The Nature Reserve wine draws inspiration from the rich biodiversity of the Western Cape. It is in this beautiful area where our vines thrive in environmentally and socially responsible conditions. A portion of the proceeds goes towards nature conservation, as well as towards promoting sustainable farming practices while striving to improve the working and living conditions of the farm workers.
Accolades:
Silver Medal at the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards 2016
In the Vineyard
The Grenache and Shiraz vineyards are located on deep Malmesbury shale soils in the Swartland. Both vineyards are dryland.
Harvest
Early March 2015
Winemaking
Shiraz grapes were destalked and lightly crushed after being
fermented on the skins for 10 days and subsequently pressed. Malolactic fermentation was completed in oak barrels with a small portion in the tank. The wine was then racked and sent to barrel for 12 months, after which it was aged in a combination of American and French oak with approximately 25% new wood used.
Grenache grapes were handpicked and taken to the cellar where they were lightly crushed before undergoing fermentation.
Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at 24°C with regular pump-overs, after which the wine was gently pressed off the skins and transferred to old French oak and American barrels to undergo malolactic fermentation. It was then aged for an additional 12 months in these barrels. The components were then specially selected, expertly blended, and bottled.
Tasting Notes
Red fruit and violets are complemented with a peppery spice on the nose. Plum fruits on the palate lead through to a rich mouthfeel.
Food Pairing
This wine pairs well with red meat such as lamb and fillet. It also complements tomato-based pasta dishes very well.
Ours is about 3 feet by 3 feet, and on our left is the account's block. The marketing block is down the hall.
We're joking. Obviously.
Ours is at least 5 by 5, and on Wednesdays we're allowed to write in coffee shops to maintain the illusion that we're "successful" and "writerly".
Coming up with a write up for the simple sake of a write up does, however, become difficult when we're staring complete lack of creativity right in the face. But apparently asking management to cancel all the deals for the day isn't a viable fix.
As they so delicately put it, it'd be like a comedian having the option to suddenly cancel a show if they're not feeling up to it. Not on our watch, they said. You'll do a write up whether you like it or not, they said. And be funny, they said.
So here we are, doing a write up and being funny.