{"title":"South Africa | Franschhoek Wine Valley","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/CollectionBanner_5029995c-3135-45bb-8ab4-e4f9660a8dc4.jpg?v=1547126725\" alt=\"The Franschhoek Wine Valley in South Africa\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fertile Franschhoek Wine Valley is home to some of South Africa’s most famous noble grape cultivars and classic wine styles. These range from superb whites such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sémillon and Chenin Blanc, to the full-bodied reds of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Merlot. The Franschhoek wine district also produces some of the country’s most extraordinary Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe district of Franschhoek has retained a lot of its distinct French Huguenot character and most of the farms still bear their original French names, some complete with a spectacular Cape Dutch homestead, towering oaks and rolling vineyards. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe region is located to the southeast of Paarl and is enclosed on three sides by towering mountains: the Groot Drakenstein and Franschhoek mountains which meet at the top of the valley and the Klein Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountains, found further down towards Paarl. Streams from the higher peaks flow down to the valley floor where they converge to form the Berg River, fast-flowing in winter when snow caps the peaks and a mere stream in summer, fed by the Wemmershoek Dam.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the Franschhoek Wine Valley there is an array of wine cellars, ranging from small boutique wineries creating unique wine styles to larger cellars producing a wide range of cosmopolitan wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the quality wine production, Franschhoek is regarded as the culinary capital of the Cape and is a member of The Délice Network of Good Food Cities of the World. It has also established itself as one of the country's premier art destinations with numerous art galleries, installation's and resident artists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/franschhoek.org.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"South Africa's Franschhoek Wine Valley Official Website\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDiscover the Franschhoek Wine Valley\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"leeu-passant-dry-red-wine","title":"Leeu Passant Dry Red Wine 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Leeu Passant Dry Red Wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Cinsault grapes sourced from vineyards in Wellington, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Matured for 12 months in 500L French oak barrels (30% new), then blended into seasoned 2000L Foudre for a further 8 months this is a medium to full bodied red wine that has attractive aromas of mulberry leaves, cassis and cedar. These follow through on the palate which has a firm structure, grainy tannins, and hints of peppercorns and tobacco. The finish is dry, layered and long. Although surprisingly accessible now, this wine will greatly benefit from decanting if drunk within the first 3 to 5 years after bottling and will reward if cellared properly over the next few decades.[#intro]This exceptional, structured red blend captures the purity \u0026amp; depth of South Africa's historic old vineyards...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mullineux","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":23367509671994,"sku":"A17LEEUDRYRED-1","price":80.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Leeu_Red_Wine.jpg?v=1560929348"},{"product_id":"anthonij-rupert-optima","title":"Anthonij Rupert OPTIMA 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eOPTIMA pays homage to the late Anthonij Rupert, whose dream it was to make a Cape wine which could compete with the finest in the world. L'Ormarins, where the wines are made and bottled, is a 17th Century Huguenot farm. The farm carries Anthonij's legacy and continues with his vision for future generations. OPTIMA is a carefully selected blend of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Cabernet Franc (32%), Merlot (30%) and Petit Verdot (2%) grapes. The wines were made and aged separately for 20 months in 225L French oak barrels (30% new oak) before being blended and bottled. Opulent but genteel and tempting violet-tinged soft black fruit abundance on the nose. The palate is all about texture: silky, velvety, smooth and simultaneously plush. Ripe plums, hedgerow fruit, cocoa, cedar and spice, cigar box flavours makes for an enveloping mouthful. Complex, elegant and beautifully integrated, the oak is seamlessly balanced with the fruit. Lingering and harmonious with not a single element out of place. [#intro]A brilliant red Bordeaux blend with a label not too dissimilar to a famous French 1st Growth...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Anthonij Rupert","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31436728959043,"sku":"A21RUPERTOPTIMA-1","price":23.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Optima.jpg?v=1582818418"},{"product_id":"the-wolftrap-red","title":"The Wolftrap Red 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eBoekenhoutskloof, established in 1776, is a farm located in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek Valley. The Wolftrap label is produced at this farm under Marc Kent, owner, chief winemaker and driving force behind both Boekenhoutskloof and The Wolftrap. The Wolftrap is a tribute to the pioneers who ventured into the Cape wilderness in the early days and erected a wolf trap on Boekenhoutskloof. To date, no wolf, either real or mystical, has been seen in the valley. The Wolftrap Red is a blend comprised of three Mediterranean varieties: Syrah, Mourvèdre, and a dash of Viognier. The nose is intense, dark, and brooding with an abundance of black fruit aromas and scents of violets, pepper, and cured meat with gentle whiffs of dried coriander and tar. The savoury, gamey smell and dark berries of the nose follow through onto the palate with flavours of liquorice, black olives, cardamom, and hints of cranberry, red currant, and cloves. The mid-palate is full, creamy, and smooth with supple tannins and integrated acidity and shows sweet tobacco and spicy undertones from subtle oak. The wine lingers in the mouth with a smoky, slightly charry, yet very juicy finish.[#intro]A juicy, savoury Mediterranean red blend of Syrah \u0026amp; Mourvèdre alongside a dash of Viognier...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Boekenhoutskloof","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39474882445379,"sku":"A24WOLFTRAPRED-1","price":11.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/WolftrapRedBottle.jpg?v=1627498562"},{"product_id":"boekenhoutskloof-semillon","title":"Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Boekenhoutskloof Semillon is made from Certified Old Vine Vineyards, which count amongst the oldest in South Africa. These Franschhoek Semillon vineyards have acclimatised to the harsh conditions and alluvial soils in which they grow, producing unique wines with intense depth and complexity. These old vineyards' deep root systems and high skin-to-pulp ratio produce intensely complex, well structured wines with unbelievable ageing potential. Two of the vineyards used for the Boekenhoutskloof Semillon, planted in 1902 and 1942, are unirrigated bush vines, growing on little to no slope in the ancient Franschhoek Riverbed. These vineyards are well established on alluvial soils with a high loam content. The third vineyard, planted in 1936, is located further up the valley, on a 45-degree south facing slope, on decomposed granite and quartz. Some of the vines within these vineyards have naturally mutated from Semillon to Semillon Gris, which has a slight red hue and higher skin-to-pulp ratio. The Semillon Gris vines naturally require more ripening time and are only harvested during a second picking. The team opted to use a small portion of historic Muscat d'Alexandrie, planted in 1902, to enhance the wine's aromatic character. Grapes were whole bunch pressed and spontaneously fermented in 225L classic barriques and concrete eggs. Maturation occurs at low temperatures, without sulphur additions, for 14 months: 70% in new French Oak barriques and 30% in concrete eggs. This oxidative approach at low temperatures enables them to enhance the old vine Semillon's textural elements, creating exceptional structure in a wine that can certainly stand the test of time. The Muscat d'Alexandrie was skin-fermented and matured in clay amphora. The nose is fresh and inviting with intense aromas of orange blossom, marmalade and jasmine and hints of potpourri, nettles and beeswax. Pure flavours of tangerine, honeysuckle, nectarine and notes of Cape fynbos, oregano and chamomile create a multi-layered palate, with soft, beautifully integrated acidity and subtle nuances of khaki bush and fenugreek from prolonged yet very gentle oaking, lending complexity and balance. The mid-palate is dry and richly textured, with a mouth-filling, lithe body and a vibrant, attractive mineral streak. The wine is arresting, precise and focused, yet elegant and smooth, with grapefruit, lemon curd and lime lingering on a clean, slightly saline, mouthwatering finish. [#intro]An intensely complex, well-structured wine with unbelievable ageing potential...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Boekenhoutskloof","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40103824523331,"sku":"A21BOEKENSEMILLON","price":43.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/SemillonBottle_971e3eb3-eada-4e71-9646-39f8067547a1.jpg?v=1659197834"},{"product_id":"boekenhoutskloof-syrah","title":"Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003eGrapes for the Boekenhoutskloof Syrah are from selected parcels of the finest Syrah planted on the estates own Swartland farms, namely Porseleinberg and Goldmine. These vineyards grow on the rocky bedrock of decomposed Mica-Schist, a unique terroir expressed by the concentrated and structured wines. The Syrah grapes are all hand-harvested into lug boxes and transported to Boekenhoutskloof in Franschhoek for vinification. Grapes are cooled prior to been transferred to tulip-shaped concrete tanks for fermentation. A combination of partially de-stemmed and whole-bunch (40%) clusters ferment spontaneously with minimal sulphur additions and no acidification. A soft délestage is performed 2-3 times per day. Once maceration is complete, the skins are basket pressed and gravity-fed into traditional 2 500L Austrian oak foudres and 600L demi-muids for further ageing of up to 18 months. Dark fruit dominates an intense, brooding nose with its black currant, black olive, tar and graphite aromas. Luscious, sweet red and dark berries follow through onto an exceptionally complex palate with rich flavours of ripe plums, black cardamom and hints of ground pepper and sweet tobacco. A serious core of cured meat and green olive tapenade add to the attractive savoury character of the structured mid-palate, with notes of milk chocolate coating the mouth. The wine is supple, medium to full bodied, with beautiful concentration, silky-textured tannins and vibrant acidity to balance. Red fruit and spice linger on the finish with classic nuances of white pepper and lively garrigue adding a Provencal character. [#intro]Syrah specialist Bokenhoutskloof produce arguably one of the Cape's finest expressions that sells out on release...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Boekenhoutskloof","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40135186579523,"sku":"A16BOEKENHOUTSKLOOFSYRAH","price":43.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/SyrahBottle_675adba7-b9c1-4576-8f62-2c06c3fd9860.jpg?v=1661016100"},{"product_id":"the-wolftrap-white","title":"The Wolftrap White 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Wolftrap range of wines are a tribute to the pioneers who in the early days ventured into the Cape wilderness and erected a wolf trap on Boekenhoutskloof. To date, no wolf either real or mystical, has been seen in the valley. The Wolftrap White Wine is an intriguing blend of Viognier, Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc grapes. The Viognier brings a rich, ripe fruitiness on the nose with its alluring peach melba aromas. Chenin Blanc offers acidity for balance and freshness, with layered fruitiness on the mid-palate. Grenache Blanc is always used in the blend for its gentle yellow plum and slightly zesty character and elegance. The nose is lively and inviting, with attractive aromas of yellow apple, ripe lemons, greengage and lemon verbena and gentle whiffs of clove, nutmeg and ginger creating complexity. The slight spicy notes and citrus character of the nose follow through onto the palate with flavours of Cape gooseberry, white peach, fresh pineapple, and a hint of lemon curd. The mid-palate is smooth, round and fleshy, although also very focused. The wine is medium to full-bodied, with integrated acidity and the subtle touch of oak adding to its great balance. Lemongrass and angelica linger on a fresh finish. [#intro] An easy-drinking white, yet with enough sophistication to enjoy with complex dishes...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Boekenhoutskloof","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40136135082051,"sku":"A24WOLFTRAPWHITE","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/WolfTrapWhiteBottle.jpg?v=1661091125"},{"product_id":"rupert-rothschild-vignerons-classique-red-blend","title":"Rupert \u0026 Rothschild Vignerons Classique 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Rupert \u0026amp; Rothschild Vignerons 'Classique' is a highly sought-after red wine blend that combines  Merlot (51%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Cabernet Franc (9%) and Petit Verdot (6%) grapes. Matured for 16 months in French oak barrels the Rupert \u0026amp; Rothschild Classique has an ageing potential of at least 7 years from vintage. A complex and smoky nose starts off with roasted coffee, cassis, black cherry and earthy spice. The palate is medium to full bodied with seamless tannins and just enough acidity to retain freshness. There’s ripeness and richness on the palate, but it’s not overworked; it’s balanced and very well made.[#intro]A highly sought-after, brilliant Bordeaux blend with a captivating, smooth \u0026amp; silky texture...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rupert \u0026 Rothschild","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40489260449859,"sku":"A21RUPERTROTHSCHILDCLASSIQUE","price":18.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/ClassiqueBottle.jpg?v=1682165599"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/CollectionImage_899073e3-9626-496d-822b-2475ad20e27a.jpg?v=1547126807","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/franschhoek-wine-valley-region-south-africa\/franschhoek.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}