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Bottling the region!
The Spice Route Wine Company procured by Fairview’s Charles Back
In 1998, has in its few years since inception had a stratospheric climb
into the top echelons of the South African wine industry. Situated in
Malmesbury, Spice Route has, of late, been making a name for itself for
creating cutting edge wines that most definitely reflect the Swartland
region: wide, warm, spicy and slightly out of the mainstream. The approach
to making wine here is somewhat more focused on the traditional home-style
than that of Fairview. Having obtained a reputation for making great regular
reds, this wine farm is now seeing the first fruits of a more adventurous
variety … namely Mourvèdre.
Originally a Spanish variety, Mourvèdre first arrived in South
Africa less than a decade ago, brought in on an experimental capacity
to prove its suitability to the Cape's naturally warm climate, where it
was hoped the grape could make a contribution to serious Rhône-like
reds. Mourvèdre displays a tolerance for high temperatures and
is therefore naturally well suited to the Swartland region. The dry land
vineyards on this prime Malmesbury site are enormously expressive and
its soils are mainly oakleave and koffieklip types.
Harvested in 2004 this wine displays a deep purple red colour with flavours
of redberry, cherries, dried herb and oriental spices. On the palate it
is medium bodied with ripe tannin and good length and harmonious balance.
Jean’s Thoughts
An impressively ‘big’ wine for such a young vintage! Hardly
surprising knowing it comes from Spice Route. Displays intense fruit and
is therefore a very good combination with game, stews and rich sauce.
Enjoy!
Brendon’s Thoughts
A varietal I hope to see around more. I think that this wine is a great
example of how the Mourvèdre varietal can show as a big wine whilst
still expressing finesse. Try it with the fish recipe but make sure that
the wine is served at European room temperature.
At Caveau:
R 138.00 per bottle & R35.00 per glass
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