Etienne Terblanche joined Vinpro Consultation Services as viticulturist for the Coastal region in December 2018, after six years at Delheim Wines in Stellenbosch. He worked with numerous producers in the coastal region stretching from David Trafford’s Sijnn vineyard in Malgas to Clanwilliam for Chris Alheit’s vineyards on Skurfberg and many in between. In August this year he took over from Conrad Schutte as the new Consultation Services manager.
What fuelled your passion for viticulture?
I grew up in the coastal town of Melkbosstrand, where my parents had a seaside restaurant. This is where my interest in wine started, while serving and seeing people enjoy the intricacies of wine. Later, while at Jan van Riebeeck High School, I was impressed by many alumni being thought leaders in the world of wine, including stalwarts such as Paul Clüver, Danie de Wet, and Beyers Truter. They gave me the nudge I needed to pursue winemaking studies after school.
In 2005 I enrolled for a BSc in Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University and never looked back. In 2010 I had the opportunity to further my studies in France and it’s here where I quickly realised wine is made in the vineyard. Therefore focusing on viticulture was kind of a natural progression of going down the rabbit hole of wanting to know more.
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You completed your PhD on the effect of grape ripeness on the wine style and sensory properties of Pinotage. What was the significance of your findings (and why did you pick Pinotage)?
We explored the stylistic range of Pinotage using ripeness level as the ‘lever’. The array of styles that originated from different interpretations of this simple, but extremely important (and time sensitive) choice was amazing. We regularly held tastings with industry members and the feedback was always positive. Looking back, it is very encouraging to see the amount and quality of lighter/fresher Pinotage styles entering the market nowadays, many of which are emanating from producers were part of our tasting and study groups. The aim was to show Pinotage is not a one-trick pony and has a place in modern viticulture in the face of climate change and I think we achieved that goal.
What are the strengths of Vinpro’s viticultural consultation service?
A dynamic team of experts! Every member of the consultation service team from the soil scientists to the ag economists contribute to a massive knowledge pool that we as consultants can draw from on a daily basis to give relevant advice to our producers. The wide reach (covering all the wine regions) and grounded nature of the work (working on farm level) provides an unsurpassable level of insight into the South African grape growing industry. It is a real privilege to work with these experienced and passionate colleagues.
What are the main challenges facing most producers in the vineyard?
Navigating economically tough times while weathering the impacts of climate change is the main theme. Being prosperous within this context often seems near-impossible, yet producers that arm themselves with the correct information and who can turn data into insights to inform action reap the rewards. While it may be challenging times it is also very exciting. The accolades for our wines and people are rolling in, the challenge now is to capitalise on the momentum!
Where is your favourite place to relax and your go-to beverage on a cold winter’s evening?
In front of the fireplace, surrounded by my family. I love wine! A thought-provoking wine in my glass is my happy place.
