The family
The urban sprawl of Stellenbosch comes to an abrupt halt, in its south-western suburb of Onderpapegaai, when you enter the gates of Middelvlei. Suddenly, before you lies a beautiful vineyard-strewn amphitheatre overlooking the Bottelary Hills and the upper reaches of Devon Valley. This is the home of the Momberg family, who have been wine farmers since 1919.
The modern generation of Mombergs, brothers Tinnie and Ben, have learnt well from their father, Stiljan. Ever since he handed over the running of the farm to them in 1995, his quiet and kindly patriarchal influence has been felt, but, by then, most of the groundwork had been done. Stiljan had inculcated in them a strong work ethic and a culture for perfection and foresight in the vineyards and cellar. Ever mindful of the strong sense of tradition at Middelvlei Estate, Tinnie and Ben have blended modern winemaking and viticultural techniques with tried-and-tested methods, and, together with the marketing skills of Ben's wife, Jeanneret, have created a potent force on the Cape wine scene.
In 1919 two brothers, Tinnie and Niels Momberg, bought Middelvlei and moved their families onto the farm. A year later the first wines were pressed, mainly fortified at that stage. Their two sons, Stiljan (quiet Jan) and his cousin, also Jan but called Jan Bek (because of his more outgoing and voluble personality), inherited the farm in 1960. In 1963 Stiljan bought his cousin's half share in the farm, to become sole proprietor. Jan Bek went on to buy nearby Neethlingshof Estate and subsequently entered politics.
Over the next thirty years, Stiljan set about establishing one of the model wine farms in the district. He upgraded the vineyards and by 1992 had replanted the entire 130 hectares under vine. Gradually the proportion of red plantings increased and today sits at 60% red (Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot) and 40% white (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc).
In the early 1970's Middelvlei became well known for its Pinotage and in the mid-1980's its Cabernet Sauvignon attracted considerable attention. Shiraz followed and in 1997 Middelvlei won the sought after General Jan Smuts Trophy for the best young wine in South Africa with their Shiraz. Middelvlei's pioneering Pinotage Merlot blend – the traditional Pinotage specialist was the first to combine South Africa's home-grown variety with what is one of the Bordeaux classics – made its first appearance in 1995. This was one year after the release of the only white, a unoaked Chardonnay.
In 1972, Middelvlei joined the Bergkelder who took over the maturation, bottling and marketing of their red wines. In 1998, by which time Tinnie and Ben had joined the farm, the Momberg family took over all functions previously managed by the Bergkelder.
Without any fuss, bombast, frills or a Dutch-gabled homestead, Middelvlei has become one of the leading wine farms in the Cape winelands.
The Wine
The maiden vintage of Middelvlei’'s flagship red wine, Momberg 2004, was launched end of last year and the family was thrilled to get instant recognition by receiving a four and a half star Platter rating for their new eclectic red blend. As the Middelvlei wines mainly consist of single-varietal wines, the Momberg was made to add an extra dimension to the premium range. The wine is an unusual blend for a serious wine - a selection of the best Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Middelvlei has to offer.
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