Lunch with Gary Jordan

This time of the year is particularly frenetic for the wine industry with back
to back events such as the Nederburg and Cape Winemakers Guild Auctions, WineX in Gauteng and the Wines of South Africa (WOSA) tasting in London – to mention but a few. My lunch with Gary Jordan further reinforced the reality of what it takes to own and run a successful wine farm. Not only was he overseeing building additions at the cellar; within a few days he had to jet
off to London (again) – this time to receive the coveted award for Best Chardonnay in the World at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).

Over a delicious bottle of Dornier Donatus White and a beautifully seared yellow fin tuna steak in the new Bodega Restaurant at Dornier Wines, I discovered that Gary was a geologist in his ‘previous life’. His fascination with rocks and minerals started at an early age and he went on to study Geology. On completion of his degree in 1983 he worked for two years as a geologist
on the Botswana border. In the meantime, his parents had bought the 146-hectare Jordan farm near Stellenbosch and 1985 saw Gary joining them at Jordan.

Being a perfectionist is something Gary happily admits to: having meticulously
planned the way ahead, he methodically set about to realise his vision for Jordan. One of the first steps was to qualify as a winemaker, so he enrolled at the University of California where he obtained a Masters Degree in Oenology. On his return in 1992, the building of a cellar was his next priority and this was planned and executed with military precision.

Chatting to Gary it becomes clear that to him success begins in the vineyards and it is of course here that his geological background stands him in good stead. In 1993 the Jordan vines were judged ready for making wines and from the maiden vintage it was obvious that a new star had been added to the winemaking firmament. What stands out as the highlight in his winemaking
career? “Perhaps seeing the Jordan Sophia being
auctioned as one of the highest priced and most
sought-after wines on the CWG Auction,” says Gary
and adds: “Sophia is a great lady, the legendary mother
of Faith, Hope and Charity, and when one analyses the blend one can see why. Faith, the old faithful,the backbone of many great Bordeaux blends, is
Cabernet Sauvignon. Hope - well, we all hope for the spice of life and the spiciness in this case comes from the Cabernet Franc. As to Charity, we also need something to smooth off the rough edges in life, and that
is provided for by the Merlot!”

All too soon it was time for Gary to return to his hectic schedule. As a parting shot I asked him where he sees South African wine going. “Overseas!” he replied wittily, then adding with conviction: “I have seen an incredible
change of perception of SA wines over the past few years – we can easily compete with the best internationally. Winning the International Wine & Spirit Competition trophy for the Best Chardonnay of the World for our 2006 Jordan Chardonnay is a good example.” To which I would just like to add: well done
Gary and the Jordan team!