Авиаперелеты на мероприятия и события
Gavin Patterson is a well – known winemaker and head of vineyard “Sumaridge”, located in the region of Hermanus, South Africa. Gavin, 43 years old, he began his career in his native country of Zimbabwe immediately after graduation. For thirteen years, Gavin has honed his skills as Manager and winemaker. Then he Sal the owner of the vineyard Green Valley near the village of Odzi.
Before arriving in South Africa in 2005 and begin working in the wine industry “Sumaridge” for one year, Gavin was the head of the vineyard at the winery “Hamilton Russell”. He is married and has two children – daughter Amanda and son Scott.
Gavin, as we know, you were born in Zimbabwe. How did you get into the wine industry?
I grew up on a farm and have always enjoyed wine industry. Still in school, being in search of a suitable career for me, I was interested in the wine world, read many South African Newspapers and magazines. In 1988, I contacted the company African Distillers, then it was a branch of the farmers winemakers in Stellenbosch, and was enrolled as a trainee.
As with many grape farms in the region Hemel-EN-Aarde, the most common grape varieties are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and yet you should be able to grow good Merlot. Why is it so common in the region Sumaridge? Because mineral soil in the region, Sumaridge, tends to hold moisture and do not require frequent watering, perfect for growing high quality Merlot and saves labor. Cool ocean climate creates conditions of moderate temperature, which is very important for the ripening period and the development of good taste.
Please describe the style of your Merlot.
I always get the aroma of blackcurrant and crushed leaves with the content of the notes of mocha, restrained notes of vanilla appear during aging in oak barrels. We very carefully work with the grapes to produce soft tannins
As a rule South African Merlot has a reputation as thin and weak wine. Is it true?
In General, I can agree with this opinion. The Merlot has a tendency to sprawl and abundant foliage. Which in turn ensures reliable production, and resistance to various diseases, but it was grown wrong and often inappropriate for the grade places with a hot climate, very fertile soil and irrigation, resulting in poor quality berries.
What experience in winemaking was the most memorable?
I spent 25 years as winemaker and all these years the best for me. Although, I can say that coming into the company Sumaridge changed my life. My first vintage was dated 2006, and to my surprise, did well during the course of the exhibition Veritas for next year!
I know you like fishing. Tell us about your most interesting catch.
First, I’m not so much fish! All depends on the place and food in my picnic basket. The most interesting fish I caught were wild trout in the river Gairezi in the Eastern mountains of Zimbabwe.
Your son Scott is a novice fisherman. You compete with him?
I started fishing when I was a teenager in Macroland, and Scott just grew up with a fishing rod in his hands. I’m used to the traditional methods of fishing, and Scott, on the contrary, considers it more important to fishing with the commitment, skills and strategy, Scott usually catches more fish than me. But, I can’t call it a competition, we’re having fun.
