Monterosso

Monterosso, run by the De Franchi family,is a very Italian operation that lies on the Koelenhof Ridge, just off the R304, a few kilometres from the town of Stellenbosch. Owner, "Papa" Socrates, born in the town Monterosso al Mare of the famous 'Cinque Terre' in Italy, purchased the 84ha estate in 1977 and has now fulfilled his dream with this classical Tuscan-styled cellar.

Owner, Socrate De Franchi was born in the town of Monterosso Al Mare, the most northerly town on the famous Cinque Terre, Liguria, North-West Italy. He grew up during the Second World War and at the tender age of fourteen was fighting with the Partisan forces. In the early thirties, his wife's parents had immigrated to South Africa from Monterosso and begun farming in the Natal Midlands and trading on the South Coast. She returned, on holiday, to visit family at Monterosso after the war where she stole the heart of Socrate. He was supplementing his income as a professional footballer. However, the "love-at-first-sight" couple relocated to South Africa, he breaking his footballing contract through the drive of romance! The cash-strapped couple travelled to South Africa on a cargo boat!

After establishing a business in Natal, he moved to the Cape and after various ventures purchased the farm in 1977 and named it after his hometown. His two footballing, Comrades marathon running sons eventually took over the farming of the 80 hectare property. Dark-haired Francesco obtained a Law degree through Unisa and handles the administration, while the red-haired Orneglio, who is the winemaker, did a BSc Agric. at the University of Stellenbosch. He then went on to the University of Torino to do his Masters in Viticulture and Oenology. Both sons are now married and proud fathers.

"Papà" Socrate always had the dream to have his own red wine which has now been fulfilled with a decidedly Tuscan-styled cellar being commissioned to handle the 2000 vintage. The cellar is totally equipped for the making of wine, but the niceties of reception and sales areas will be completed shortly.

Papà finds his Monterosso has a number of similarities with his birthplace. First, its situation at Kolenhof. Kolenhof was a name mentioned some 270 years ago by Valentyn. Koelen meaning to cool and the Hof a garden. He mentions that the sea breeze accelerated between the hills and the area was remarkably cooler than its surrounds. Papà says Monterosso Al Mare is cooled in summer by Brezza del mare. Also, at certain sunsets the mountains in view take on a reddish hue similar to the red colour of Monterosso. Obviously the Mediterranean climate is similar. Now, of course, it also produces wines.

The estate is evenly balanced between red and white varieties. Red varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage, Shiraz and Sangiovese and whites include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cape Riesling and Chenin Blanc. To date the grapes have been delivered and sold to other producers and a portion will continue to be.

The cellar's first production is a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend. Eventually the Italian dream will come to fruition - a wine made from the Sangiovese grape, thereafter a further blend will follow.