Named after the signature spice blend of South Africa, this huge wine is made from classic Rhône varieties. The blend changes every year to incorporate the best grapes from the Swartland vintage.
The Chakalaka is a big blend of grape varieties blended to produce a wine expressive of place. The vines are mainly bushvine planted in deep, iron-rich clay soils with decomposed granite (koffieklip and Oakleaf), and farmed without irrigation. The varieties were selected for their suitability to the Swartland’s growing conditions, and blended to express the region’s unique terroir. The grapes were hand-harvested, destalked and lightly crushed, where after it was fermented in open concrete fermenters (‘kuipe’). Each wine component for the blend was matured in seasoned French and American oak for 12 months before blending.
A smooth silky wine with hints of black currant, cherry and plums. This signature blend of Spice Route truly reflects the terroir of the Swartland.
A bold wine like this can hold up to the flavours of slow-roasted meat (lovely with barbequed pork). Even Asian cuisine flavours, such as plum sauce, will add to the fruitiness in the wine.
27% Grenache | 26% Syrah | 22% Mataro | 11% Carignan | 8% Petite Sirah | 6% Tannat
