New vintage releases from La Petite Ferme, Franschhoek
Overlooking the Franschhoek Valley, La Petite Ferme – the name translates simply as ‘the small farm’ – is situated alongside the Oliphants Pass on the slopes of the Middagkrans Mountain Range. Over the decades, it has evolved into a memorable winelands destination that includes a boutique hotel, an award-winning restaurant which serves country cuisine with a fresh contemporary touch, and a celebrated winery.
Small and intimate, the boutique-style cellar is managed by talented winemaker Wikus Pretorius, who prior to joining La Petite Ferme in 2015, worked for some of South Africa’s top wineries as well as estates in the premier wine regions of France, California and Australia. The portfolio of hand-crafted wines currently includes four whites – Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and a pair of Chardonnays – alongside a rosé (from Grenache), three single-varietal reds – Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz – as well as two flagships, the Bordeaux-style red blend called Verdict, and one of Pretorius’s “evolutions”, a Rhône-style red called Variation.
On introducing the 2023 releases, Pretorius highlighted three wines that exemplify the diversity of the range: the Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2022 and the Grenache Rosé 2023, both newcomers, and the 2018 vintage of the Verdict.
La Petite Ferme Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2022
The grapes for this vintage are all from La Petite Ferme’s Franschhoek vineyards, revealing a fresh line of acidity that lingers until throughout the dry, elegant palate. There are citrus and lime notes with white pear on the nose. The oak, as with the 2021 vintage, is very subtle.
La Petite Ferme Grenache Rosé 2023
100% Grenache Noir, showing beautiful aromas of strawberry candyfloss, a palate of fresh and lively acidity with citrus and grapefruit notes.
La Petite Ferme Verdict 2018
A Bordeaux-style blend – 82% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon – titillating with a violet and cherry perfume that leads to a broad palate of lively cassis fruit and chalky tannins full of energy and flavour. To be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 10 years after vintage.
• La Petite Wines are available at the farm in Franschhoek, at selected retail outlets, as well as online through the La Petite Ferme website and wine club. Wine tastings at La Petite Ferme are by appointment. For more information, click here.
