The Thelema farm, comprising 157 hectares, has 55 hectares planted with vines which help them make around 5 whites and 5 red wines. Thomas explained that Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay make up what he considers to be their premier labels. He says that growing fruit is their top priority - vinification is easy . He also added that at Thelema they aim to make very dry, high acid wines that express regional characteristics and are not extremely fruit forward.
Thomas stated that organic farming wasn’t enough. Sustainable farming and the health of the soil, the very foundation of the IPW certificate, is very important. They make there own compost and in order to add nitrogen to the vines for their healthy growth, they plant nitrogen-intensive fava- bean plants between the row of vines.
Situated at the highest level n the region with very cool weather, Thelema vineyards are blessed by nature. Thomas had interesting stories to tell of his grandmother who was equally attached to their wines and used to contribute to the improvement of the quality..
Right from the beginning UK has been one of their prominent buyers amongst European countries, says Thomas. Thelema Mountain Vineyards remains a benchmark for viticultural excellence in South Africa. Their wines are constantly rated with 90+ points by Wine Spectator and Robert Parker.
Visiting India right after his China visit, Thomas had complimentary comments to make about India . Though it was his first visit to Mumbai, he already felt the closeness with Indians through the wine and wine culture. Along with Vishal, he spelt their goal for India – gradual introduction to the palate of Indian wine lovers- a big prospective challenge and a huge opportunity.
Thomas took the invitees through three of their award winning wines- , Thelema Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Thelema Shiraz 2007 and Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon 2007.
If Thelema Sauvignon Blanc had a typical European grandeur with its lush fruity and sweet style with a class, the two reds, were bold, strong, full bodied, balanced and were spicy in flavours. .Shiraz in its characteristic bold, robust and tasty finish did impress Their Cab took the toast for its bone dry flavour and yet a fruity finish.
Sidd Banerji
with inputs from Subhash Arora |