South African Wine and Rugby Legend, Jan Boland Coetzee, Dies
Jan Boland Coetzee, a man of many talents, left an indelible mark on South Africa's wine industry and sports scene. Born into humble circumstances, Coetzee graduated from Stellenbosch University with a degree in oenology, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
Coetzee's winemaking journey began at Kanonkop in 1967, where he introduced barriques to the estate. His love for Burgundy led him to seek out Chardonnay, a grape variety not commonly grown in South Africa at the time. In a bold move, he illegally smuggled Chardonnay plant material back to South Africa, planting the first vines in the 1980s. These vines, originally from France, would later become a cornerstone of South African winemaking.
Coetzee's grandson, Adi Badenhorst, recalled fond memories of sitting with him on the stoep, sipping Vriesenhof Chardonnay, and discussing various topics. Decades later, Coetzee's grandchildren continue to share in his legacy, expanding white winemaking in the Cape beyond Chenin Blanc and Colombard.
Coetzee's influence extended beyond his family. Adi Badenhorst, a wine producer, had known Coetzee all his life. Jan Boland Coetzee was among the first to farm Grenache in Piekenierskloof, and his work with Pinot Noir and Grenache long before they were fashionable was groundbreaking.
Coetzee's winemaking exploits were not without controversy. In 1986, he and his fellow conspirators were summoned before a Commission of Enquiry for their unconventional methods. However, the embargo was lifted instead, inspiring the formation of the Vine Improvement Association (VIA).
Apart from his winemaking prowess, Coetzee was also a talented sportsman. He played flank for the Springboks from 1974 to 1976, a period of great pride for South African rugby fans.
Tracing back to 1679, the Coetzee lineage runs deep in the Cape. Coetzee's grandson, Adi Badenhorst, expressed his deep sorrow at Coetzee's passing, describing him as a massive tree that touched thousands of people, both inspiring and disrupting the status quo. Coetzee's knowledge was profound, as he could recall the exact rainfall of February 1977.
In 1980, Coetzee bought Vriesenhof and released the farm's first vintage the following year. The Springboks faced New Zealand the day after Coetzee's passing, handing them their heaviest defeat in history. Coetzee had another son, bringing the total number of his children to four.
Jan Boland Coetzee's influence on Adi Badenhorst was profound. Badenhorst remembered Coetzee as a wonderful grandfather, and their shared love for wine was a bond that strengthened their relationship. Coetzee's legacy continues to inspire a new generation of winemakers in South Africa.
