Franco Lourens is one of South Africa’s top young winemakers, releasing wines of precision and brilliance. Franco gained experience working for the likes of David Ramey in California and Vasse Felix in Australia before returning to SA where he took up the role of assistant winemaker for the prodigious Chris Alheit of Alheit Vineyards, one of the most influential and talented winemakers of the Cape in the last decade.

Under Chris’ watchful eye and tutelage, Franco began to produce his own wines from special vineyards around the Cape. Lourens Family Wines began in 2016, crafting honest wines that tell a story about where the grapes are from and the passionate farmers cultivating these special and unique vineyards. Their winemaking philosophy is pretty simple: to make wines with minimal interference in the winery.

 

 

We’re excited to launch in Ontario with two of Franco’s wines available in consignment, and one listed at the LCBO’s Cellar Collection. Read more below, along with links to purchase.

 

 

 

Lourens Family Wines Lindi Carien White Blend 2021

Named after Franco Lourens’ wife, Lindi Carien blends 35% Stellenbosch Verdelho (the oldest block in SA), 21% Swartland Chenin Blanc, 19% Swartland Colombar, 18% Piekenierskloof Grenache Blanc (with 5 days on skins), and 7% Piekenierskloof Palomino, with vines dating back to the early 1970s. It was whole cluster pressed and native fermented with no additives, resting for 10 months in old French barrels before bottling, without fining.

“Like the 2017 Lindi Carien, the 2021 release is led by Verdelho, with a supporting cast of 65% Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Grenache Blanc and Palomino. Aged in old barrels, with a little bit of skin contact adding extra structure, this is saline, layered and complex, with greengage, lemon peel and lanolin flavours. 2023-29.” 95 points, Tim Atkin, MW

Appellation : WO Western Cape
Country : South Africa
Grape(s) : Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, Colombar, Grenache Blanc, Palomino
Price : $43
Case : 6 / case

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lourens Family Wines Skuinskap Single Vineyard Steen 2022

This old vine Chenin Blanc (aka Steen) was planted in 1977 in Piekenierskloof, on decomposed sandstones at 750m. The vineyard is farmed by the Sandell family, and Franco Lourens wanted to tell a story if a specific site, soil, and farmer with this striking wine.

“From a Piekenierskloof vineyard planted in 1977. Matured for 10 months in old 500-litre barrels. Pear, nectarine, flowers, hay and earth on the nose while the plate has excellent fruit density and punchy acidity before a persistent and deeply savoury finish. Poised and super-complex, a singular wine.” 97 points, Christian Eedes, The Winemag

Appellation : WO Piekenierskloof
Country : South Africa
Grape(s) : Chenin Blanc
Price : $70
Case : 6 / case

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lourens Family Wines Howard John Red Blend 2021

Named after Franco Lourens’ dad, whose image features on the label, Howard John is a Swartland blend of Grenache with 30% Cinsault and 15% Syrah, sourced from a combination of granite and iron-rich clay soils.

“50% Grenache Noir (25% whole-bunch fermented), 30% Cinsault and 20% Syrah (100% whole-bunch fermented), all grapes sourced from the Swartland.

Enticing aromatics of red berries, floral perfume, herbs and spice while the palate is wonderfully energetic – pure fruit, really bright acidity and powdery tannins, the finish having a saline quality. This is nicely weighted with an alcohol of 13% – not too slight but still elegant.” 95 points, Christian Eedes, The Winemag

Appellation : WO Swartland
Country : South Africa
Grape(s) : Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah
Price : $40
LCBO : 33655

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most of our producers are small, independently owned and operated businesses, like ours. You can view our complete portfolio here. Thank you for letting us share these producers and wines with you.

Cheers,

Le Sommelier
416.603.7026
bernard@lesommelier.com

Le Sommelier is a Good Food Fighter.

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