Description
Port was a popular wine in South Africa in the mid-1900s due to the British Colonial influence and the warm sunny climate. When David van Velden Snr discussed planting Port varietals with Prof Perold in the 1940s, Perold suggested he plant a selection of the Portuguese varietals as the Portuguese use a number of varietals in a single Port. Five varietals were planted in 1949, namely Tinta Barocca, Tinta Francisca, Cornifesto, Souzão and Tinta Rotiz. The grapes were always harvested and crushed together when making the Overgaauw Port, a tradition that continues today.
Overgaauw was the first South African producer to bottle a 100% Touriga Naçional Port. This Port was a breakaway from the traditional South African-styled Ports. It had higher alcohol and lower sugars, similar to the Ports of Portugal. The 100% Touriga Naçional Port was a once-off and was followed by the current blend of which Touriga Naçional makes up 20%.
