How It's Made | At Base Camp Wine, we're thrilled to introduce you to a true South African gem - the Hermanuspietersfontein Swartskaap Cabernet Franc 2018. This wine is as unique as its name suggests!
"Swartskaap" means "black sheep" in Afrikaans, and this wine lives up to its moniker. It's the only single block wine in Hermanuspietersfontein's portfolio, made from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes. This variety can be challenging to work with, but Hermanuspietersfontein has mastered it, creating one of South Africa's best expressions of this grape.
The grapes are grown in the Hemel-en-Aarde region, which translates to "Heaven and Earth" - a fitting name for this heavenly wine. The vineyard sits at an altitude of 247-277 meters above sea level, with well-drained soil that has good water retention and a high clay content in the topsoil. They keep yields low at just 5 tons per hectare, ensuring concentrated flavors in the grapes.
The winemaking process is meticulous:
1. The grapes undergo a 3-4 day cold maceration before fermentation.
2. During fermentation (at 24-26°C), they perform about 3 punch-downs per day to extract color and flavor.
3. Malolactic fermentation happens in tank.
4. The wine is then matured in a mix of new and second-fill 225-liter French oak barrels for 18 months.
5. After bottling, it's aged for another 12 months before release.
What to Expect | Pour a glass of this Cabernet Franc, and you'll be greeted with a beautiful violet to ruby red color that catches the light beautifully.
Bring the glass to your nose, and you're in for a treat. The aroma is complex and intriguing, with notes of black olives, fynbos (that's the local aromatic vegetation), and spice. It's like taking a walk through a South African landscape!
Take a sip, and you'll discover why this wine is so special. It's European in style, offering a beautiful balance of generous fruit flavors and spice. You might taste vivid red and purple fruits like tart cherry and plums, mingling with hints of black olives and licorice. There's a lovely minerality to the wine, adding to its complexity.
What really stands out is the wine's elegance, finesse, and complexity. It epitomizes the essence of Hermanuspietersfontein's winemaking philosophy - balance, refinement, and freshness.
How to Enjoy It | This Cabernet Franc is incredibly versatile:
1. Enjoy it now for its vibrant, fresh flavors.
2. Cellar it for up to 7 years (or even longer) to see how it develops over time.
3. Pair it with grilled meats, especially lamb or beef.
4. Try it with dishes featuring olives or Mediterranean herbs to complement its flavor profile.
Serve it slightly below room temperature, around 16-18°C (60-65°F), to fully appreciate its complexity.
Remember, this wine is like the "black sheep" of the family - it doesn't promise to be the same every year. Each vintage has its own unique character, making every bottle an exciting new experience.
Whether you're a longtime Cabernet Franc fan or just venturing into the world of South African wines, this Hermanuspietersfontein Swartskaap is sure to impress. It's a testament to the quality and distinctiveness of wines from the Hemel-en-Aarde region. Enjoy this little piece of "Heaven and Earth" in your glass!
You may also like
More from Other International Wines
Recently viewed
