Introduction
The Goose Wines is based in the Upper-Langkloof appellation, which is found in the
majestic Outeniqua Mountains on the world-famous Garden Route of South Africa. The
Upper-Langkloof is arguably the coldest wine growing region in South Africa. These
extreme climatic conditions ensure complexity of fruit and unique grapes that are hand-
crafted into world-class wines. After hand harvesting the grapes are transported to cool-
rooms, where the temperature is maintained at 4 Degrees Celsius for 12 hours to keep
the grapes cool. Upon arrival at the cellar the cold grapes are sorted before being
crushed and pumped into open cement troughs. There the juice is allowed to ferment
on the skins for 8 to 14 days, extracting the vital character and colour from the grapes
into the wines as it develops. Malolactic Fermentation is completed in imported French
Oak Barrels.
The Goose is styled into classic and elegantly structured wines by ageing it in these
barrels for a further 18 to 24 months for the reds, while the cool-climate Sauvignon
Blanc is kept on the lees for a number of months in stainless steel tanks. The maiden
vintage of The Goose Expression was a 2005 blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon
and Shiraz. In 2008 the first single-vineyard The Goose Sauvignon Blanc was released
captivating wine lovers imaginations immediately.
The wines in The Goose portfolio have an elegance about it which is a direct result from
the unique, colder Upper-Langkloof climate, with a high natural acidity, which ensures
great longevity. The end result is wines with which displays the ultimate combination
between Old World elegance and structure and New World fruit and body.
The Goose
Retief Goosen was born in Polokwane, formerly known as Pietersbrug in the northern part of
South Africa. He turned professional in 1990, following a win in the South African Amateur
Championship of the same year. His main achievements since have been 2 US Open Major-Titles
in 2001 and 2004 and heading the European Order of Merit in 2001 and 2002.
Since 1995, Retief Goosen has been one of the most consistent players in the world. He has won
internationally every year since 1995 and has also won a PGA Tour event every year from 2001 to
2005. In addition to more than 44 worldwide career-wins, he has spent a long period of time in
the Top 5 of the Official World Golf Rankings and in 2006 reached a career-best 3rd place.
Retief Goosen is known for his extremely calm
demeanour and is affectionately referred to as “The
Goose”. Retief Goosen is married to Tracy and has a
son and daughter. He resides on the Garden Route
Coast near the vineyards in South Africa.
The Story
The name on the Farm’s Title Deed is “Ganzekraal” which means “Goose Enclave”. The farm and
surrounding area was given the name over a century ago when Wild Geese from the area flew
down during the day to rest in the cattle and sheep closures. They would forage on the seeds and
pips in the feed, while the animals were out on pasture. This behaviour was especially prevalent
during the times of drought.
Now more than 100 years later Retief Goosen introduces the world to his unique wines from his
farm in the Upper-Langkloof valley on the Garden Route of South Africa. There are 5 large dams
on the farm that host various Water Fowl, including the “Spur-Winged Geese”, Africa’s largest and
heaviest fresh water Geese.
On the farm you’ll also
find the “Altitude T-Box”.
With its panoramic views
over the farm, mountains
and the valley, visitors to
the farm can practice their
golf swing while sipping
on some Goose Wines
produces from the
surrounding vineyards.
The Terrior
It is not only said of wine, but proven over centuries, that it is indeed “the vineyard that makes
the wine.” If, The Goose Wines were to be the home of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz
and Sauvignon Blanc then it would be fundamentally up to the soil and climate to ensure that the
grapes deliver their optimal blueprint in terms of excellence of flavour.
After years of research, we had inkling that the conditions at The Goose Wines were ideal for
cool-climate varietals of distinction.
By 1999 we had planted 6 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, which was followed by 6 hectares of
Shiraz in 2000. Following the success of the first 2 varietals planted the year 2002 saw an
additional 6 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc added to the expanding vineyard. Currently we have The Upper-Langkloof valley in the
plans of adding maybe some Pinot Noir to the vineyards, which will be a mere 4 hectares. The Garden Route of South Africa has been
focus is on quality not quantity and these small blocks of plantings ensure us to concentrate of known for its wild and untamed nature.
In the 19th century this valley was visited
every row of vines, resulting in our wines being pure, natural and of the highest quality.
by game hunters from the coastal towns
during the winter months to stock up on
fresh game meat and hides. The skins
were salted and the meat cured in barrels
and carted by ox-wagon over the
dangerous Outeniqua Mountains to the
settlements on the coast. In the 1840’s
farmer settled in this fertile valley to
farm cattle, sheep and grain. Later the
area was found suitable for apple and
apricot farming and soon many farmers
started exporting these fruits to Europe.
Situated 2500ft above sea-level, the
Upper-Langkloof (meaning “Upper-Long
Valley”), runs east/west, north of
Outeniqua Mountains, only 15km from
the Indian Ocean. This valley is known
for its dry and cold climate.
The Terrior
The annual average rainfall is between 250mm and 300mm. Strong and cool summer winds rush in on-shore and rise over the
5000ft Outeniqua Mountain range cooling even more. These winds bring in cold and moist air which cools the valley during
summer to temperatures between 20 to 23 degrees Celcius, while the nearby Karoo bakes away at 40 degrees Celcius. This
extreme terroir motivated original owner, Morne Jonker, to install a weather station to research the best area for the planting
of vineyards in 1993. Soil samples and profile holes were sunk to determine the soil types and structures, to accurately
determine the proper vine selection of culitvar for planting. It was found that the valley has an annual temperature of only 17
degrees Celcius (very cold for South Africa!). The soils are from Table Mountain sandstone and shale combination, deep stony
red soils were ripped for drainage on various slopes on the farm.
Biodiversity
The Outeniqua Mountain range divides the luscious
Garden Route form the succulent Karoo. The Goose
vineyards are located on the slopes of this mountain
range amongst the natural bush. Viticultural farming
practices are carefully followed with this unique Fynbos
Floral Kingdom. Vineyards thrive amongst the natural
Protea and Erica Plants ensuring that our grapes are truly
unique and that the wines crafted from the fruits set
them aside from any other. Particular care and precise
farming methods, balanced with a bio diverse philosophy
create a style and complexity of wine very rarely
experienced.
The Goose Wine Farm now boasts 437hectares with
more than 15% of threatened Cape Fynbos area set-aside
for conservation by the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative
(BWI), a subsidiary of the World Wild Life Fund (WWF)
.More than 95% of South Africa’s wine-growing takes
place in the Cape Floral Kingdom, the richest and
smallest floral kingdom in the world. The Goose Wines
are proud to be a BWI member and are committed to
protecting this rich and diverse floral kingdom for
generations to come.
It is the philosophy of The Goose Wines to achieve a
perfect balance between the preservation of our natural
resources and the creation of world-class wines. These
wines are the Expression of our region’s terroir and The
Goose’s passionate love for the Garden Route and wine.
Enjoy!!
The Goose The Goose
Expression
Sauvignon Blanc
This is a velvet structured wine
Due to the very high with subtle tannins for its youth.
natural acidity of the fruit A very soft wine on the palate.
these wines have a zesty Full bodied wine with huge
complexity showing black
nature and have a strongly cherries on the nose.
mineral driven style. The Herbaceous character and
bouquet of the wine is white pepper support. This wine
Cape Floral driven with a has been designed to last 15 –
sure tropical distinction. 20 years.
Small hints of gooseberry
support the nose. On entry
the palate of the wine is
very generous with an
exciting zesty structure. The
wine lingers on the palate.
“The GOOSE that lays the golden egg…” The Goose wines have garnered glittering awards globally.
The Goose wine range is truly unique as it is handcrafted in high altitude vineyards on the northern slopes of the Outeniqua Mountains, in the
heart of the famous Garden Route. These unique world class wines are vineyard specific. The Upper-Langkloof wine ward boasts low annual
temperatures of around 17 degrees Celsius, creating elegant styled wines with a classic finish. These “cool climate” wines are exceptional
examples of the grape varietals. The very cool and fresh “terroir” allows for late season ripening, red varietals are harvested as late as early
May every year.
Characteristically, these are complex and sophisticated wines which are appreciated by wine connoisseurs. A limited number of bottles are
produced per vintage. Discerning European wine lovers have accepted this new world wine as measurable to old world classics. The Goose
wines - gold from the heights of the Garden Route.
The Gander The Gander
Sauvignon Blanc Shiraz
The Gander Sauvignon The nose on the Gander
Blanc is an exciting and Shiraz is full bodied with
unique tasting experience. black currant, ripe cherry,
Healthy acids and spices, chocolate and
complexity from the subtle cigar box undertone.
Langkloof Valley, together The tannins are ripe and
with the riper and fruitier soft and the wine has a
Stellenbosch Hills long clean aftertaste.
vineyards, have created an
exhilaratingly fresh and
balanced wine. With
upfront full body, this wine
is a great value easy
drinker, and would
compliment any curious
Sauvignon Blanc fan’s taste
buds right away!
“What’s good for the GOOSE is good for the GANDER”. Retief Goosen has added a fresh new blend of
Langkloof and Western Cape wines to compliment The Goose wine range. Wines from the Upper-
Langkloof are blended with selected wines from other wine regions to create a brand new style of
zesty, exciting and fruity wines.
The Gander wines are easy drinking, everyday wines, more affordable and presented in convenient
screw-cap bottles, made to be enjoyed. This wine range has specifically been designed for the larger
restaurant market, golf estates, liquor outlets and chain stores. The local market has taken to these
wines... like a “gander” to water!
A wine to compliment any occasion, enjoy with friends or at a special celebration.
Annual Production
Awards
Goose Expression 2005
89 pt. Wine Spectator - USA
Goose Sauvignon Blanc 2008
89 pt. Wine Spectator - USA
Goose Sauvignon Blanc 2009
SAA Premium Class Award
Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show 2011 - Silver
Medal
Gander Shiraz 2009
Veritas Awards 2011 - Bronze Medal
SAA Premium Class Award
Gander Sauvignon Blanc 2010
SAA Economy Class Award - 187ml Bottle.
The Goose Wines has an annual production
capacity of +- 8000 cases (12x750ml). The Export Markets
majority of this is our Gander range, whilst
Canada
the single-vineyard Expression and Goose
China
Sauvignon Blanc flagships are capped at
France
1000 cases. United States of America
United Kingdom
The Wine
The Goose wine estate is situated in the Upper-Langkloof
appellation, arguably the coldest wine growing region in
South Africa. These extreme climatic conditions ensure
unique grapes with a complexity of fruit that are handcrafted
into world-class wines.
Goose Wines (Pty) Ltd
Address: Ganzekraal, Upper-Langkloof,
George District, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 82 610 2276
Email: info@thegoosewines.com
Website: www.thegoosewines.com