to the workers who tend these special vineyards. Felco, the Swiss-based pruning shears manufacturer, has made this dream come true by sponsoring specialised old vine pruning courses for OVP members’ vineyard workers.

 

Later this year, the OVP stand will no doubt be one of the star attractions at Cape Wine 2018. And the number of wines bearing the Certified Heritage Vineyards seal will be growing. Look out for the seal. A bottle of wine that carries the authenticated date when the vines that bore its fruit were planted is worth exploring.

 

Current members of the Old Vine Project:

 

AJ Du Toit

Alheit Vineyards

Allee Bleue

Anthonij Rupert Wyne

Bellevue Wine Estate

Boekenhoutskloof Winery

Bosman Adama Family Wines

Cecilia Wines

Daschbosch

David en Nadia

DeMorgenzon

DGB - Bellingham

Fairview Wines

Gabriëlskloof

Hogan Wines

 

Huis van Chevallerie

Koelenhof Wynkelder

Kruger Family Wines

Lammershoek Farms & Winery

Meerendal Wine Estate

Metzer Family Wines

Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines

Naude Family Wine Company

Reyneke Wines

Spice Route Wines

Terracura

The Sadie Family Wines

Thorne and Daughters Wines

Villiera Wines

Waterford Estate

Wolvenhoek Boerdery