Desirade 2015 Selected by Francois Pienaar
Winemaking
The grape varietals were handpicked separately at phenolic ripeness and stored at 10°C to ensure the finest flavor and freshness. Subsequent processing, fermentation and maturation was carried out separately for each varietal. Upon crushing , a temperature of 10°C was maintained and both skins and juice were left in contact in French oak tanks for 10 days for optimum color and flavor extraction. Upon fermentation, color and character is allowed to develop for a further period of 3 weeks before the wine is transferred to 40% new French oak barrels for 16-22 months. The use of new French oak allows the wine to retain certain flavors and extract tannin from the oak. By using only 40% new oak, the fruits within each varietal are respected and allowed to combine in perfect harmony ensuring truly magnificent flavor and character. Much care and attention is taken in selecting barrels containing maximum flavor and character for use in the final Bordeaux blend.
Winemaker's comments
The Desirade is our Bordeaux blend – inspired by our savoir-faire of grapevine growing and winemaking on the river banks of the Gironde in Bordeaux, home to the grape varieties of this blend, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. A dark ruby red in color, this wine is bold but balanced with intense aromas of blackberries, dried cranberries and liquorice. The palate is well structured with roundness and finesse from the Merlot and a long smooth finish from the Cabernet Sauvignon, with tasty flavours of black fruits and anise seeds. This wine will gain in complexity with age.
Food pairing
This wine is perfectly suited for a range of flavorful meats. We recommend Desirade with duck or a rich beef stew. It also pairs beautifully with dried meat (the famous South African “biltong”) and goat cheese.
Terroir
Climate, soil, altitude and slope orientation are essential elements required in capturing as much varietal character as possible. The climate is mild to warm with southern winds, ensuring grapes are cooled to optimum temperature for maximum character and flavour. Soils are predominantly medium textured and an average annual rainfall of 800 mm ensures minimal irrigation.
