FRAM

FRAM was launched in 2012 by Thinus Krüger after over a decade making wine for other people. Meaning “ahead, forth, forward” in Norwegian, it was the name given to a famous ship involved in Arctic exploration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which now encapsulates Thinus’ approach to winemaking and life. The wines made under the FRAM label are an exploration of the outer reaches of the Cape wine lands–the so-called “Here Be Dragons” area—centered on Clanwilliam. Situated between Olifants River and the Citrusdal Mountain, here the heat is fierce, yields are low, but quality is pristine for those who know how to manage the elements. Combining the knowledge of local growers with his own expertise, vintage after vintage the wines deliver on quality and balance, communicating a sense of place with a certain joie de vivre. Thinus’ energy and eclectic dress sense—a leopard print leotard at the 2018 Cape Wine Fair, for example—belie just how serious he takes winemaking and respecting the traditions, terroir and language of the land. These are brilliant wines of great character.