Spice Route Pinotage

Notes - The Spice Route Wine Company is the result of maverick winemaker Charles Back’s unrelenting commitment to South Africa’s unique Western Cape terroir. Charles has an uncanny ability to sniff out the finest plots of land with the most interesting soils and grape varieties, and the vision to realise their potential. Before Spice Route, the Malmesbury sub-ward of Swartland was used as a reliable feeder for the area’s co-ops, but the potential for limiting the yields of the old bush-trained, dry land farmed vines planted on deep veins of rich soils had never occurred to other winemakers. Charles bought an unassuming small farm 10km outside of Malmesbury with some promising soils and a selection of interesting old vines; the first vintage was in 1998 and Spice Route was born to critical acclaim. An excellent example of quality Pinotage. The grapes were hand picked at optimum ripeness and were taken to the winery in perfect condition. After crushing, the juice and skins are fermented in open topped concrete vats in order to facilitate hand punching down of the cap. This gentle method creates the characteristic soft palate so unusual for Pinotage. Extended skin contact post fermentation and ageing in 75% new American oak. The wine has warm berry fruit flavours and tobacco spice which make for a full-bodied and complex wine that has depth and tremendous concentration. A Pinotage that rivals the Rhone for spice and generosity, but with exceptionally ripe fruit to boot. Roast red meats, game and barbecued food - as tested at many a good 'Braai' in South Africa!
 
     

Enter your e-mail address and click the button to opt into the Fareham Wine Cellar mailing list: