To mark episode 200 of The Drinking Hour, David Kermode heads to Franschhoek to meet Marc Kent, Boekenhoutskloof’s managing partner, technical director and creator of much-celebrated red wine The Chocolate Block.
To start, the pair explore the origins of The Chocolate Block, with Kent explaining how Oddbins was involved, how the label and name were developed, and what makes the final blend such a team effort. Kent goes on to divulge some of the cutting-edge technology used in the production of the wine, including the futuristic Oxoline barrel racking system, which is the largest installation of its kind in any winery. Kermode asks about the success of The Chocolate Block, which Kent attributes to a combination of gradual but consistent evolution, expertise in the vineyard and strong brand awareness.
As one of South Africa’s leading winemakers, Kent shares his views on the current state of the country’s wine industry, explaining how greater awareness of the regional differences in terroir is driving interest. He also talks about some of the challenges facing South African winemakers, covering how producers are uncomfortable with setting higher prices despite the quality of their wines.
Finally, Kent provides an update on what he’s currently working on, including an intriguing project in Portugal, before explaining his reluctance to create a white Chocolate Block, despite demand.
Discover more episodes of The Drinking Hour with David Kermode here.
