On the occasion of Women’s Day on August 9th and throughout the month of August, recognized as Women’s Month in South Africa, the nation pays homage to the unwavering strength, resilience, and impactful contributions of women to society and the country.
At Muratie, an esteemed historic estate entrenched in South African heritage, where the farm’s rich legacy is passionately upheld, the adage “Every Wine Tells A Story” prevails. With an enduring history of remarkable and compelling women shaping Muratie, both in the past and present, the estate takes great pride in presenting the ‘Women of Muratie’ wine collection, a heartfelt tribute to their instrumental roles in crafting the Muratie of today.
ANSELA VAN DE CAAB
In honor of Ansela van de Caab, Muratie’s flagship Bordeaux-style red blend stands as a tribute to her indomitable spirit. Her tale is interwoven into South African folklore as an emblem of resistance against the harrowing grip of slavery in the late 17th century. Born and raised in the Castle’s slave quarters, Ansela’s heart intertwined with Laurens Campher, a charismatic German soldier in service to the Dutch East Indian Company. Notably, he became the first proprietor of Muratie. After a 14-year courtship, Ansela’s shackles of slavery were broken, allowing her to wed Laurens and establish her abode at Muratie. Their devotion manifested in the planting of Muratie’s inaugural vineyards and the planting of an oak tree, a symbol of marital blessings. This very tree endures at Muratie, as does their modest white house, now home to the MOK Gallery. Following Laurens’ passing, Ansela inherited the estate, becoming a pioneering woman of color to possess her own farm.
The Muratie Ansela van de Caab, a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, tantalizes the palate with opulent dark fruits (blackcurrants, cassis), accompanied by alluring wood spice (sandalwood, cigar box) and savory undertones of olive tapenade, culminating in a lingering finish.
LADY ALICE SARAH STANFORD
Muratie’s Lady Alice Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wine, derived from 100% Pinot Noir, is an ode to the vivacious spirit of Lady Alice. Her life was a perpetual celebration, infusing the Muratie Manor House with joy and revelry. As the spouse of a senator, who acquired Muratie in 1909, Lady Alice mastered the art of hosting, rendering each occasion a dance of merriment enriched with jazzy melodies and the essence of fine wine. Festivities at Muratie were ceaseless: luncheons, cocktails, soirées, banquets, balls, and costume extravaganzas, complemented by pursuits such as shooting, hunting, and tennis gatherings.
The Muratie Lady Alice Rosé MCC enchants with lively notes of strawberries, cranberries, and naartjie, buoyed by an invigorating zest, offset by hints of shortbread opulence and a velvety texture.
ALBERTA ANNEMARIE CANITZ
Alberta Annemarie Canitz, an audacious pioneer who emerged as one of the foremost female wine farm proprietors in South Africa, is venerated through Muratie’s Merlot that bears her name. In 1926, artist George Paul Canitz embarked on a horseback expedition with his daughter Alberta Annemarie, fortuitously encountering Muratie. Enchanted by the property, he ultimately acquired it, bequeathing it to his daughter upon his passing, thereby solidifying her status as one of the country’s earliest female wine-farm owners. Alberta, fiercely independent, retained Muratie as her father left it, exhibiting her resolute spirit even into her 80s, riding unyieldingly, only yielding when she declared the horse too advanced in age.
A fragrant symphony of ripe plums characterizes the youthful Muratie Alberta Annemarie Merlot, evolving to reveal intricate layers of dark cherries, cocoa, cinnamon, and toasted hazelnut. Its delightful sweetness and full-bodied opulence harmonize with fresh acidity and a sprinkle of aromatic herbs.
AMBER
The alluring Muratie Amber Forever dessert wine derives its name from Amber, the muse and model of George Paul Canitz, whose portrait adorns the Muratie tasting room. In the 1940s, Kathleen Winsor penned “Forever Amber,” a tale set in 17th century England depicting the ascent of Amber St Clare from an orphan to a significant figure within British society. Canitz, a painter captivated by the trinity of “wine, women, and song,” adamantly linked his fortified wine to the novel’s protagonist. However, it’s believed that Canitz had his own Amber. His notable toast, “To happy days and glorious nights, Forever Amber,” testified to his penchant for life’s pleasures.
The tantalizing Muratie Amber Forever, crafted from Hanepoot grapes (Muscat d’Alexandrie), envelops the senses with aromatic sun-ripened grapes, musk perfume, rose petals, and hints of litchis. This opulent experience unfolds into a symphony of golden raisins, fynbos honey, poached pears, and honey-drenched peaches, juxtaposed by a crisp acidity that maintains the sweetness in equilibrium.
JOHANNA
Muratie’s vibrant and dry rosé, aptly christened Johanna, is a vibrant homage to a resilient woman exuding the essence of authenticity and passion emblematic of Muratie and its inhabitants. Johanna Davids, a Muratie vineyard laborer from her youth, serenaded the vines with her songs. Her retirement hasn’t dimmed her ardor; she graces the estate with her touch, adorning the manor house and cellar with exquisite floral arrangements.
Tinted a delicate pink, the Muratie Johanna Dry Rosé beckons with fresh berry aromas, entwined with delightful fruity notes ranging from pomegranate to raspberries and strawberry sorbet. Its elegance extends to a crisp mouthfeel, rendering it a splendid choice for warm summer days and carefree moments of enjoyment.
ISABELLA
For Rijk and Kim Melck, their Burgundian-style Chardonnay bears a name of unparalleled significance: Isabella, their firstborn. This Chardonnay mirrors the quintessence of their daughter – timeless, elegant, and classic.
The Muratie Isabella Chardonnay unveils an exquisite peach-blossom bouquet, followed by flavors of ripe stone fruit, melon, and citrus, complemented by hints of hazelnuts and vanilla cream imparted by subtle oak. A lasting mineral finish crowns this beautifully fresh and understated Chardonnay.
