Innovative Wine Making of the 3rd Generation (1973 - 2007)

An innovator from the start, Braam was an early champion of the Claret-style blend amongst local vintners, producing what was to be a forerunner of a Bordeaux-style blend.

An innovator from the start, Braam was an early champion of the Claret-style blend amongst local vintners, producing what was to be a forerunner of a Bordeaux-style blend. He launched a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cinsaut blend, named Tria Corda, in 1979. In 1982 he adopted a more classic approach by replacing the Cinsaut with Cabernet Franc, creating a ‘true’ Bordeaux assemblage. These three components of the blend have remained unchanged in the 20 ensuing years, albeit in different percentages depending on the vintage.

Braam was the first South African winemaker to bottle a single-varietal Merlot in 1982 and, similarly, in 1992, was the first to make a 100% Touriga Naçional Vintage Port style wine. In the mid 80’s he was among the earliest local producers to plant Chardonnay. Braam continued to produce and bottle Sylvaner which was introduced by his father in 1971, and Overgaauw remains the only cellar in South Africa to still do so.

In 1991 Braam appointed Chris Joubert, a Viticulture Cellar Technology graduate from Elsenburg, so he (Braam) could devote more of his time to viticulture. Chris contributed hugely to the success of Overgaauw's wines in his role as winemaker for 16 years until Braam’s son, David took over as winemaker in April 2007 after having been assistant to Chris since 2002.

Captions from top to bottom:
Klaas Krediet and Lodewyk Lodewyk harvested the first Overgaauw Merlot 25 years ago and are still part of the team.
Braam van Velden - 3rd generation winemaker.
The 2003 harvest with winemaker Chris Joubert, Braam van Velden and his son David van Velden, assistant winemaker.

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