| Bottle Sizes | 75cl |
|---|---|
| Main Grapes | Touriga Nacional |
| Origin | South Africa, Swartland |
| Other Grapes | Not Blend |
| Vintages | 2016 |
| Website | Allesverloren Wines |
Allesverloren Touriga Nacional is a red wine made in the Riebeek Valley area of the Swartland wine-growing region of South Africa. It is one of the very few wines from South Africa to be made from 100% Touriga Nacional, a grape variety originally from the Douro Valley in Portugal where it is famously used in Port wine production.
Allesverloren is located approximately 100 kilometres northeast of Cape Town. It is the oldest wine estate in the Swartland Wine of Origin district. The history of the estate dates back to between 1696 and 1704, when the governor of the Cape left it to a widow named Cloete. Cloete was one of the first settlers who ventured into the inhospitable Swartland region. The early settlers were simple people, with only the most limited agricultural equipment and basic necessities to support themselves. In order to purchase tools or attend church, they had to undertake a long and arduous wagon journey along primitive roads to Stellenbosch. It was on their return from one such journey in 1704 that the settlers found their house burnt to the ground and the farm destroyed. Hence the estate’s sad name, Allesverloren, which means “all is lost”. The Allesverloren estate passed into the hands of the Malan family in 1872 and has gone on to become one of Swartland’s most famous. Current owner and cellar master Danie Malan and his late father, Fanie, were among the earyl modern wine pioneers of the Swartland, ably demonstrating the outstanding wine-growing potential of what was once considered the breadbasket of the Cape.
The grapes for Allesverloren Touriga Nacional come from dryland, trellised vineyards, situated 140m above sea level and facing south-east, were planted between 1958 and 1996. The Touriga Nacional grapes were harvested by hand at 22,6° Balling during late February when showing prominent varietal flavours, and the juice fermented in open tanks at 25°C for seven days. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged in a combination of second and third fill French oak barrels for a period of 8 months. Finally the wine is blended, fined and bottled.
Allesverloren Touriga Nacional is excellent enjoyed on its own or served with roasted meat dishes such as duck, lamb and beef.
Allesverloren Touriga Nacional has a deep ruby red colour. The nose has aromas of ripe blackberries and red cherries with subtle nuances of dark chocolate with cedar oak in the background. It is a full-bodied, smooth and velvety wine with a firm tannic structured displaying blackcurrant and tobacco flavours, a spicy undertone and a lingering aftertaste.
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