{"id":700,"date":"2021-06-21T12:45:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-21T10:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.winestyle.co.za\/?p=700"},"modified":"2021-06-21T12:55:47","modified_gmt":"2021-06-21T10:55:47","slug":"robertson-and-mcgregor-getaway-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winestyle.co.za\/index.php\/2021\/06\/21\/robertson-and-mcgregor-getaway-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"Robertson and McGregor Getaway Weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A long weekend breakaway is always a pleasure, and this escape to the Robertson region was no exception. My main intention for the trip was to experience the newly established and remarkable Silverthorn wine cellar and tasting room, and to visit its creators, John and Karen Loubser whose classic MCC bubbly range and company I\u2019ve enjoyed for several years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Silverthorn, the pride of John and Karen Loubser<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

A bit of history<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silverthorn, one of my favourite M\u00e9thode Cap Classique wines, was produced by John Loubser while in his position as winemaker at Steenberg Estate. He later became Steenberg\u2019s general manager, before choosing, in 2017, to take on an even bigger challenge of further establishing and building the Silverthorn brand. As he so beautifully put it: \u201cAfter an incredible journey at Steenberg, for which I am eternally grateful, I am thrilled to channel all my passion and energy into Silverthorn Wines. This is the culmination of a lifelong goal and dream. I have finally conquered my Everest, now for the stars \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Karen and John Loubser<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Silverthorn Farm, for which the wine is named, is situated outside Robertson on the Breede River and was originally bought by Karen\u2019s family in 1976. In 1999, however, John and Karen took it over. Detailing their story over social media, the Loubsers rezoned the farm from agricultural to industrial use, the end result being their magnificent cellar and tasting room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tasting room and cellar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>
John Loubser shares his vast wine knowledge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

On the banks of the Breede River and overlooking both the river and the Riviersonderend mountains, Silverthorn is a well-positioned and beautifully decorated. Its energy and warmth need to be personally experienced for full effect \u2013 and so do the wines!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The complete range of Silverthorn MCC wines are available for tasting at the tasting room, which is open six days a week (Monday to Friday between 09h00 and 15h00 and Saturday 10:00 \u2013 15:00). The personal tasting, which is presented by John and\/or Karen Loubser. They give a fascinating first-hand account of the terroir, soils, fossils found on the farm and the captivating stories of how the names for each of their bubbles were found, making the visit truly worthwhile.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The M<\/strong>\u00e9<\/strong>thode Cap Classique tasting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The four MCC bubbles themselves are some of the best on offer in South Africa and we tasted the following, The Green Man, The Genie, Jewel Box and the new kid on the block River Dragon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

River Dragon is Loubser\u2019s latest offering to the portfolio \u2013 an MCC from the Colombard grape varietal. Jewel Box, however, remains one of my favourites and the 2017 vintage does not disappoint. Light straw in colour, with fine, delicate bubbles, this MCC is 70% barrel-fermented chardonnay and 30% pinot noir. John explains that the style of the wine-making process for Jewel Box was inspired by his all-time favourite champagnes: Krug and Bollinger. It sits 44 months on the lees, has gorgeous aromas of marzipan and roasted almonds. It\u2019s taste is full, dry and rich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important information about Silverthorn<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n