Winemaker Notes
The nose is bold, intense, and rich with its stone fruit aromas of cling peach, nectarine and yellow plum and gentle whiffs of angelica, spice, and fresh ginger. The palate is focused and balanced, with yellow apple flavors, honeydew melon, papaya, poached pear and hints of dragon fruit and lime adding to its complexity. The wine is medium-bodied, elegant, and vibrant with zesty yet integrated acidity. It is clean and dry on the mid-palate, with notes of crisp green apple and tangerine lingering on a refreshing ?nish.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
Originally named Franschhoek meaning the “French Corner” because it was home to the influx of French Huguenots, today the valley contains many historic cellars and is an important tourist location because of its proximity to Cape Town.
This valley falls to the southeast of Paarl and is enclosed on three sides by towering mountains. Streams from the slopes flow down to the valley floor, converging to form the Berg River. The area excels in the production of full-bodied reds.