Meet the Winemakers of Hemel-en-Aarde: Chris Albrecht from Bouchard Finlayson

1. How did you get started in the wine business?

I’ve always been interested in Agriculture and was exposed to Viticulture during high school. The diversity of the profession was appealing: plant husbandry, creativity, market interface, science and mystique – all rolled into one job.

2. What is your winemaking style?

Detailed – it’s all in the small details.

3. How do you KNOW when you have a particularly good vintage?

A combination of time in the vineyard, time on the sorting line and time next to a fermentation.

4. What is one of your favorite varietals to work with and why?

Pinot Noir reigns supreme – it’s the most demanding and rewarding of all.

5. In the world of wine, who do you most admire and why? Who influenced you?

I admire and am constantly influenced by numerous people.

6. Do you have a favorite wine or vintage that you have made?

A number of vintages stand out for various reasons, but the most relevant is always the next one.

7. What is one of the hardest things about winemaking year in and year out?

SAWIS

8. What is your most memorable wine or wine tasting experience?

Going on ‘wine tours’ as a student in Stellenbosch. The world was a significantly simpler place in those days.

9. Do you have a random talent or party trick?

Nothing suitable for print…

10. What has surprised you about being a winemaker?

How ‘small’ the industry is – it’s made up of an interactive and mostly cohesive group of people.