Definitely not a Port.
Solms-Delta have launched a fortified wine that could be a port, but it’s not.
It’s not a Port because wine maker Hilko Hegewisch made it from Shiraz grapes, and not the usual Portuguese variety. He also fortified it with grappa made from the very same bunches the wine was pressed from, and not with brandy. And finally, and uniquely, the grapes were derived from the desiccation method pioneered by Mark Solms at Solms-Delta.
The desiccation method is an ancient one. Its origin lies with the Greeks and it died out with the decline of the Roman Empire. It involves clamping the stem of the bunch of grapes, ensuring that the grapes begin to shrivel on the vine, leading to a concentration and intensity of flavour and character.
The result is a seductive dark drink that is simultaneously new and unique while being strangely familiar. In a sentence it could be described as raisin notes without being cloying and sweet, very strong Shiraz characteristics (pepper, spice, cherries and dried fruit) and a long, long elegant finish. That would be the Grappa, methinks.
Gemoedsrus means “Peace of Mind”in Afrikaans, and is a tribute to Alex van Heerden, the musician in residence at Solms-Delta who passed away in a car accident in 2009. His last album was named ‘Gemoedsrus’.
Mark Solms continues his interest in the wine producing methods of the Ancients. He is attempting to replicate the method whereby grapes were harvested from vines that grew on olive trees on a small couple of Grenache blocks which are grown on trellises, without the usual interconnecting wires. The first harvest was consumed by mildew, and he is waiting and learning with the second.
So it’s not a port, definitely not. It’s a unique, local variation. Would Hilko Hegewisch allow it to be called a liqueur? I don’t think so, it’s not poisoned with sugar.
Solms-Delta Gemoedsrus is available at the estate and from specialist retailers and costs R188.
Photograph of Mark Solms courtesy of Neil Pendock, of ;
http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/pendock
Mark Solms. Pioneer.
Posted in 
Normally I can’t drink Port, It’s too sweet. This sounds different. Where can I buy it?
I have visited Solms Delta a few times and I have to say the attitude of the staff always struck me as special. They are cheerful, happy, self confident and have pride. What Mark Solms has achieved is wonderful.
You can definitely buy it on the farm. Call them and they will let you know where else you can buy it. 021 874 3937
Paul, I’d have to say I agree with you. It’s almost indefinable. I’d call it spirit and self respect.
Thanks for your interest and kind words of support Paul & Dirk. Yes Clare is right – you can buy Gemoedsrus on the farm (or online from our shop from later this month!). Chat to Therese 021 874 3937 or email orders@solms-delta.co.za. Do join us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/solmsdelta and subscribe to our easy-read fun, newsy :->, monthly News Alerts – subs form on every pg of our website http://www.solms-delta.co.za. Love your Blog Clare!