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Franschhoek revisits its roots of good wines

Wine and dine - Stock image
Wine and dine - Stock image

A picturesque valley nestling in a remote corner of the Cape winelands lets its French spirit show with brimming pride come July 14 every year - all in celebration of the French revolution which swept that nation on a day that has become known as Bastille Day since 1789.

This year, the annual Bastille Day festivities were filled with the usual fanfare as the valley of Franschhoek - known as South Africa's French corner - marked it by connecting with its French roots.

Founded by the French Huguenots who settled in the Cape from 1688, the town celebrates its French heritage by proudly draping itself with the national white, blue and red colours of France.

The festivities culminate in a feasting at Bastille Festival on food and wine produced by the cream of the valley's wine estates, cementing the valley as the home of the country's gourmet food and wine culture.

The Bastille Festival, held on July 16 and 17, sets a carnival tone for both locals and tourists seduced by the majestic beauty of the valley and its world-famous wines and gourmet restaurants.

Franschhoek is home to iconic wine labels such as Rupert & Rothschild, L'Omarins, Graham Beck, La Motte, Haute Cabriere and Leopard's Leap.

Lying at the heart of Franschhoek is one of the valley's jewels - the Grande Provence Heritage wine estate, which draws hundreds of wine lovers not only because of its architectural appeal, but for its stellar wines that have helped establish Franschhoek as an eminent wine enclave.

Grande Provence caters for two types of wine lovers: first for those who love their wines to be more complex and with aging potential, and then for those who prefer their tipple to be easy and unsophisticated.

The Angels Tears label caters for the latter. These wines are instantly recognisable for their distinct fruity style, easy on the palate and great value for money.

That is the idea behind the Angels Tears label, to drink these wines by the pool side, at lunch time or with friends.

Check out the 2016 Sauvignon Blanc with its crispy palate or the juicy Muscat/Chenin Blanc and a dry Rosé, which have been released recently.

The Muscat/Chenin Blanc blend strikes a good chord with Asian dishes like mild curries and even fruit salad. Meanwhile, the dry Rosé is ideally for the weight conscious.

Winemaker Karl Lambour suggests delicacies such as strawberries, salads and light seafood dishes to enjoy with this wine.

The Angels Tears wines are available countrywide for around R38 a bottle.

Grande Provence hosts a memorable indulgence with their wines in the form of tasting of wine-infused chocolates, all designed to highlight and tease out the flavours of Angels Tears Rosé, Grande Provence Rosé and Grande Provence Pinot Noir.

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