South African wine has an extensive wine history dating back to 1655, when the first vines were planted in Cape Town by Dutch Settlers. The country's climate is varied and diverse and, interestingly, boasts the world's longest wine route too! Browse our award-winning selection of South African wines including whites from the breathtaking Constantia or Hemel-en-Aarde Valleys to reds from the rugged Cederberg or historical Stellenbosch mountains. We can assure you that no matter which wine you select, the flavour will leave a long-lasting impression on your taste buds, beckoning you to indulge in yet another glass.
2023 Percheron Chenin Blanc Viognier
Regular price £8.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Vibrant and aromatic with subtle perfumed aromas, white peach and hints of jasmine on the nose.
Palate
On the palate it has tight, white, fleshy, stonefruit and fresh citrus flavours balanced by bright and lively acidity. A crisp, incisive finish with a touch of minerality helps deliver a delicious, flavoursome and characterful wine.
Alan's Tasting Note
"This is a delightful, cheeky wee white that delivers a lot of flavour for not a lot of cost. I get the jasmine notes but the fruit is more pear than peach to me. It’s unoaked but has a beautiful richness and length to the fruit that hides /balances the high acidity. As easy drinking as the red - a brilliant pair together."
Production
This wine is made of 80% Chenin Blanc and 20% Viognier. Grapes are grown on 30+ year old trellised Chenin and 15 year old Viognier in the Coastal region, mainly from Swartland vineyards. The climate is perfect for viticulture with the low rainfall summer months, tempered by cool afternoons and the cold winters allowing the vines to rest and to build up the reserves. Part of the Chenin Blanc is wild yeast fermented and kept on the yeast lees for as long as possible in order to achieve a rounded palate with good fruit concentration.
Producer
Boutinot South Africa is driven by our passion for discovery and desire to capture the real essence of South Africa in every bottle. It was the simple love of Loire Chenin Blanc that first led us to South Africa in 1994, where we pioneered the wild ferment style that has now been adopted by many producers in this region.
Since then we have been exploring the country's amazing vineyards to make fabulous wines from specific sites and plots that scream location, location, terroir.. Our home-grown South African winemaking team of JD Rossouw and Ryno Booysen drive the energy and enthuasiam for expressing the loveliest wines from their country, along with Samantha Bailey's expertise in finesse. The key is knowing the characteristics of each plot, understanding the benefits each cultivar can bring, breaking rules and pushing boundaries. We use a combination of knowledge, a love of nature and science to create versatile, expressive and food-friendly wines from a country that has been making wine for 360 years.
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 75% Chenin Blanc 25% Viognier |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.37 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Grilled prawns with plenty of garlic and chilli, whole lemon sole fried in butter and also delicate freshwater fish dishes. |
Origin | Swartland |
Appellation |
WO Coastal Region
|
2022 False Bay Bush Vine Pinotage
Regular price £9.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Wild yeast fermentation, low yielding bush vines and ageing in large French oak foudre inform this richly-fruited, yet savoury and satisfying Pinotage.
Tasting Notes
Fresh, plummy aromas with savoury, smoky notes. The palate is ripe and rich with vibrant fruit, slightly rustic yet moreish tannins and a persistent finish.
Production
The grapes for False Bay Bush Vine Pinotage stem from a single vineyard of unirrigated bush vines in Stellenbosch. The attraction to this mature (planted in 1996), coastal, bush vine vineyard were the cooler temperatures and small, naturally balanced and concentrated berries. Made by Waterkloof's talented young Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard. Balanced grapes are hand harvested, fermented spontaneously with wild yeast and then raised in large wooden casks (or 'foudre' en Francais). The resulting wine therefore, is perhaps more 'Pino' than 'Tage'. No additions other than sulphur as a preservative. Grown, made and bottled in South Africa. Vegan friendly wine. False Bay - Real Wine, Coastal Vineyards, Sustainably Farmed, Hand Picked, Naturally Crafted, Wild Ferment, Cask Aged.
Producer
An independent company, owned by Waterkloof founder Paul Boutinot, False Bay Vineyards aims to make 'real' wine affordable. These are sustainable certified wines bottled in South Africa and naturally crafted from mature and often old vineyards that, crucially, are naturally in balance. This means that, unusually at the price, the grapes from these coastal gems can be transformed into wine with wild yeast and an absolute minimum of intervention.
False Bay Vineyards is proud to be a WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Biodiversity Champion and certified by WIETA (Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association). All of their wines are Vegan friendly.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinotage |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Perfect with pork belly dishes or barbecued meats, boerwurst, game or good, old fashioned sausage and mash. |
Origin | WO Coastal Region |
2022 Aquiline Shiraz
Regular price £7.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A combination of Paarl and Swartland fruit naturally fermented without crushing, gives a supple and tasty Shiraz in a fresh, approachable style.
Tasting Notes
Ripe and fragrant with youthful cherry and redcurrant fruit and a hint of white pepper. Medium-bodied and rounded with warm, red fruit flavours balanced by fresh acidity, gentle tannins and a touch of spice.
Production
Grapes are sourced from Paarl and the foothills of the Swartland mountains. These vineyards produce low yields and small concentrated berries. Hand-picked and naturally fermented in stainless steel tanks. 25% whole bunch fermented as the ripe stems add to the overall tannin quality of the wine, the rest is just destemmed and not crushed. Pump overs are done once daily during fermentation. 15% went into older 300-litre barrels for malolactic fermentation and a few months ageing.
Producers
Boutinot South Africa is driven by our passion for discovery and desire to capture the real essence of South Africa in every bottle. It was the simple love of Loire Chenin Blanc that first led us to South Africa in 1994, where we pioneered the wild ferment style that has now been adopted by many producers in this region.
Since then we have been exploring the country's amazing vineyards to make fabulous wines from specific sites and plots that scream location, location, and terroir. Our home-grown South African winemaking team of JD Rossouw and Ryno Booysen drive the energy and enthusiasm for expressing the loveliest wines from their country, along with Samantha Bailey's expertise in finesse. The key is knowing the characteristics of each plot, understanding the benefits each cultivar can bring, breaking rules and pushing boundaries. We use a combination of knowledge, a love of nature and science to create versatile, expressive and food-friendly wines from a country that has been making wine for 360 years.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Shiraz |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | This wine was made with the barbecue in mind, it's a great partner to homemade burgers or sticky spare ribs. |
Origin | Swartland |
Appellation | Western Cape |
2022 Strange Kompanjie Cinsault
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%From mature, unirrigated bush vines in Paarl, this old dame is remarkably light on her feet. Inestimably life-affirming and a pure joy to drink.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose is alluringly bright with aromas of fresh cranberry and raspberry.
Palate
The palate reflects these with vibrant, crunchy red berry fruit, tangy acidity and warm, gently spicy notes. An immediately appealing and quaffable style with a serious streak of quality thanks to the low yielding bush vine fruit.
Production
28 year old, dry grown bush vine Cinsault from organically farmed blocks, brought to Wildeberg where roughly 30% of the fruit is carbonically macerated due to some whole bunch material in the press. The juice is then allowed to ferment naturally in older French oak. A naturally produced wine with no fining or filtration and low sulphur levels.
Producer
What’s this then? SKU is a casual band of happy ferments. A circus tent of the Cape’s stranger grapes and blends. We will champion the unfashionable, experiment with the known and express the found before it gets lost. Mistakes are likely, fun certain. Welcome to Strange Kompanjie, a Kultivar Club for the Underdog.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cinsault |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Dietary Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Lightly chilled with Mediterranean dishes, chargrilled veg, pan-fried shrimp or Asian-inspired dishes. |
Appellation | Paarl |
2021 Painted Wolf The Den Pinotage
Regular price £11.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Winemaking
The bulk of the Pinotage was destalked and fermented in tanks with various staves. Malolactic and maturation was completed on staves. Approximately 25% of the wine was fermented in small open fermenters and matured in small French and American oak barrels. The wine was finished by blending 15% of a Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvedre blend.
Background
In 2005, Emma and Jeremy Borg's vinous adventure began when they were approached to make their own wine. Despite Jeremy's two decades of experience in the world of winemaking and Emma's expertise with wine photography, the couple was thrown into the deep end and had to bottle and cork the bounty of their friend's surplus grapes by hand.
The endeavor sparked their dreams of creating their own brand and so Painted Wolf was born. The inspiration came from the endangered African wild dog - highly social, organised, persistent and efficient hunters true to Emma and Jeremy's own vineyard hunts for their expanding range of wines.
Consequently, a percentage of profits from each bottle is donated to support charities dedicated to the conservation of the species, and the painted wolf proudly graces each of their labels. From organic Swartland vineyards to Cape South Coast cool climate sites, the couple has since established a network of esteemed growers and winemakers to ensure quality as grapes are hand-selected and some wines are
Painted Wolf Wines supports the conservation of the highly endangered painted wolf (African wild dog) and the protection of the diminishing wild spaces of Africa, through its donations to the EWT – www.ewt.org.za and Tusk – www.tusk.org.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 85% Pinotage, remaining 15% Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvedre blend |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Pinotage is the best possible red wine in the world to pair with Mexican dishes such as Fajitas or that glorious confection of chicken, chocolate, cumin seeds, smoky ancho chilli, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds which is called Mole. It is also very good with other flavoursome American regional specialities such as with Carolina Pulled Pork and smoky Texas B.B.Q beef rib. |
Appellation | W.O. Swartland |
2022 Painted Wolf The Den Chenin Blanc
Regular price £11.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Winemaking
This wine was made from ripe grapes picked to deliver a rich flavour and texture. It is made up from 3 different tanks produced in different ways. Approximately 50% of the wine was made with standard tank fermentation, and about 30% being fermented with a small number of French oak staves and the balance a “funky” ferment with lots of lees in the tank and a very slow fermentation to build glycerol and texture in the wine. The final blend was put together from these components.
The Background
In 2005, Emma and Jeremy Borg's vinous adventure began when they were approached to make their own wine. Despite Jeremy's two decades of experience in the world of winemaking and Emma's expertise with wine photography, the couple was thrown into the deep end and had to bottle and cork the bounty of their friend's surplus grapes by hand.
The endeavor sparked their dreams of creating their own brand and so Painted Wolf was born. The inspiration came from the endangered African wild dog - highly social, organised, persistent and efficient hunters true to Emma and Jeremy's own vineyard hunts for their expanding range of wines.
Consequently, a percentage of profits from each bottle is donated to support charities dedicated to the conservation of the species, and the painted wolf proudly graces each of their labels. From organic Swartland vineyards to Cape South Coast cool climate sites, the couple has since established a network of esteemed growers and winemakers to ensure quality as grapes are hand-selected and some wines are
TPainted Wolf Wines supports the conservation of the highly endangered painted wolf (African wild dog) and the protection of the diminishing wild spaces of Africa, through its donations to the EWT – www.ewt.org.za and Tusk – www.tusk.org.
Awards
- 3.5 stars – Platter's Wine Guide 2020
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Yet another triumph from the winemaking genius that is Jeremy Borg. It astounds me how much flavour he gets out of his wines. A real winemaking and blending skill. Beautiful tropical fruit, a soft but constant stream of refreshing acidity and enough wood/lees ageing to give fabulous texture and heaps of complexity & balance for the price point. At £12 this is a real triumph, this mouthfeel and flavour usually costs around £20 - at least. Works well either on its own or with food - just astounded by the flavours, texture and complexity at the price point. Painted Wolf range delivers with every drop." Tasted October 2023
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 90% Chenin Blanc, 10% Viognier |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13% ABV |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches | Complementing such classic dishes as coronation chicken, trout with almonds, or even macaroni cheese. Great value for good everyday drinking with enough class for special dinners, high days, and holidays. |
Appellation | W.O. Swartland |
2022 Painted Wolf Teardrop Viognier
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Background
In 2005, Emma and Jeremy Borg's vinous adventure began when they were approached to make their own wine. Despite Jeremy's two decades of experience in the world of winemaking and Emma's expertise with wine photography, the couple was thrown into the deep end and had to bottle and cork the bounty of their friend's surplus grapes by hand.
The endeavor sparked their dreams of creating their own brand and so Painted Wolf was born. The inspiration came from the endangered African wild dog - highly social, organised, persistent and efficient hunters true to Emma and Jeremy's own vineyard hunts for their expanding range of wines.
Consequently, a percentage of profits from each bottle is donated to support charities dedicated to the conservation of the species, and the painted wolf proudly graces each of their labels. From organic Swartland vineyards to Cape South Coast cool climate sites, the couple has since established a network of esteemed growers and winemakers to ensure quality as grapes are hand-selected and some wines are
TPainted Wolf Wines supports the conservation of the highly endangered painted wolf (African wild dog) and the protection of the diminishing wild spaces of Africa, through its donations to the EWT – www.ewt.org.za and Tusk – www.tusk.org.
Awards
- Double Silver – National Wine Challenge/Top100 wines 2019
- 4 stars, 88 points – Platter 2020
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Viognier |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Now - 2025 |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches | Pairs well with mild Indian curries like korma and tikka masala. It is wonderful with roast pork with a mustard and apple sauce or a creamy seafood dishes. Viognier is a great partner to washed rind cheese. |
Appellation | W.O. Swartland |
2020 Painted Wolf Black Tip Mourvédre
Regular price £19.69 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Background
The Vineyards
The grapes are from Kasteelsig vineyard, owned by Billy (Guillermo) Hughes, and are organically certified. Soil is red Glenrosa with some Oakleaf – shale-rich duplex soils. The vineyards are not irrigated.
Winemaking
The grapes were fermented with natural yeast in open tanks and a small, manually-rotating steel tank (20% whole-bunches). Malolactic conversion and maturation took place in small French and American oak barrels (20% new) for 8 months. Total production 2,800 bottles.
Painted Wolf Wines supports the conservation of the highly endangered painted wolf (African wild dog) and the protection of the diminishing wild spaces of Africa, through its donations to the EWT – www.ewt.org.za and Tusk – www.tusk.org.
Awards
- 2020 Painted Wolf wins trophy for Most Successful Producer Overall at 2019 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show
- Bronze at the 2023 IWC
- Double Silver at the NWC
- 4.5 starts Platters Guide
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Mourvèdre 85%, Syrah 15% |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.22% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.7 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
This wine is delicious now but will continue to develop over ten years from vintage. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Try with braised beef shanks, sweet and sour pork, wild mushroom risotto or Mexican-style ostrich in mole, melted cheese toastie or salt-baked Gruyere |
Appellation | W.O. Swartland |
2022 Percheron Old Vine Cinsault
Regular price £8.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Crushed for flavour not colour, this 40 year old unirrigated bush vine wine sucks only from the rocks underground. Bright, expressive and gently savoury on the nose.
Palate
Along with its blushing hue, the palate rewards with fresh pomegranate flavour and acidity, savoury gamey notes, and a bright, beating heart of cherry ripe fruit. Slightly chilled with pink duck, pink lamb or carpaccio of beef, this is a beautifully defined expression of South Africa’s most achingly fashionable varietal.
Production
No irrigation is used on the vineyards and very little crop control is needed due to the age of the vines naturally restricting yield. All grapes are harvested by hand. Cinsault has bewilderingly been overlooked for so long in the Cape but is a grape variety we have proudly been championing for years - so it's great that this voice of the Cape's cool Atlantic vineyards is finally finding favour with wine drinkers.
The vines are mostly 40-year-old bush vines from hidden corners of the Cape. No irrigation is used on the vineyards and very little crop control is needed due to the age of the vines naturally restricted yield. The climate is perfect for viticulture with the low rainfall in summer months, tempered by cool afternoon breezes and the cold winters allowing the vines to rest and to build up reserves. All grapes are picked by hand at optimal phenolic ripeness, followed by a fermentation using delestage in which the juice is oxygenated which brings a lower concentration of tannins and a higher concentration of esters, key compounds that contribute fruitiness. The result is a wine, in which red fruit dominates full off and which is full of juiciness.
Producer
Boutinot South Africa is driven by our passion for discovery and desire to capture the real essence of South Africa in every bottle. It was the simple love of Loire Chenin Blanc that first led us to South Africa in 1994, where we pioneered the wild ferment style that has now been adopted by many producers in this region.
Since then we have been exploring the country's amazing vineyards to make fabulous wines from specific sites and plots that scream location, location, terroir.. Our home-grown South African winemaking team of JD Rossouw and Ryno Booysen drive the energy and enthuasiam for expressing the loveliest wines from their country, along with Samantha Bailey's expertise in finesse. The key is knowing the characteristics of each plot, understanding the benefits each cultivar can bring, breaking rules and pushing boundaries. We use a combination of knowledge, a love of nature and science to create versatile, expressive and food-friendly wines from a country that has been making wine for 360 years.
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cinsault |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Delicious slightly chilled, this Cinsault's bright, earthy notes and acidity marries beautifully with Asian duck dishes, pork belly, stir-fried beef and indeed carpaccio of tuna, beef or game. |
Origin | Western Cape |
Appellation |
WO Coastal Region
|
2020 Constantia Glen Two
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%93 Points Tim Aktin
'Two is an impressive, separately fermented cuvée of Sauvignon Blanc with 29% Semillón. Fermented in 15% new 600-litre barrels, this is spicy and textured, with creamy lees, grapefruit and fynbos flavours and a saline, refreshing finish. Classy stuff. 2023-28.'
An elegant wine with exceptional balance and length and fantastic ageing potential.
Tasting Notes
A rich and concentrated blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, this barrel-fermented wine combines oak and tropical fruit flavours with a well-integrated minerality.
Colour
Clear and bright with a straw-like gold colour, tinged with lime green.
Nose
Elegant notes of white peach and blackcurrant, with delicate aromas of lime, green fig, and orange blossom. The wine is tightly wound but shows fantastic purity of fruit as well as some citrus and waxy notes, which will integrate and develop into a very refined wine.
Palate
The entry is fresh with bright acidity, good fruit concentration and depth. Good restraint and elegance with stony mineral nuances, the fresh acidity is beautifully balanced with a mouthcoating creamy texture on the palate, which is brought about by barrel fermentation and maturation on the gross lees for 8 months. Furthermore, 29% of this blend is Sémillon, which contributes weight and texture, making this a truly harmonious blend with an intriguing saline quality that lingers well onto your next sip.
Vintage
2020 was yet another fantastic vintage for the white varieties at Constantia Glen. The flavour of the grapes at the time of picking was concentrated and intense with good acidity. The harvest was preceded by a cool summer growing-season, but a warmer-than-usual month of February hastened the ripening at the end ever so slightly. This meant that we harvested a week earlier than the two previous vintages. Thanks to well established vineyards with excellent root systems, the grapes retained phenomenal acidity despite fairly warm conditions just before harvest. Our dryland vineyards showed remarkable buffering capacity and the 2020 vintage has delivered extremely elegant and refined white wines with great richness, texture, and delicious, mouth-coating acidity that lingers on the palate. Picking of the Sauvignon Blanc commenced on 18 February 2020 and continued for 3 weeks as each different clone and vineyard block achieved optimal ripeness and flavour concentration. The white grape harvest came to a close on 6 March 2020 when the block of Sémillon, making up 29% of this classic Constantia white blend, was safely harvested and processed into the winery.
Vineyards
Constantia Glen has a unique position cradled between the Constantiaberg and Table Mountain (World Heritage Site) ranges, with predominantly north-east facing slopes. This singular location allows for exposure to late afternoon sun, ideal for the slow ripening that shapes our classically expressed wines. Decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone are the dominant soil types that lend minerality and the graceful character to our wines. High water retention of the rich clay sub-soils allows for sustainable dryland cultivation, while ecologically sound practices include biological insect and pest control by means of natural predators.
History of the Cellar
Ideally located below Constantia Nek, just moments from the bustling Cape Town city centre, Constantia Glen is a picturesque wine estate producing ultra-premium, cool climate white and red wines. The 60-hectare property, situated 103-2790 meters above sea level, has a mere 29 hectares under vine with product of wines limited to 120, 000 bottles per annum. Although winemaking began in 1685, recent history begins with the Waibel family, who purchased the land in 1960. Although this land is difficult to farm - as evident by rapid change of ownership from 1813-1960 - the dedication, patience and passion of the Waibel family has proven reward.
Having used the land predominantly as a stud farm, it was in 2000 that the Waibel family planted their first grapes and they now produce four wines. Perhaps most unique about Constantia Glen is its location. Although this region is predominantly known for its white wines, Constantia Glen is situated between the mountains, providing red grapes with the conditions needed to mature. Dryland cultivation under these cool climatic conditions results in slow ripening, low yields with exceptional grape quality and flavour concentration, thereby producing elegant Bordeaux blends. In addition to Sauvignon Blanc and the `Two` (a blend of Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Sémillion), Constantia Glen produces the `Three` - a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon Franc and Merlot` and a `Five` - which includes the addition of Malbec and Petit Verdot.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 61% Sauvignon Blanc and 29% Sémillon |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Blend |
Cellaring Potential | 3 - 8 years |
Food Pairing | Asparagus Risotto. Bacon and Leek Quiche. Grilled Kingklip with Salsa Verde. Char Siu pork belly with citrus spice and fresh coriander. Oak-smoked trout with dill & lemon crème fraiche and a cucumber pickle. |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Constantia |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Hartenberg Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The King of Red Wines, consistently a show stopper and delivers even better with some aging to it.
94 points Tim Atkin
'Granite and ferricrete soils on the estate are the source of this ultra-reliable estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense, concentrated and possessing the backbone of a guardsman, this has grippy, well-integrated tannins, perfumed 50% new wood and classic cassis, coffee bean and pencil shaving characters. 2023-2030.'
Tasting Notes
Nose
Delightfully perfumed with spicy vanilla oak and an abundance of red fruit and cherry aromas.
Palate
Soft silky tannins on the palate with flavours of lead pencil, cigar box and sandalwood. A lingering finish persists.
The Estate
On the slopes of Bottelary Hills bordering Stellenbosch, is a family estate where nature provides the perfect backdrop to grow, produce and share award-winning wines. Summer at Hartenberg brings picnics on the lawns followed by buoyant games of boule. Winter invites you to intimate fireside lunches and sumptuous reds, smoky charcuterie and olives, and sensorial cellar tours. Our Wetland Conservation Area, alongside the vineyards, makes for a beautiful setting for walks and shared family fun.
We are passionate about preserving our natural wealth as evidenced by our sustainable farming practices and conservation programs. We are proud members of Biodiversity and Wine (BWI) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), and the estate is home to plentiful wildlife and over 120 species of birds – inspiring us to combine the best of nature with fine wine. Our stated intention is for a pristine environment where nature thrives.
History
The first settlers to cultivate the virgin land of the estate now known as Hartenberg were friends Cunraad Boin and Christoffel Esterhuizzen who were granted permission to work 60 morgen (20 ha) of the land in 1692. In 1704, Christoffel Esterhuizzen was granted the title deed to "Het Hartenberg" by Governer (Willem Adriaan van der Stel) and by 1718, he had 10 000 vines on his property.
The well-known elephant hunter, Paulus Keyser, bought Hartenberg in 1721 and continued the practice of vineyard cultivation and winemaking on the farm until he sold it to Jacob van Bochen in 1725. Van Bochen, a former accountant of the Dutch East India Company butchery and holder of the liquor retail monopoly, also bought Weltevrede adjoining Hartenberg.
For about one hundred years after van Bochen, the farm passed through the hands of various owners. Some with colourful names like Arrie Lekkerwyn (delicious wine), and Aaron van Ceylon (a freed slave) and in 1838 it became the property of the brothers Jacobus and Johannes Bosman.
An important period in the farm's development was ushered in by the Hampf family when they bought Hartenberg in 1928. Mrs Hampf extended the vineyards and planted the many beautiful trees still to be seen around the farm and cellar, while her husband became the first officially recorded winemaker on the estate.
In 1948, Hartenberg was bought by the late Dr Maurice Finlayson (a well-known Cape Town pathologist) and his wife, Eleanor. Discovering the true potential of the estate, they soon began marketing their wines under the label "Montagne". Besides good wine, the Finlaysons also produced two sons, Peter and Walter, who were to become renowned South African winemakers. Uncompromising and sophisticated, Eleanor Finlayson's presence is still felt on Hartenberg today.
Gilbeys were the next owners of the estate, purchasing it from the Finlaysons in 1977. They eventually released the present Hartenberg range as their flagship brand in 1985. On 1 January 1987, Ken Mackenzie, purchased Hartenberg, having seen the potential that the perennial under-achiever offered.
His daughters continue a program of investment in the farm, focusing on three key areas: the replanting to specific sites of premium varietals, the development of production facilities, and upliftment, through knowledge and skills for employees.
The Mackenzie vision, though extremely ambitious, remains simple: to do whatever it takes to produce wines of outstanding quality.
Accolades
-
2019 Vintage 94 points Tim Atkin
Specifications
Vintage | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2023-2030 |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Excellent with grilled ribeye steak. A classic match for richer savoury dishes, springbok fillet or black mushroom stroganoff. |
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
2019 Hartenberg The Eleanor Chardonnay
Regular price £28.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%95 points Tim Atkin
‘Year after year, this is among South Africa's best Chardonnays, a single clone (CY95) white that combines structure, intensity, concentration and precision. Finely oaked in 40% new wood, it has notes of lemon butter and cashew, lots of texture and a taut, stony finish. 2022-26’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 95/100
Only 16 barrels of The Eleanor Chardonnay 2019 were produced and the wine has just been released.
Tasting Notes
Hartenberg`s self-styled `super premium` Chardonnay earns its title. this wine combines creamy and nutty fruit with refreshing acidity, a sleek minerality and sharp citrus fruit. It spends a whole year in all-new French oak and on the palate, you can tell – rich body, warm vanilla and an enduring round finish.
Nose
An expressive bouquet with lime zest and stone fruit at its core. Elegantly integrated oak shows notes of butterscotch opening up to a roasted nut aroma and a clean, chalky minerality.
Palate
An initial bright acidity on the palate balances the rich and creamy texture of the wine with the peach and lime note following through to a lingering, toasty finish.
Estate
On the slopes of Bottelary Hills bordering Stellenbosch, is a family estate where nature provides the perfect backdrop to grow, produce and share award-winning wines. Summer at Hartenberg brings picnics on the lawns followed by buoyant games of boule. Winter invites you to intimate fireside lunches and sumptuous reds, smoky charcuterie and olives, and sensorial cellar tours. Our Wetland Conservation Area, alongside the vineyards, makes for a beautiful setting for walks and shared family fun.
We are passionate about preserving our natural wealth as evidenced by our sustainable farming practices and conservation programs. We are proud members of Biodiversity and Wine (BWI) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), and the estate is home to plentiful wildlife and over 120 species of birds – inspiring us to combine the best of nature with fine wine. Our stated intention is for a pristine environment where nature thrives.
History
The first settlers to cultivate the virgin land of the estate now known as Hartenberg were friends Cunraad Boin and Christoffel Esterhuizzen who were granted permission to work 60 morgen (20 ha) of the land in 1692. In 1704, Christoffel Esterhuizzen was granted the title deed to "Het Hartenberg" by Governer (Willem Adriaan van der Stel) and by 1718, he had 10 000 vines on his property.
The well-known elephant hunter, Paulus Keyser, bought Hartenberg in 1721 and continued the practice of vineyard cultivation and winemaking on the farm until he sold it to Jacob van Bochen in 1725. Van Bochen, a former accountant of the Dutch East India Company butchery and holder of the liquor retail monopoly, also bought Weltevrede adjoining Hartenberg.
For about one hundred years after van Bochen, the farm passed through the hands of various owners. Some with colourful names like Arrie Lekkerwyn (delicious wine), and Aaron van Ceylon (a freed slave) and in 1838 it became the property of the brothers Jacobus and Johannes Bosman.
An important period in the farm's development was ushered in by the Hampf family when they bought Hartenberg in 1928. Mrs Hampf extended the vineyards and planted the many beautiful trees still to be seen around the farm and cellar, while her husband became the first officially recorded winemaker on the estate.
In 1948, Hartenberg was bought by the late Dr Maurice Finlayson (a well-known Cape Town pathologist) and his wife, Eleanor. Discovering the true potential of the estate, they soon began marketing their wines under the label "Montagne". Besides good wine, the Finlaysons also produced two sons, Peter and Walter, who were to become renowned South African winemakers. Uncompromising and sophisticated, Eleanor Finlayson's presence is still felt on Hartenberg today.
Gilbeys were the next owners of the estate, purchasing it from the Finlaysons in 1977. They eventually released the present Hartenberg range as their flagship brand in 1985. On 1 January 1987, Ken Mackenzie, purchased Hartenberg, having seen the potential that the perennial under-achiever offered.
His daughters continue a program of investment in the farm, focusing on three key areas: the replanting to specific sites of premium varietals, the development of production facilities, and upliftment, through knowledge and skills for employees.
The Mackenzie vision, though extremely ambitious, remains simple: to do whatever it takes to produce wines of outstanding quality.
Accolades
-
Tim Atkin rated The Eleanor 2019 an outstanding 95 points and offers the following tasting note:
“Year after year, this is among South Africa’s best Chardonnays, a single clone (CY95) white that combines structure, intensity, concentration and precision. Finely oaked in 40% new wood, it has notes of lemon butter and cashew, lots of texture and a taut, stony finish.”
Alan's Tasting Notes
"A stunning South African - peachy fruits punctuated by zingy lime zest intermingled with creamy butterscotch and a long lingering toasty finish from 12 months in new French oak - an absolute stunner that is made in limited quantities - who needs premium white burgundy which is unavailable when South Africa can produce sublime substitutes like this - pricey but solid good value well worth every penny!" September 2022
Accolade
- 95 points Tim Atkin (2019 vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Up to 5 years from vintage |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | The Eleanor Chardonnay is the perfect wine to enjoy with food or on its own. |
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
2020 Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £16.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Lime green hue.
Nose
Complex core, with notes of lemongrass and lime, grapefruit and white peach, blackcurrant leaf and even elderflower.
Palate
Richly textured mouthfeel balanced by a striking minerality, razor-sharp acidity and a long, lingering finish.
Vintage
Constantia Glen's Sauvignon is a complex, elegant, cool-climate style with great fruit weight, minerality and vibrant acidity. The 2020 vintage was yet another excellent one at Constantia Glen that saw cool temperatures and a long ripening season, which produced a classic Constantia wine, exemplifying elegance, texture and freshness.
History of the Cellar
Ideally located below Constantia Nek, just moments from the bustling Cape Town city centre, Constantia Glen is a picturesque wine estate producing ultra-premium, cool climate white and red wines. The 60-hectare property, situated 103-2790 meters above sea level, has a mere 29 hectares under vine with product of wines limited to 120, 000 bottles per annum. Although winemaking began in 1685, recent history begins with the Waibel family, who purchased the land in 1960. Although this land is difficult to farm - as evident by rapid change of ownership from 1813-1960 - the dedication, patience and passion of the Waibel family has proven reward.
Having used the land predominantly as a stud farm, it was in 2000 that the Waibel family planted their first grapes and they now produce four wines. Perhaps most unique about Constantia Glen is its location. Although this region is predominantly known for its white wines, Constantia Glen is situated between the mountains, providing red grapes with the conditions needed to mature. Dryland cultivation under these cool climatic conditions results in slow ripening, low yields with exceptional grape quality and flavour concentration, thereby producing elegant Bordeaux blends. In addition to Sauvignon Blanc and the `Two` (a blend of Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Sémillion), Constantia Glen produces the `Three` - a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon Franc and Merlot` and a `Five` - which includes the addition of Malbec and Petit Verdot.
Awards - 2020 Vintage
- 4½ stars (94 points) - Platter’s 2020 Guide
- SA Wine Guide | 91 points - Falstaff Magazine |
- Platinum Award - SAWi 2021
Awards - 2019 Vintage
- 93 points in the 2020 Platter Guide
- Gold medal & Trophy for the best white wine from SA at the 2019 IWC
- Gold Medal at the 2017 International Wine & Spirits Competition
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"This is delish - much more structure, complexity and multi-layered than most kiwi Sauv blancs. Fully dry with a wonderful balance between fruit & acidity. A bit closed when over chilled but really showed well a couple of degrees warmer - 15/20" October 2022
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Pairs well with Ahi tuna poke bowl with fresh lime, avocado and edamame beans. Crostini with poached figs and goats’ cheese. Vietnamese Bún chà. Poached scallops with a wasabi lime granita. |
Origin | Constantia |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Marras Piekenierskloof Grenache
Regular price £13.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
This fresh lightly bodied red produced by 'Marras' as he is affectionately known is a delicate and lightly perfumed wine with a ripe cherry and wild strawberry taste....
Winemakers Notes
Handpicked. Placed in small crates and cooled overnight. Destemmed and crushed the next morning. Cold soaked for 3 days, where most of the extraction was done. Partially natural fermented and matured in older oak barrels for 10 months.
Vineyards
If you can talk to a grape, it will tell you that the Piekenierskloof region is the ideal spot for a tough top class wine-producing grape, as it’s exposed to extreme conditions. Piekenierskloof is the mountain pass between Piketberg and Citrusdal, over the Olifants River Mountains. With warm inland temperatures rising from the Swartland during the day and cool Atlantic sea breezes rolling in overnight, these grapes grow in a dryer soil with just enough water to produce grapes that add depth and complexity to every single sip.
The Region
The Swartland begins some 50 kilometers north of Cape Town and consists of the regions between the towns of Malmesbury in the south, Darling in the west, Piketberg in the north and the Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel in the east. It is so called because of the endemic Renosterbos that appears dark mainly when it rains in winter. The Swartland area is mainly known for wheat, but the crown prince in this area is the small concentrated berries of the vines that produce well-balanced and exceptionally ripe and deep-flavoured wines.
Alan's Personal Notes
Such purity and clarity of colour with attractive aromas of cherry and strawberry lead into a medium-bodied red style with light juicy fruit flavours and a touch of smokiness from 10 months ageing in oak. Immediately attractive with good complexity, perfect balance and great length
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Grenache |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Beef, lamb or game stews and casseroles |
Origin | Swartland |
Appellation | WO Swartland |
2019 Marras Shiraz Cinsault
Regular price £10.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Showing complex aromatic nuances of rose petals, violets and sappy grilled herbs.
Palate
The palate is supple and fleshy yet also displays a weightless concentration of red berry fruit, plum spice and savoury woodsmoke.
Winemakers Notes
Handpicked grapes, cooled overnight. 10% whole bunches. Grapes were cold soaked and partially natural fermented while minimal extraction was done. Maturing separately in older oak barrels.
Vineyards
If you can talk to a grape, it will tell you that the Piekenierskloof region is the ideal spot for a tough top class wine-producing grape, as it’s exposed to extreme conditions. Piekenierskloof is the mountain pass between Piketberg and Citrusdal, over the Olifants River Mountains. With warm inland temperatures rising from the Swartland during the day and cool Atlantic sea breezes rolling in overnight, these grapes grow in a dryer soil with just enough water to produce grapes that add depth and complexity to every single sip.
The Region
The Swartland begins some 50 kilometers north of Cape Town and consists of the regions between the towns of Malmesbury in the south, Darling in the west, Piketberg in the north and the Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel in the east. It is so called because of the endemic Renosterbos that appears dark mainly when it rains in winter. The Swartland area is mainly known for wheat, but the crown prince in this area is the small concentrated berries of the vines that produce well-balanced and exceptionally ripe and deep-flavoured wines.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Very soft, supple and juicy for a Shiraz-dominant wine. Red berry & plum fruits - herby more than spicy and reasonably long. Had it opened for an hour before serving which helped enormously. Medium to full-bodied and good value shiraz. It’s long, soft and smooth and everything you’d expect from a wine such as this. Fruit definitely starts to open up and come to life with time in the glass." December 2022.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Cinsault, Shiraz |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring | 2019 - 2024 |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Duck, lamb and mushrooms |
Origin | Swartland |
Appellation | WO Swartland |
2018 Marras Piekenierskloof Chenin Blanc
Regular price £13.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Aromas of pear, quince and baking spice.
Palate
Tastes of fresh juicy pear on the palate and a refreshing aftertaste.
Winemakers Notes
Grapes were ripened by bush vines on the Piekenierskloof mountain. Hand harvested grapes were cooled overnight. Destemmed, crushed and left for 4 hours to obtain skin contact. Partially natural fermented. Combination of barrel and tank fermentation. Matured on fine lees for 6 months.
Vineyards
If you can talk to a grape, it will tell you that the Piekenierskloof region is the ideal spot for a tough top class wine-producing grape, as it’s exposed to extreme conditions. Piekenierskloof is the mountain pass between Piketberg and Citrusdal, over the Olifants River Mountains. With warm inland temperatures rising from the Swartland during the day and cool Atlantic sea breezes rolling in overnight, these grapes grow in a dryer soil with just enough water to produce grapes that add depth and complexity to every single sip.
The Region
The Swartland begins some 50 kilometers north of Cape Town and consists of the regions between the towns of Malmesbury in the south, Darling in the west, Piketberg in the north and the Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel in the east. It is so called because of the endemic Renosterbos that appears dark mainly when it rains in winter. The Swartland area is mainly known for wheat, but the crown prince in this area is the small concentrated berries of the vines that produce well-balanced and exceptionally ripe and deep-flavoured wines.
Alan's Personal Notes
"This is really good!! Warm rich stone fruits with wonderfully exhibitive mineral notes and fresh acidity to make it incredibly rich but perfectly balanced with great length and complexity!!"
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Chenin Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Roast chicken, turkey and pork |
Origin | Swartland |
Appellation | WO Swartland |
2022 Marras Los Tros Chenin Blanc
Regular price £13.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
This wine is bursting with aromatic notes of lemon, apricot and pear.
Palate
On the palate, stone fruit and pear skin flavour characteristics are complemented by a crisp acidity and a round mouthfeel with a refreshing finish.
Winemakers Notes
Marras is the small but mighty label by talented young winemaker Martin Lamprecht, who brings fresh ideas to his current home in the Swartland. This area is a melting pot for hot new talent and South Africa's leading region for liberal winemaking and experimentation. This Chenin Blanc was handpicked and spent 6 months ageing on its fine lees in old 300-litre barrels.
Vineyards
If you can talk to a grape, it will tell you that the Piekenierskloof region is the ideal spot for a tough top class wine-producing grape, as it’s exposed to extreme conditions. Piekenierskloof is the mountain pass between Piketberg and Citrusdal, over the Olifants River Mountains. With warm inland temperatures rising from the Swartland during the day and cool Atlantic sea breezes rolling in overnight, these grapes grow in a dryer soil with just enough water to produce grapes that add depth and complexity to every single sip.
The Region
The Swartland begins some 50 kilometers north of Cape Town and consists of the regions between the towns of Malmesbury in the south, Darling in the west, Piketberg in the north and the Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel in the east. It is so called because of the endemic Renosterbos that appears dark mainly when it rains in winter. The Swartland area is mainly known for wheat, but the crown prince in this area is the small concentrated berries of the vines that produce well-balanced and exceptionally ripe and deep-flavoured wines.
Alan's Personal Notes
"This is really good!! Warm rich stone fruits with wonderfully exhibitive mineral notes and fresh acidity to make it incredibly rich but perfectly balanced with great length and complexity!! Much better value wine than its cape cousins!!"
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Chenin Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Mezze, cold meats and salads |
Origin | Swartland |
Appellation | WO Swartland |
2016 Hartenberg 'Gravel Hill'
Regular price £66.75 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"Home of the Worlds Best Shiraz"
This wine is certainly about a sense of place. The Gravel Hill terroir consistently provides a Shiraz that is unique in character, quality and expression. An iron fist in a velvet glove, Hartenberg's flagship red, previously only available at the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction.
Tasting Notes
Colour
A dark centered, black-red and ruby rim.
Nose
Outspoken black fruit, violets, cloves, smokiness and black pepper on the bouquet.
Palate
An elegant palate of sweet ripe fruit, spicy oak, and rich tannins ends with a lingering, savoury finish. A superb expression of winemaker Carl Schulz's towering abilities.
The Estate
On the slopes of Bottelary Hills bordering Stellenbosch, is a family estate where nature provides the perfect backdrop to grow, produce and share award-winning wines. Summer at Hartenberg brings picnics on the lawns followed by buoyant games of boule. Winter invites you to intimate fireside lunches and sumptuous reds, smoky charcuterie and olives, and sensorial cellar tours. Our Wetland Conservation Area, alongside the vineyards, makes for a beautiful setting for walks and shared family fun.
We are passionate about preserving our natural wealth as evidenced by our sustainable farming practices and conservation programs. We are proud members of Biodiversity and Wine (BWI) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), and the estate is home to plentiful wildlife and over 120 species of birds – inspiring us to combine the best of nature with fine wine. Our stated intention is for a pristine environment where nature thrives.
History
Over the past thirty years, from a poor parcel of dry, gravelly soil, a veritable giant in the wine world has grown. Hartenberg was one of the first South African estates to separately vinify grapes from a particular terroir. Wine from the small and highly unusual “gravel hill” was first bottled in 1978 under the “Montagne” label. Winemaker Carl Schultz arrived at the farm in 1993 and soon agreed that “The Gravel Hill” site was special, with wine from its grapes different to that from other parts of Hartenberg. The opportunity to showcase the site on its own arose after Carl was invited to join the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) a couple of years later. As a condition of membership, he had to produce a small quantity of wine for sale at the annual CWG Auction. Consequently, the 1995 vintage from the site was named and bottled for the first time as The Gravel Hill Shiraz. It was sold at the 1997 auction – the first of fourteen vintages to be sold at the CWG auction. Before becoming commercially available, accolades for the Gravel Hill already include the wine earning the highest price for any Shiraz at the 2007 CWG Auction and the second-highest price for any wine at the auction ever. It is also the wine that has been auctioned at the CWG longest.
The core of the now phenomenal reputation of The Gravel Hill Shiraz is locked into the site's unique geology. On the surface, there appears to be very little soil. Instead, a 40 cm thick covering of brown ferrous stone is undermined by a fine clay layer, stretching down a few metres.
As the winter rains dissipate and the soil dries out, the subsoil clay cracks, and water filters through the gravel and collects in the clay fissures, serving as the vines’ water reservoir. As the summer heat wanes and the winter rain arrives, the clay swells, pruning the roots buried inside it, thereby limiting the vigour of the vines.
Accolades
- 2016 vintage 95 points Tim Atkin MW
- 2015 96 points Tim Atkin
- 2014 95 points Tim Atkin, 4½ stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
- 2013 Gold Medal Syrah Du Monde France (2017), 5 stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
- 2012 Gold Medal Decanter 2017, 91 points Robert Parker, 4½ stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
- 2011 94 points Tim Atkin, 4½ stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
- 2010 94 points Tim Atkin, 94 points Robert Parker, 4½ stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
- 2008 Gold Medal Syrah Du Monde 2013, 4½ stars Platter's SA Wine Guide, 94 points Tim Atkin MW
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Shiraz |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.58% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Barrel Aging | 18 months in 50% new French Oak barrels, 50% in 2nd fill (225li) |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 20 years plus |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Fillet of kudu with a red wine jus, rare roast sirloin, wild mushroom risotto.
|
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
2016 Hartenberg 'The Megan'
Regular price £41.69 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A Southern Rhone styled red - juicy & bursting with flavour that finishes with a very moreish, lingering aftertaste.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Cherry, raspberry, perfumed fruit notes with subtle pepper and spice on the nose.
Palate
The elegant palate reveals dark choc and supple, cedary notes, underpinned by vanilla oak flavours. Incredibly soft on palate entry.
History
The Megan is a tribute to Megan Mackenzie, wife of Ken "Stork" Mackenzie whose family still owns Hartenberg Wine Estate. Megan met Ken whilst still at school and once time passed, they got married and so started a twenty-four year love story. Initially assisting in the family business, but also a celebrated harpist, Megan sowed the early seeds for the decision to later buy Hartenberg Wine Estate, whilst on their honeymoon vacation to the Cape in 1952. Megan sadly passed away in the prime of her life and Ken never remarried.
The Estate
On the slopes of Bottelary Hills bordering Stellenbosch, is a family estate where nature provides the perfect backdrop to grow, produce and share award-winning wines. Summer at Hartenberg brings picnics on the lawns followed by buoyant games of boule. Winter invites you to intimate fireside lunches and sumptuous reds, smoky charcuterie and olives, and sensorial cellar tours. Our Wetland Conservation Area, alongside the vineyards, makes for a beautiful setting for walks and shared family fun.
We are passionate about preserving our natural wealth as evidenced by our sustainable farming practices and conservation programs. We are proud members of Biodiversity and Wine (BWI) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), and the estate is home to plentiful wildlife and over 120 species of birds – inspiring us to combine the best of nature with fine wine. Our stated intention is for a pristine environment where nature thrives.
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvèdre Blend |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Up to 10 years from vintage |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Slow roasted shoulder of pork, lamb rogan josh, caramelized roasted root vegetables, rib-eye steak or nutty hard cheeses
|
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
2020 Hartenberg Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"Home of the Worlds Best Shiraz"
The most sold wine in the Hartenberg portfolio, now celebrating 26 vintages. At a previous Classic Wine Trophy competition ten Gold medals were awarded by the French judges to the 385 red wines. Most estates entered their flagship wines. Due to Hartenbergs' uncompromising approach to standards they felt comfortable entering the pocket-friendly Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz. The wine won Gold.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Vibrant red in colour.
Nose
An alluring blend of wild herbs and spices on the nose with hints of freshly picked dark fruits and berries on the palate, ending in a savoury finish.
Palate
Ripe, soft tannins balance well with the lingering finish.
The Estate
On the slopes of Bottelary Hills bordering Stellenbosch, is a family estate where nature provides the perfect backdrop to grow, produce and share award-winning wines. Summer at Hartenberg brings picnics on the lawns followed by buoyant games of boule. Winter invites you to intimate fireside lunches and sumptuous reds, smoky charcuterie and olives, and sensorial cellar tours. Our Wetland Conservation Area, alongside the vineyards, makes for a beautiful setting for walks and shared family fun.
We are passionate about preserving our natural wealth as evidenced by our sustainable farming practices and conservation programs. We are proud members of Biodiversity and Wine (BWI) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), and the estate is home to plentiful wildlife and over 120 species of birds – inspiring us to combine the best of nature with fine wine. Our stated intention is for a pristine environment where nature thrives.
Accolades
- 2016 Vintage 90 points Tim Atkin
- 2016 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2015 Vintage 4 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2014 Vintage 90 points Tim Atkin; 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2013 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2012 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2011 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2010 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide & 90 Points Robert Parker
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Shiraz/Syrah, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Mourvedre |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Up to 10 years from vintage |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Pizza with all its various toppings (but not too much chilli), all traditionally prepared meat dishes (i.e. stews and grills), grilled or roasted game fish (ideally without a lemon based sauce) or for pudding. Pears in red wine will find a partner with this versatile wine.
|
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
2020 Hartenberg Chardonnay
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
White pear, tropical fruits, vanilla and roasted almonds on the bouquet, marries flawlessly to a rich, melded palate.
Palate
The subtle, integrated oak aromas contribute to a long, creamy finish, underpinned by a rapier-like fresh acidity.
"Seamlessly merges tangerine vibrancy with vanilla cream from barrel ferment. Textured and rich yet lean and focused throughout. A peaches and cream delight with a dry finish" - John Platter 2014
Estate
On the slopes of Bottelary Hills bordering Stellenbosch, is a family estate where nature provides the perfect backdrop to grow, produce and share award-winning wines. Summer at Hartenberg brings picnics on the lawns followed by buoyant games of boule. Winter invites you to intimate fireside lunches and sumptuous reds, smoky charcuterie and olives, and sensorial cellar tours. Our Wetland Conservation Area, alongside the vineyards, makes for a beautiful setting for walks and shared family fun.
We are passionate about preserving our natural wealth as evidenced by our sustainable farming practices and conservation programs. We are proud members of Biodiversity and Wine (BWI) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), and the estate is home to plentiful wildlife and over 120 species of birds – inspiring us to combine the best of nature with fine wine. Our stated intention is for a pristine environment where nature thrives.
History
The first settlers to cultivate the virgin land of the estate now known as Hartenberg were friends Cunraad Boin and Christoffel Esterhuizzen who were granted permission to work 60 morgen (20 ha) of the land in 1692. In 1704, Christoffel Esterhuizzen was granted the title deed to "Het Hartenberg" by Governer (Willem Adriaan van der Stel) and by 1718, he had 10 000 vines on his property.
The well-known elephant hunter, Paulus Keyser, bought Hartenberg in 1721 and continued the practice of vineyard cultivation and winemaking on the farm until he sold it to Jacob van Bochen in 1725. Van Bochen, a former accountant of the Dutch East India Company butchery and holder of the liquor retail monopoly, also bought Weltevrede adjoining Hartenberg.
For about one hundred years after van Bochen, the farm passed through the hands of various owners. Some with colourful names like Arrie Lekkerwyn (delicious wine), and Aaron van Ceylon (a freed slave) and in 1838 it became the property of the brothers Jacobus and Johannes Bosman.
An important period in the farm's development was ushered in by the Hampf family when they bought Hartenberg in 1928. Mrs Hampf extended the vineyards and planted the many beautiful trees still to be seen around the farm and cellar, while her husband became the first officially recorded winemaker on the estate.
In 1948, Hartenberg was bought by the late Dr Maurice Finlayson (a well-known Cape Town pathologist) and his wife, Eleanor. Discovering the true potential of the estate, they soon began marketing their wines under the label "Montagne". Besides good wine, the Finlaysons also produced two sons, Peter and Walter, who were to become renowned South African winemakers. Uncompromising and sophisticated, Eleanor Finlayson's presence is still felt on Hartenberg today.
Gilbeys were the next owners of the estate, purchasing it from the Finlaysons in 1977. They eventually released the present Hartenberg range as their flagship brand in 1985. On 1 January 1987, Ken Mackenzie, purchased Hartenberg, having seen the potential that the perennial under-achiever offered.
His daughters continue a program of investment in the farm, focusing on three key areas: the replanting to specific sites of premium varietals, the development of production facilities, and upliftment, through knowledge and skills for employees.
The Mackenzie vision, though extremely ambitious, remains simple: to do whatever it takes to produce wines of outstanding quality.
Accolades
-
2017 Vintage 93 points Tim Atkin MW
-
2016 Vintage 93 points Tim Atkin MW; 91 Points Neal Martin (Vinous), 90 points James Suckling Report; 4 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2015 Vintage Tim Atkin 92 points
- 2015 93 points Prescient Chardonnay Awards, 92 points Tim Atkin, 91 points Robert Parker, 4 stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
- 2014 Veritas Silver 2015, 90 points Tim Atkin
- 2013 92 points Tim Atkin, 92 points Christian Eedes Chardonnay Report 2015, Veritas Gold (2014), 4 stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
- 2011 4 stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
- 2010 4 stars Platter's SA Wine Guide, Top 10 Christiaan Eedes, 90 points Robert Parker
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Up to 5 years from vintage |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Cream based foods, smoked chicken or duck, seared tuna with olive oil, lime juice and black pepper. |
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
2020 Hartenberg Riesling
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%One of South Africa's oldest wineries with one of the most respected winemakers in the Western Cape at its helm - Carl Schultz.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The bouquet displays beautiful elements of chalky, flint and minerally notes.Palate
The wine is juicy and opulent on palate entry and then a fine acidity arrives to provide a perfect foil to the inherent fruit “sweetness”. Despite being bone dry, the wine finishes with an appealing sweet/sour character, begging a second taste.
"Defined lime zest, apple and character-building slight wax/ terpene nuance on dry palate. Opens in the glass and lingers." ~ Platter's Wine Guide SA 2015
Estate
On the slopes of Bottelary Hills bordering Stellenbosch, is a family estate where nature provides the perfect backdrop to grow, produce and share award-winning wines. Summer at Hartenberg brings picnics on the lawns followed by buoyant games of boule. Winter invites you to intimate fireside lunches and sumptuous reds, smoky charcuterie and olives, and sensorial cellar tours. Our Wetland Conservation Area, alongside the vineyards, makes for a beautiful setting for walks and shared family fun.
We are passionate about preserving our natural wealth as evidenced by our sustainable farming practices and conservation programs. We are proud members of Biodiversity and Wine (BWI) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), and the estate is home to plentiful wildlife and over 120 species of birds – inspiring us to combine the best of nature with fine wine. Our stated intention is for a pristine environment where nature thrives.
Accolades
- 2017 4 stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
- 2017 90 points Tim Atkin
- 2016 92 poimts Tim Atkin
- 2015 92 points Tim Atkin
- 2014 93 points Tim Atkin, 4 stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
- 2013 91 points Tim Atkin, 87 points Robert Parker, Gold Medal Veritas SA
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"The first surprise here was that this had a natural cork when I was expecting a screwcap (obviously a quality statement). The second surprise was that the aromas didn’t show the normal oil/ kerosene notes you sometimes get with Riesling - much more orange zest than anything offensive.
Although the Riesling characters show up more on the palate. Extremely well made, perfect poise and balance and shows quality all through from the front to the back palate. Super enjoyable on its own but will stand up to food as well. Now one of my favourite’ GO TO’ drinking whites - at an easily affordable price so great value." Tasted Jan 2022
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Riesling |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 6 years from vintage |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Smoked trout terrine, Thai inspired foods, bobotie, peri-peri chicken livers. |
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
2019 Hartenberg Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £11.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Pale straw in colour with tints of green.
Nose
Aromas of fresh gooseberry, ripe fig, asparagus and crushed nettles.
Palate
The palate has an opulent feel on entry, offset by a steely linearity and flavoursome, clean structure. The wine ends with great purity, definition and a moreish acidity.
Estate
On the slopes of Bottelary Hills bordering Stellenbosch, is a family estate where nature provides the perfect backdrop to grow, produce and share award-winning wines. Summer at Hartenberg brings picnics on the lawns followed by buoyant games of boule. Winter invites you to intimate fireside lunches and sumptuous reds, smoky charcuterie and olives, and sensorial cellar tours. Our Wetland Conservation Area, alongside the vineyards, makes for a beautiful setting for walks and shared family fun.
We are passionate about preserving our natural wealth as evidenced by our sustainable farming practices and conservation programs. We are proud members of Biodiversity and Wine (BWI) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), and the estate is home to plentiful wildlife and over 120 species of birds – inspiring us to combine the best of nature with fine wine. Our stated intention is for a pristine environment where nature thrives.
History
The first settlers to cultivate the virgin land of the estate now known as Hartenberg were friends Cunraad Boin and Christoffel Esterhuizzen who were granted permission to work 60 morgen (20 ha) of the land in 1692. In 1704, Christoffel Esterhuizzen was granted the title deed to "Het Hartenberg" by Governer (Willem Adriaan van der Stel) and by 1718, he had 10 000 vines on his property.
The well-known elephant hunter, Paulus Keyser, bought Hartenberg in 1721 and continued the practice of vineyard cultivation and winemaking on the farm until he sold it to Jacob van Bochen in 1725. Van Bochen, a former accountant of the Dutch East India Company butchery and holder of the liquor retail monopoly, also bought Weltevrede adjoining Hartenberg.
For about one hundred years after van Bochen, the farm passed through the hands of various owners. Some with colourful names like Arrie Lekkerwyn (delicious wine), and Aaron van Ceylon (a freed slave) and in 1838 it became the property of the brothers Jacobus and Johannes Bosman.
An important period in the farm's development was ushered in by the Hampf family when they bought Hartenberg in 1928. Mrs Hampf extended the vineyards and planted the many beautiful trees still to be seen around the farm and cellar, while her husband became the first officially recorded winemaker on the estate.
In 1948, Hartenberg was bought by the late Dr Maurice Finlayson (a well-known Cape Town pathologist) and his wife, Eleanor. Discovering the true potential of the estate, they soon began marketing their wines under the label "Montagne". Besides good wine, the Finlaysons also produced two sons, Peter and Walter, who were to become renowned South African winemakers. Uncompromising and sophisticated, Eleanor Finlayson's presence is still felt on Hartenberg today.
Gilbeys were the next owners of the estate, purchasing it from the Finlaysons in 1977. They eventually released the present Hartenberg range as their flagship brand in 1985. On 1 January 1987, Ken Mackenzie, purchased Hartenberg, having seen the potential that the perennial under-achiever offered.
His daughters continue a program of investment in the farm, focusing on three key areas: the replanting to specific sites of premium varietals, the development of production facilities, and upliftment, through knowledge and skills for employees.
The Mackenzie vision, though extremely ambitious, remains simple: to do whatever it takes to produce wines of outstanding quality.
Accolades
- 2018 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2017 Vintage 90 points Wine Enthusiast
- 2015 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2014 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2013 Vintage 4 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2012 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2011 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide & 90 points Robert Parker
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 1-3 years from vintage |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Goats cheese - either baked, in a salad or on its own. Fish - whether it be baked, steamed, fried or served as a soup. Also, lime, coriander, light chilli and garlic when cooked with fish, chicken or vegetables. |
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
2018 Hartenberg 'The Stork' Shiraz
Regular price £54.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"Home of the Worlds Best Shiraz"
'This shows depth and power. The stewed black fruits and blueberry crumble flavours show brilliantly with nothing stopping it from delivering pleasure. Sublime and evolving.' – Decanter World Wine Awards, 96/100 (Gold)
Nose
The Stork shows a complex bouquet of ripe black cherries, violets, sweet spice and sandalwood.
Palate
The palate is richly textured and well rounded with a continuation of the sweet spice note from the nose ending in plush and fine tannins.
History
The Stork Shiraz honours the late Ken Mackenzie, pilot, businessman, farmer and benefactor. Stork was Ken’s Second World War nickname (as he was tall with long thin legs and a Spitfire pilot) and Shiraz was his preferred red wine.
This limited volume wine represents a vineyard selection of Shiraz from a specific site that is planted solely on clay–rich "terra rossa" type soils. The vineyard ripens a full month later than our Gravel Hill Shiraz site.
Shiraz is the cultivar that has made Hartenberg famous, and The Stork will ensure this reputation continues.
Accolades
'The Stork comes from deep, red clay soils and always has a slightly ferrous, dried blood character to it. Perfumed and concentrated, with blackberry, plum and tangerine fruit, lots of minerality and the structure to age in bottle. Drink 2024-32.' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 94/100
'Shiraz off deep, clay-rich loam soil, reflected in plush mulberry & plum fruit which absorbs 20 months in 90% new oak & coats firm tannin structure. 2017’s savoury, clove & white pepper will add complexity for many years. Also in 1.5L, as red siblings.' – Platter's Guide, 4.5* (93/100)
'The 2017 The Stork has a concentrated nose of blackberry, iodine and wild heather scents, revealing more red fruit with aeration while retaining admirable delineation. The smooth palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity and a hint of melted tar toward the finish. Quite bold, but a well-crafted Stellenbosch wine. Drink 2022-2034.' – Neal Martin, Vinous, 91/100 (Nov 2021)
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Shiraz |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14 %alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.6 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Up to 15 years |
Barrel Ageing |
20 months in 90% new French oak barrels, 10% second fill
|
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Dijon & herb-crusted rack of Lamb served with a simple jus. |
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
2022 Waterkloof 'Circumstance' Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £13.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Crushed laurel on the nose with more than a nuance of residual seaside salt.
Palate
This has a big and textured palate with stone fruit and fennel hints – it is rich and minerally, showing even a slight rocky quality about it. As bracing as the wind through the vines at Waterkloof.
Production
Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including soil, aspect, altitude, and vintage. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes, and wines with a true sense of place. The Sauvignon Blanc is from three windswept, south-facing (less sun exposure) blocks 270-300m above and a mere 2 miles from The Atlantic. The vines are 20 years old and production was a miserly 4 tons per hectare. Waterkloof follows a traditional, minimalistic approach in their gravitational cellar which means interfering as little as possible with the winemaking process. This allows the flavours prevalent in that specific vineyard to ultimately express themselves in the wine. To achieve this goal, all grapes are whole-bunch pressed, which ensures that juice is extracted in the gentlest way. The juice is then settled naturally for 24 hours. Naturally present wild yeast is employed to ferment the juice, mainly in old 600litre barrels (90%). This leads to a longer fermentation process with a slow release of aromas and a more structured palate. The natural fermentation process took 7-8 months to complete, after which the wine was left on the gross less for another 6 months. There are no added acid or enzymes during the winemaking process, with only a light filtration and a small addition of sulphur added as a preservative prior to bottling.
Awards
- The Wine Merchant Top 100 2019 - 2017 Vintage
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable, Natural |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Ideal with fresh oysters or fresh crayfish on the grill. Great with a goat's cheese too. |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | South Africa |
2022 Waterkloof 'Circumstance Cape Coral Mouvèdre Rosé'
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Mourvedre is perfect for Waterkloof, with its head in the sun and feet in the sea. So, not one to follow fashion, Paul Boutinot has made it the most planted red grape on this biodynamic farm. Cape Coral Rosé has vindicated that decision, promptly proving itself to be one of the finest rosés in The Southern Hemisphere, if not The World. Pale in colour and discreet of fragrance, yet with a palate weight and texture that makes it a decidedly gastronomic rosé.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Pale salmon colour
Nose
Delicate aromas of peach, spice and herbs are prominent on the nose.
Palate
A fresh, yet broadly textured mouthfeel with a long, savoury and deeply satisfying finish. This rather grown-up wine makes a wonderful partner to almost any dish you care to prepare.
'Rooibos! Distinct terroir character here – whether it’s fynbos or tea or whatever, it certainly seems to reflect its home. Excellent softness and complexity. As valid a fine wine as many reds or whites – really shows what great rosé can do. Finishes with a long, mealy length.' – Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20
'A delightfully pale coloured Rosé. Delicate red berry aromas combined with a flinty note are prominent on the nose. The palate is soft with a lingering fresh acidity on the aftertaste. Traditionally the wine is served chilled on its own, but also marries well with spicy, tuna-based sushi.' – Nadia Barnard
Awards
The Wine Merchant Top 100 2016 - 2015 Vintage
Production
Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including soil, aspect, altitude and vintage. The Mourvedre vines are dry-farmed, windswept and low-yielding. Production is a minuscule (for rosé) 5 tons per hectare. Grapes were hand-harvested followed by a gentle whole-bunch pressing in a horizontal basket press, to extract only the finest juice. No further maceration of the juice with the skins was allowed. The juice was run down via gravity into tank and left to settle naturally for 12 hours. From there the clean juice was racked off to wooden fermenters to start the natural fermentation spontaneously, relying on wild yeasts that occur naturally in the vineyard. The reason why Waterkloof ferment in older wooden fermenters is to ensure a slow ingress of oxygen throughout the process and therefore a longer fermentation without picking-up any oak aromas. The wine was then left on the primary lees to add further complexity before bottling. The wine then spent a minimum of six months on lees. No fining, just a light filtration. The only addition was a small amount of sulphur before bottling.
Producer
Founded by Paul Boutinot in 2004, Waterkloof is a family-owned, organic, biodynamic and WWF Biodiversity Champion farm perched high up on the windswept Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay and The Atlantic Ocean. Living soils, naturally low yields and a long growing season help provide talented young Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard with naturally balanced grapes that are imbued with a truly defining sense of origin. Those grapes are then transformed into wine with a minimum of intervention. The resulting wines are fine, inimitable and best enjoyed with food.
Sustainability
As well as being ECOCERT certified as organic, and working biodynamically, Waterkloof goes much further than many in its efforts to be a highly sustainable winery. To learn more please visit their website.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Mourvèdre |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Rosé |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable, Natural |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Anything goes, whether it be sushi, spice or even steak! |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Stellenbosch |
2019 Waterkloof 'Circumstance Merlot'
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Serious Merlot - think St Emilion with guts... and legs.
Tasting notes
A fine wine with persistence, complexity and great purity - dense black cassis and bramble fruit aromas combined with plums, spice and a creamy oak on the palate. Showing real character and personality, supreme poise and balance, Waterkloof's ability to express their unique terroir improves with each vintage.
Production
Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including soil, aspect, altitude and vintage. The Merlot is from two adjoining, windswept, south-facing (less sun exposure) blocks 240-60m above and a mere 2 miles from The Atlantic. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes and wines with a true sense of place. Production was a miserly 5 tons per hectare. Hand-picked grapes were destemmed, hand sorted and placed into our open-top wooden fermenters via gravity. Natural fermentation started spontaneously by utilising the wild yeasts present on the fruit. Punch downs (twice a day) were used during fermentation to ensure a soft and slow, colour and tannin extraction. The wine spent 30 days on the skins to help integrate the tannins and stabilise the colour. The skins were separated from the juice through a gentle basket pressing. The wine went through malolactic fermentation in barrel and was then aged in new (15%), second and third fill (85%) French barrels for 18 months. The wine was aged for another year in wooden fermenters to ensure a wine with silky soft tannins. The wine received no fining, which allowed the grape to be purely expressed in the wine. Only sulphur was added and no other additions, such as tartaric acid or enzymes were allowed.
Producer
Founded by Paul Boutinot in 2004, Waterkloof is a family-owned, organic, biodynamic and WWF Biodiversity Champion farm perched high up on the windswept Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay and The Atlantic Ocean. Living soils, naturally low yields and a long growing season help provide talented young Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard with naturally balanced grapes that are imbued with a truly defining sense of origin. Those grapes are then transformed into wine with a minimum of intervention. The resulting wines are fine, inimitable and best enjoyed with food.
Sustainability
As well as being ECOCERT certified as organic, and working biodynamically, Waterkloof goes much further than many in its efforts to be a highly sustainable winery. To learn more please visit their website.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Merlot |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable, Natural |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Garlic roast lamb, or venison roasted with root vegetables. |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Stellenbosch |
2019 Mantlepiece Cinsault
Regular price £7.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
This is a deep yet pretty Cinsault being generous of fruit yet full of life. The nose is alluringly aromatic with heady aromas of fresh damsons, plum sauce, hoisin and star anise.
Palate
The palate reflects these with its bright, fresh and gently textural notes that marry together with delicate finesse. From 35-40-year-old, unirrigated vines in Paarl, this old dame is remarkably light on her feet and says so much about why Boutinot has championed Cinsault from SA for over 10 years. This is just plain posh!
Production
Cinsault has bewilderingly been overlooked in the Cape for too long but is a grape variety Boutinot has proudly been championing for years - so it's great that this voice of the Cape's cool Atlantic vineyards is finally finding favour with wine drinkers. The 35-40 year old, dry-grown, Cinsault bush-vines are grown on Paarl’s deep sandy loams where only the fittest of the fit survive these harsh, dry growing conditions. Due to the age of the vines, yields are naturally restricted and very little crop control is required in these unirrigated vineyards. The climate is perfect for viticulture with the low rainfall in summer months, tempered by cool Atlantic afternoon breezes, and the cold winters allowing the vines to rest and build up reserves. All grapes are picked by hand at optimal phenolic ripeness (polyphenols are the source of wine's colour, flavour and mouthfeel), followed by fermentation using delestage, a process whereby the juice is racked off and pumped back over the cap, facilitating the extraction of colour and flavour. This process along with being stored in older 500lt French oak barrels to gently shape the wine further, oxygenates the wine which reduces tannin concentration and boosts esters, key compounds that allow the fruit characters to be expressed. Along with the Cinsault, we've added around 5% Franschhoek Cabernet Franc which releases subtle fragrant herbal notes, minerality and freshness, along with a tiny blob of Swartland Malbec for its smooth lushness. The result is a wine full of lovely juiciness in which ripe red fruit dominates.
Producer
What’s this then? The Strange Komanjie Unlimited, SKU, is a casual band of happy ferments. A circus tent of the Cape’s stranger grapes and blends. We will champion the unfashionable, experiment with the known and express the found before it gets lost. Mistakes are likely, fun certain. Welcome to Strange Kompanjie, a Kultivar Club for the Underdog!
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 95% Cinsault 5% Cabernet Franc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Anything driven by hoisin and plum sauce flavours, duck, goose and other dark meats. |
Origin | Coastal Region - Paarl, Franschhoek and Swartland |
Appellation | WO Coastal Region |
2022 Cape Heights Viognier
Regular price £9.29 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Crisp unoaked Viognier from young vines, an attractively fresh and approachable style.
Tasting Notes
A ripe, fresh palate packed with citrus fruit and hints of jasmine and white spice. A tight, focussed style of Viognier with subtle varietal flavours.
Production
Grapes are sourced from the Worcester area, where a continental climate brings very cold winters that enable vines to rest before a vigorous summer. Here the vineyards need to be irrigated, but yields are controlled by suckering in November - this ensures the vine's energy is directed to the most important shoots and also to promote good air flow in the canopy. Given the high summer temperatures, the grapes are picked at a good maturity and ripeness using machine harvesters to ensure speed to cellar at cool temperature. Careful winemaking results in terrific varietal expression and freshness.
Producer
Boutinot South Africa is driven by our passion for discovery and desire to capture the real essence of South Africa in every bottle. It was the simple love of Loire Chenin Blanc that first led us to South Africa in 1994, where we pioneered the wild ferment style that has now been adopted by many producers in this region.
Since then we have been exploring the country's amazing vineyards to make fabulous wines from specific sites and plots that scream location, location, and terroir. Our home-grown South African winemaking team of JD Rossouw and Ryno Booysen drive the energy and enthusiasm for expressing the loveliest wines from their country, along with Samantha Bailey's expertise in finesse. The key is knowing the characteristics of each plot, understanding the benefits each cultivar can bring, breaking rules, and pushing boundaries. We use a combination of knowledge, a love of nature, and science to create versatile, expressive, and food-friendly wines from a country that has been making wine for 360 years.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Viognier |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content |
12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle |
9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Fish, chicken and spicy Asian-inspired dishes. |
Origin | Western Cape |
2022 Cape Heights Shiraz
Regular price £9.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Deliciously juicy, forward style of Shiraz from cool Coastal vineyards.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A vibrant juicy style of Shiraz with ripe bramble and black cherry on the nose.
Palate
Fresh summer pudding fruits and gentle spice on the palate lead to a mellow and satisfyingly rich finish.
Production
The vineyards for this Shiraz clamber up the foothills of the Swartland mountains which are comprised of sandstone and alluvial soils. This region is hot and dry which forces these unirrigated vines to work hard to produce low yields and small berries. Produced from only free-run juice and fermented on skins in stainless steel tanks, a portion of the grapes are whole bunch fermented as the ripe stems add to the overall tannin quality of the wine. The remainder of the grapes are destemmed and pressed. After a third of the sugar has fermented, delestage is done once per day. The wine is drawn off at the bottom of the tank and transferred into a separate tank. Once complete, it is then transferred back into the fermentation tank onto the skins and stems. This method ensures more air is incorporated into the wine which helps to release the fresh, fruity, and spicy aromas known so well in this wine. When the final blend has been made, it is aged on fine lees for an extended period in French oak barrels along with around 15% from the previous vintage. This ensures a more complex wine with greater palate weight and mouthfeel.
Producer
Boutinot South Africa is driven by our passion for discovery and desire to capture the real essence of South Africa in every bottle. It was the simple love of Loire Chenin Blanc that first led us to South Africa in 1994, where we pioneered the wild ferment style that has now been adopted by many producers in this region.
Since then we have been exploring the country's amazing vineyards to make fabulous wines from specific sites and plots that scream location, location, and terroir. Our home-grown South African winemaking team of JD Rossouw and Ryno Booysen drive the energy and enthusiasm for expressing the loveliest wines from their country, along with Samantha Bailey's expertise in finesse. The key is knowing the characteristics of each plot, understanding the benefits each cultivar can bring, breaking rules, and pushing boundaries. We use a combination of knowledge, a love of nature, and science to create versatile, expressive, and food-friendly wines from a country that has been making wine for 360 years.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Shiraz |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.2 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
This wine was made with the barbecue in mind, it's a great partner to homemade burgers or sticky spare ribs. |
Origin | Western Cape |
2022 Cape Heights Chardonnay
Regular price £9.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Pure unoaked Chardonnay from the Western Cape.
Tasting Notes
Fresh, tangy stone fruit and pineapple on the nose. The fruit follows through on the palate with a ripe, juicy mouthfeel and crisp acidity. There is breadth and character in this wine that follows through to a refreshing finish.
Production
The Chardonnay grapes for this unoaked wine are sourced from long-established vineyards on the Wellington/Swartland borders of the Western Cape. This area receives little rainfall and the soil is a mixture of alluvial riverbed stones, decomposed granite, and shale. The vines are low-trellised and the grapes are picked by hand in the early hours of the morning to retain their freshness. On arrival at the winery, grapes are chilled and the juice settled in tank prior to fermentation. A proportion of the grapes are full bunch pressed, the rest are destemmed and cold fermented. We keep the wine on its fine lees in stainless steel tanks for as long as possible prior to bottling.
From the Producer
Boutinot South Africa is driven by our passion for discovery and desire to capture the real essence of South Africa in every bottle. It was the simple love of Loire Chenin Blanc that first led us to South Africa in 1994, where we pioneered the wild ferment style that has now been adopted by many producers in this region.
Since then we have been exploring the country's amazing vineyards to make fabulous wines from specific sites and plots that scream location, location, and terroir. Our home-grown South African winemaking team of JD Rossouw and Ryno Booysen drive the energy and enthusiasm for expressing the loveliest wines from their country, along with Samantha Bailey's expertise in finesse. The key is knowing the characteristics of each plot, understanding the benefits each cultivar can bring, breaking rules and pushing boundaries. We use a combination of knowledge, a love of nature and science to create versatile, expressive and food-friendly wines from a country that has been making wine for 360 years.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Grilled white fish and seafood, roast chicken, pasta with cream and mushrooms. |
Origin | Western Cape |
2022 Cape Heights Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £8.89 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Wonderfully expressive Cabernet from the Cape's blowy Atlantic coast.
Tasting Notes
Nicely expressive Cabernet from the Western Cape with good concentration of cassis and red berry fruit. Taut and leafy but also brambly, ripe and succulent with ripe tannins.
Production
The grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon are sourced from vineyards that border the warm Swartland/Wellington area and also the Breede Rivier Valley. The vast variety of soils gives the final wine an interesting complexity. As the vines are over 25+ years old, lower yields of 6-8 tonnes/ha help to deliver flavoursome, concentrated fruit, and the berries are picked when fully phenologically ripe. The grapes are destemmed and crushed, with a slow start to fermentation at a low-temperature 17C then gradually increasing after three days to 22 - 24C for full fermentation. Pump-over takes place twice daily to wet the cap and aerate the fermenting wine. Wine is fermented down to 5 g/litre residual sugar and pressed before being pumped back into stainless steel tanks. This ensures soft tannins and no-over extraction of any harsh tannins. Malolactic fermentation follows and the wine is kept on the lees until bottling.
Producer
Boutinot South Africa is driven by our passion for discovery and desire to capture the real essence of South Africa in every bottle. It was the simple love of Loire Chenin Blanc that first led us to South Africa in 1994, where we pioneered the wild ferment style that has now been adopted by many producers in this region.
Since then we have been exploring the country's amazing vineyards to make fabulous wines from specific sites and plots that scream location, location, and terroir. Our home-grown South African winemaking team of JD Rossouw and Ryno Booysen drive the energy and enthusiasm for expressing the loveliest wines from their country, along with Samantha Bailey's expertise in finesse. The key is knowing the characteristics of each plot, understanding the benefits each cultivar can bring, breaking rules and pushing boundaries. We use a combination of knowledge, a love of nature and science to create versatile, expressive, and food-friendly wines from a country that has been making wine for 360 years.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Grilled red meats and roast lamb. |
Origin | Western Cape |
2022 Cape Heights Merlot
Regular price £8.69 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A bright, supple and juicy Merlot sourced from long-established Western Cape vineyards.
Tasting Notes
Nose
An attractively ripe, red berry nose.
Palate
A rounded spicy palate with generous plum and hedgerow fruit flavours leading to a fresh, gently spicy finish.
Production
Merlot grapes are sourced from long-standing vineyards on the Swartland/Wellington borders and also the Breede River Valley. Low rainfall, warm weather, mainly decomposed granite soils, and low trellised vines all add really interesting complexity to the final wine. Grapes are picked in mid-March, destemmed and placed in open-top fermenters. Pigeage is carried out four times daily (whilst up to half of the sugar is fermented), then only twice daily to the end of fermentation - this is a soft delicate way of wetting the cap and aerating the wine. Malolactic fermentation follows before the wine is left on its lees to extract extra depth and soft tannins. A touch of elegance is achieved by using a modest amount (10%) of oak.
Producer
Boutinot South Africa is driven by our passion for discovery and desire to capture the real essence of South Africa in every bottle. It was the simple love of Loire Chenin Blanc that first led us to South Africa in 1994, where we pioneered the wild ferment style that has now been adopted by many producers in this region.
Since then we have been exploring the country's amazing vineyards to make fabulous wines from specific sites and plots that scream location, location, and terroir. Our home-grown South African winemaking team of JD Rossouw and Ryno Booysen drive the energy and enthusiasm for expressing the loveliest wines from their country, along with Samantha Bailey's expertise in finesse. The key is knowing the characteristics of each plot, understanding the benefits each cultivar can bring, breaking rules, and pushing boundaries. We use a combination of knowledge, a love of nature, and science to create versatile, expressive, and food-friendly wines from a country that has been making wine for 360 years.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Merlot |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Grilled lamb, pasta with a tomato-based sauce, chorizo and butterbean stew, spicy sausages and mash. |
Origin | Swartland / Breede Valley, Western Cape |
2023 Cape Heights Chenin Blanc
Regular price £9.29 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A fresh, dry Chenin with broad appeal.
Tasting Notes
This wine displays classic baked apple and zippy citrus aromas with soft, delicate apple fruit on the palate balanced by crisp acidity. Extended lees contact gives this great value wine some real weight and character, the barrel-fermented component adds texture and finesse too.
Production
This Chenin Blanc is sourced from vines grown on sandy loams over granite bedrock, the classic Cape soils type. No irrigation is used in the vineyards and very little crop control is needed due to the age of the vines naturally restricting yield. Part of the blend is wild yeast fermented and a tiny percentage in old barrels. The wine is left on fine lees for an extended period for greater palate weight and mouthfeel.
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chenin Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
A great partner to grilled fish, chicken and salads. Wonderful with Cape Malay curries, spicy mango salads and brightly flavoured pan-Asian cuisine. |
Origin | Western Cape |
2022 Cape Heights Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £9.29 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Juicily tropical Sauvignon Blanc judiciously sourced from breezy coastal vineyards.
Tasting Notes
This Sauvignon Blanc from the Western Cape displays fresh, ripe yellow fruit flavours with a hint of waxy lime, as well as some leafy herbal notes which make for a zippy, racy and deeply quaffable drop.
Production
Boutinot has been refining and redefining its Sauvignon Blanc vineyards over many years and works with numerous Coastal growers to best express the specific terroirs of this region that is influenced by that cooling Atlantic Ocean breeze. The soil type is a variety of decomposed granite, shale, and limestone and the plots are all unirrigated. The winery receives the grapes before midday. They are destemmed and crushed and go into strainers where the free-run is pumped gently to tank. The Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks between 11C and 13C. The ferment is likely to last around 10 days. The wine is racked after ferment and then kept on fine lees right up until bottling.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Not the honeyed fruit salad fruits of the wild house Chenin - this is much more citric fruit and searing acidity. Really crisp and fresh and bone dry. It’s got a good balance though for a cheapie - and length isn’t compromised either. A great example of entry-level Sauvignon Blanc." February 2022
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Delicious with brightly-flavoured seafood dishes, Thai salads, citrus dressings or indeed by the glass on its own! |
Origin | Western Cape |
2020 Cape Heights Pinotage
Regular price £7.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%South African Pinotage is definitely in vogue right now as customers flock to get their hands on amazing quality wines at what are still quite remarkable low prices. The Cape Heights Pinotage is no different. If we're honest, we think this wine outperforms many significantly more expensive French counterparts which makes it a complete bargain!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Medium-bodied red
Nose
Youthful, vibrant and packed with damson and dark berry fruit.
Palate
The palate is rich and full-flavoured with a hint of black pepper and star anise.
Production
Fruit is selected from vineyards in the Swartland, grown on rich granite and shale soils. Harvested at optimum ripeness to ensure fruit-driven notes and soft tannins, the grapes are crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks at 17-22 degrees C.
Pump-over takes place twice daily to wet the cap and aerate the fermenting wine and once daily at the end of fermentation not to extract too many tannins. Wine is fermented down to 5 g/litre residual sugar and pressed before being pumped back into stainless steel tanks. This ensures soft tannins and no-over extraction of any harsh tannins. Malo-lactic fermentation follows and the wine is kept on the lees until bottling to ensure great mouthfeel.
This is a wine that will benefit from big wine glasses or a decanter and serve it at room temperature.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinotage |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Marinated lamb, chargrilled aubergine or portobello mushrooms. |
Origin | Western Cape |