{"title":"BREEDE RIVER VALLEY","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/CollectionBannerVineyard.jpg?v=1546267966\" alt=\"Breedekloof Vineyard in South Africa\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"40\"\u003eBreede River Valley\u003c\/b\u003e is a sprawling and incredibly diverse wine-producing region tucked behind the dramatic mountain ranges of the Western Cape. Often referred to as the \"nourishing vein\" of the winelands, the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"249\"\u003eBreede River\u003c\/b\u003e snakes through the valley, providing essential life-giving water to a landscape that ranges from fertile floodplains to semi-arid, sun-drenched slopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eThe region is a powerhouse of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"30\"\u003eSouth African\u003c\/b\u003e winemaking, responsible for a significant portion of the country's total production. This scale allows the valley to offer everything from brilliantly accessible, everyday drinking wines to world-class premium bottles. The climate here is generally warm and dry, but the clever positioning of vineyards on cooler hillsides and the cooling afternoon breezes from the Indian Ocean ensure the grapes retain their essential freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eWithin the valley, the district of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"35\"\u003eRobertson\u003c\/b\u003e is a standout for quality. Known as the \"valley of wine and roses,\" it is famous for its unique, limestone-rich soils—a rarity in South Africa. These chalky soils are perfect for producing elegant, mineral \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"251\"\u003eChardonnay\u003c\/b\u003e and some of the country’s finest traditional method sparkling wines. Meanwhile, the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"346\"\u003eWorcester\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"360\"\u003eBreedekloof\u003c\/b\u003e districts are the heart of the region's agricultural wealth, producing fantastic, fruit-driven \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"467\"\u003ered wines\u003c\/b\u003e from Shiraz and Pinotage, alongside aromatic and refreshing whites. Whether you are looking for an affordable mid-week pour or a sophisticated, single-vineyard gem, the Breede River Valley is a region of remarkable variety and incredible value.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"alheit-vineyards-lost-found-straw-wine","title":"Alheit Vineyards Lost \u0026 Found Straw Wine 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eLost \u0026amp; Found is a profoundly special and unique bottling from Alheit Vineyards, marking a rare venture into sweet wines. This wine is a Straw Wine (or Vin de Paille), a style achieved by painstakingly drying grapes on wooden racks after harvest to concentrate the sugars and flavours before pressing. This particular 2019 vintage is a one-off bottling of great personal significance to Chris Alheit, sourced from an ancient Muscat of Alexandria vineyard (known locally as Hanepoot) in the Breedekloof region. This ancient vineyard, dating back to the 1880s, offered a unique density and concentration perfectly suited for this demanding style and this was the last vintage farmed by the De Wet Boonzaaier family who lived on and farmed Gevonden for six generations. To craft this wine, the grapes are laid out on wooden racks and on shade cloth, allowing them to dry outdoors for a full two weeks. The resulting raisins are then pressed for five days at full pressure, yielding syrup with a sugar concentration of around 54 Brix (54% mass\/volume). This juice fermented for more than a year in stainless steel, finally becoming stable at just over 7% alc with a residual sugar of around 450g\/. It sits in the glass like a smouldering ember, joyous, full of sunshine, reeking of apricots and marmalade fireworks.  It tastes completely decadent: Fiery and silky; sweet and sour. [#intro]Decadent, complex straw wine from ancient vines; rich apricots, marmalade, and eternal freshness...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alheit Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57471942164861,"sku":"A19ALHEITLOST\u0026FOUND","price":80.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Lost_FoundBT.jpg?v=1764344870"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/CollectionImage_254aa47b-f7fe-4164-b3ef-d3c5e338fec7.jpg?v=1546268151","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/breede-river-valley-wine.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}