Memorial Notice: Notable South African figure, Jan Boland Coetzee, acclaimed for his work in viticulture and rugby
Jan Boland Coetzee: The Man Who Smuggled Chardonnay and Changed South African Wine
Jan Boland Coetzee, a deep thinker with a gruff exterior, was a pioneer in South African winemaking. Born into humble circumstances in 1946, Coetzee went on to excel at Stellenbosch University, both on the rugby field and in the realm of oenology.
Coetzee's winemaking career began at Kanonkop in 1967, where he introduced barriques to the estate by drawing on friendships with Bordeaux coopers he made during his rugby days in France. In 1973, he produced the estate's first vintage.
Coetzee's adventurous spirit extended beyond the vineyards. In the 1980s, he found himself embroiled in a controversial case involving the illegal importation of Chardonnay plant material. Despite the potential for prison time, the embargo was lifted, and the case inspired the formation of the Vine Improvement Association (VIA). The person who smuggled the vine cuttings from France was Abraham Izak Perold.
Coetzee's unconventional methods for smuggling the Chardonnay plant material were as intriguing as the case itself. He hid the cuttings in chocolate boxes, jacket linings, and even nappies.
In 1980, Coetzee bought Vriesenhof on the slopes of Stellenbosch's Paradyskloof, where he worked with Pinot Noir and Grenache long before they were fashionable. His knowledge was profound, as he could recall specific details like the exact rainfall of February 1977.
Coetzee's impact on the wine industry was felt far and wide. Adi Badenhorst, a well-known wine producer, had known Coetzee all his life through their fathers' friendship. Badenhorst describes Coetzee as a man who inspired and disrupted the status quo, with his impact felt by thousands of people.
Jan Boland Coetzee's legacy continues to live on through his grandchildren, who continue to share in his passion for winemaking. Coetzee moved his family to Beaune, France, to promote white winemaking beyond Chenin Blanc and Colombard. His deep understanding of South African farming, wine, and humor kept people listening for hours.
Coetzee's life was not without personal accolades. He played flank for the Springboks from 1974 to 1976. The Springboks honoured Coetzee with a moment of silence before facing New Zealand, a game in which they handed the All Blacks their heaviest defeat in history.
Adi Badenhorst remembers spending time with Coetzee on the stoep, discussing topics like Burgundy, climate change, and South African vintages. Badenhorst recalls Coetzee as a wonderful grandfather who left a deep impact on his family.
The Coetzee lineage runs deep in the Cape, tracing back to 1679 when the family arrived in Table Bay. From Stellenbosch's Coetzenburg, the family moved to the West Coast and was among the first to farm Grenache in Piekenierskloof.
Jan Boland Coetzee, a man who smuggled Chardonnay and changed the course of South African winemaking, will be remembered not just for his contributions to the industry, but also for the indelible mark he left on those who knew him.
