Meet Farmer Angus Wines

At Spier, we've always believed that crafting good wine starts with good soil and good people. Now, we're proud to introduce you to a limited-release organic range that perfectly embodies our philosophy: Farmer Angus wines. Consisting of a Chenin Blanc, Rosé and Red Blend, here’s everything you need to know about this remarkable flagship collection.

Who's Farmer Angus?

If you've visited Spier, you might have met Angus McIntosh. Angus not only calls Spier his home, but he's also the passionate farmer pioneering regenerative agriculture on our land. His journey with us began over a decade ago when, in 2009, Angus and his colleague Orlando Filander spearheaded a transformative project: the holistic conversion of all Spier vineyards to organic and biodynamic practices. Their dedication bore fruit in 2015 with Spier's first certified organic harvest, marking a significant milestone in our sustainability journey.

Angus's approach focuses on nurturing the soil through innovative, closed-loop systems that work in harmony with nature. At the heart of his method is a carefully managed animal rotation system. This gives vegetation time to recover and naturally fertilises the soil with essential nutrients. His flocks of free-range laying hens play a crucial role, roaming the vineyards in moveable "egg-mobiles." These chickens contribute to pest control and soil health while producing some of the most nutrient-dense eggs in the Western Cape.

This commitment to organic and regenerative practices extends beyond just animal management. Under Angus and Orlando's guidance, Spier became the first in South Africa to adopt the Simonit & Sirch pruning method, a technique that prolongs the healthy lifespan of our vines. In essence, Angus lives and breathes regenerative agriculture – a way of farming that gives back to the earth more than it takes.

What makes Farmer Angus wines so special?

It all starts with the soil. We believe healthy soil is the foundation for growing great grapes and making exceptional wine. Made exclusively from grapes grown in Spier's certified organic vineyards, Farmer Angus wines represent an exciting extension of Spier and Angus's commitment to regenerative practices.

Angus's journey into regenerative winemaking began after reading Nicolas Joly's seminal book on biodynamic viticulture, 'Wine from Earth to Sky'. In 2006, he resurrected an abandoned Chenin Blanc vineyard at Spier, mentored by Avice Hindmarch in biodynamic and permaculture techniques.

"Regenerative agriculture is my life's work - I believe all health stems from the soil," says Angus. "These organic wines are the delicious culmination of a long-term partnership with the Spier team to farm in true harmony with nature."

Initially, Angus made what he now humorously describes as "questionable" wines. By 2014, he wisely realised that winemaking was best left to the experts. Since then, the wines have been crafted in partnership with Spier Cellar Master Johan Jordaan and our dedicated organic winemaker Tania Kleintjes. Tania, who joined Spier in 2007, has been creating our organic wines since 2016, working with 100% organically farmed grapes grown without synthetic herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, or fertilisers.

"We see our farm as one big, living system. The vines are just part of a complex web that includes animals, other plants, and even tiny microbes in the soil," explains Johan. Tania adds, "In the cellar, we allow the grapes to naturally ferment, which lets the true character of our Stellenbosch terroir shine through. This approach not only respects the environment but also results in wines that are a pure expression of our land."

Adding to the wines' unique character is their distinctive label design. Angus personally collected vine leaves from the very vineyards that produce these wines and used them to create the original label design. "My mother taught me this leaf-rubbing art form as a boy," he shares. "It connects the wines right back to their origins among the vines."

Meet the Wines

1. Farmer Angus Chenin Blanc (R595):
   Made from a certified Old Vine vineyard planted in 1984, this Chenin Blanc is crisp and mineral-driven. You'll smell butterscotch and apricots, then taste citrus and caramel. It's delicious with Farmer Angus prosciutto!
   

2. Farmer Angus Rosé (R495):
   Fresh and lively, with aromas of strawberry and vanilla. On the palate, you'll find strawberry and a hint of coriander. Try it with Farmer Angus Black Forest ham for a perfect pairing.

3. Farmer Angus Red Blend (R695):
   A classic Stellenbosch blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that showcases blackberry and chocolate aromas. Take a sip, and you'll taste vanilla and blackcurrant. Pair it with a juicy Farmer Angus grass-fed steak for a real treat.

Where can I buy the wines?

You can try Farmer Angus wines at our Tasting Room or in our restaurants starting this July. They're also available in our online store if you want to enjoy them at home.

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