Description
Five centuries ago, the ancient mariners braved uncharted seas to round the Cape of Good Hope in search of exotic spices. Their nerve and dash inspire the Spice Route philosophy. We have found our signature wine style in the rolling hills along the Cape’s West Coast, where unirrigated vines produce grapes with small thick skinned berries – ripe fruit that is dense, rich and full flavoured. A passionate dedication to exceptional quality and traditional hand crafting captures the essence of this fruit in the wines of the Spice Route.
IN THE VINEYARD
Produced from a Swartland vineyard planted in 1978. These trellised vineyards are planted on a south-east facing slope and are dryland farmed. The soils are predominantly koffieklip (decomposed granite and iron-rich clay).
HARVEST DATE
24 February 2023
WINEMAKING
Late picking only commenced on the 24 February 2023, all handpicked at 23 degree balling. The bunches were destalked and gently pressed before settling for 48 hours in stainless steel tanks. Thereafter, the juice was transferred to 500L French barrels for fermentation (12% new oak barrels). The wine spent 8 months in the barrel before bottling.
WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS
“In its 45th year in the ground, this vineyard keeps producing grapes that truly reflects why the Swartland and Chenin Blanc from the Swartland especially, is so unbelievably special!” –
Charl du Plessis
