{"title":"Via The Grapevine","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"dewetshoffinessechardonnay2019-2","title":"De Wetshof Finesse Chardonnay 2019","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-xs-12\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eDe Wetshof is a third-generation wine estate in South Africa's Robertson Valley, where wine has been made for over 150 years. Here Danie de Wet, proprietor and cellarmaster, is assisted by sons and co-owners Johann (viticulture and marketing) and Peter (winemaker). De Wetshof Estate is a pioneer of noble white wines in South Africa and has also introduced superior red cultivars to the Robertson Wine Valley.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-xs-12\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn De Wetshof a firm belief prevails, namely that one cannot know where you are going unless you know where you have come from. This is why the history of De Wetshof's vineyards plays a profound role in determining present and future wine quality. Since the early 1970's meticulous records have been kept on each vineyard as to the plants' reaction to soil types, irrigation, and the vagaries of climate, as well as their development and progress over the years. Each vineyard is thus vinified separately during the wine-making process, the wine-makers having a clear understanding of what the fruit of each vineyard's labour is going to deliver during a specific year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis commitment to site-specific vineyard management and wine-making has been an integral part of the De Wetshof ethos from the outset and remains a vital and non-negotiable aspect of all the Estate's wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-xs-12\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"subheading\"\u003ein the vineyard: \u003c\/span\u003eWine of Origin Robertson, De Wetshof Estate, South Africa. The Robertson Valley is characterized by cold winters and sunny summers, with an average annual rainfall of 350 - 400mm. In summer a fresh southerly breeze has a cooling effect on the vineyards, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly and in perfect balance. The dry climate and the bracing breeze keep pests to a minimum, resulting in sparse spraying programs. Controlled computerized irrigation systems including the monitoring of soil moisture content ensure the vines are given the correct amount of water at the right time to produce grapes of optimum ripeness and developed flavours. Rocky, gravelly mountain soils rich in limestone with a significant amount of clay to assist in the water-retention capacity helps the vines to develop fruit with strong citrus flavours and a characteristic nuttiness on the mid-palate and finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-xs-12\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"subheading\"\u003eAbout the harvest: \u003c\/span\u003eThe grapes are picked in the coolness of the morning, and the emphasis is on capturing the beautiful rich complexities, nutty flavours, and pronounced citrus finish that consistently characterize the wines produced from these vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-xs-12\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"lbl_cellar\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"subheading\"\u003eIn the cellar : \u003c\/span\u003eOnce de-stemming, pressing and overnight settling have been completed, the juice is racked off from the sediment and moved into French oak barrels specially selected by Monsieur Christian Radoux. For this wine, we use first fill barrels as well as second fill barrels. The selected French oak enhances the nutty and citrus fruit flavours emanating from the vineyard's rich calcareous soil and high concentration of rock and clay, with the wood also unleashing a plush elegance into the wine. After barrel-fermentation, the wine remains on the lees under controlled temperatures. Weekly stirring (batonnage) of the lees ensures maximum flavours are released into the wine. A few months later the wines are racked off the lees and returned to the barrels for the completion of barrel-maturation, with bottling commencing once the wine meets the exacting quality requirements of the winemaking team. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"label_tag\"\u003eVARIETY : \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan id=\"lbl_mainvariety\"\u003eChardonnay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan id=\"lbl_blendpercent\"\u003e [ 100% Chardonnay ]\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"label_tag\"\u003eWINEMAKER : \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan id=\"lbl_winemaker\"\u003eDanie de Wet\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"label_tag\"\u003eWINE OF ORIGIN : \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan id=\"lbl_origin\"\u003eRobertson\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"label_tag\"\u003eANALYSIS : \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan id=\"lbl_analysis\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"subheading\"\u003ealc : \u003c\/span\u003e13.20 % vol  \u003cspan class=\"subheading\"\u003ers : \u003c\/span\u003e2.5 g\/l  \u003cspan class=\"subheading\"\u003epH : \u003c\/span\u003e3.13  \u003cspan class=\"subheading\"\u003eta : \u003c\/span\u003e7.5 g\/l  \u003cspan class=\"subheading\"\u003eso2 : \u003c\/span\u003e104 mg\/l  \u003cspan class=\"subheading\"\u003efso2 : \u003c\/span\u003e42 mg\/l  \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan id=\"lbl_type\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"subheading\"\u003etype : \u003c\/span\u003eWhite  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan id=\"lbl_type\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"subheading\"\u003estyle : \u003c\/span\u003eDry  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan id=\"lbl_type\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"subheading\"\u003ebody : \u003c\/span\u003eMedium  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan id=\"lbl_type\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"subheading\"\u003etaste : \u003c\/span\u003eFragrant  \u003cspan class=\"subheading\"\u003e wooded\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAge of the vines: 15 - 24 years;\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eVines per hectare: 4,000 and 4,500\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eRootstock: Richter 99 and Richter 110\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePlanting row: 2,4m x 1m and 1,83m x 1,2m\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eSoil pH: 7,5 - 8,3\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTrellising style: 6 Wire fence system cordon with spur pruning.br\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYield: 6 - 8 tons per hectare\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":null,"offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48776435630273,"sku":"11275","price":912.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0800\/9308\/5889\/files\/dwc_e12e6363-85d8-4f61-a32a-8a5c8aea8ec4.jpg?v=1731423997"},{"product_id":"aquiver2016","title":"AQUIVER 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVintage:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2016\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCultivars:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chenin Blanc (80%), Grenache Blanc (10%),Sauvignon Blanc (10%)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich ripe, subtly wooded\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArea of origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Cape\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 13.5% \u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.34 \u003cstrong\u003eRS:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.0g\/lt\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVineyards:\u003c\/strong\u003e The single block Chenin Blanc vineyard is 1,9 hectares in size and located 200m above sea level, being just over 15 km from False Bay. The Grenache vineyard lies 10 km from the False Bay coastline and is planted in shale soils. There is a good exposure of slopes to the cooling breezes of False Bay for all three blocks, bringing a zestiness and fruitiness to the Sauvignon Blanc, with the varied slopes, weathered granite, and sandstone soils adding the desired complexity. Yields are controlled to between 7 – 8 tons per hectare. Winemaking: Different batches of grapes were harvested by hand in mid-February between 22 and 24 Balling. Grapes were picked into small crates and chilled before destemming and 6 hours skin contact. After settling the Chenin Blanc was inoculated and fermented in tanks. The Grenache was left to ferment naturally on the lees, as was the Sauvignon Blanc. The Chenin Blanc from the tank brings freshness to the wine and the Grenache from barrels adds to the creaminess, complexity and depth of the wine, with the Sauvignon Blanc adding fresh, limey fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aromatic layers of apricot, tangy nectarines, and fresh straw on the nose. Prominent melon and lightly toasted almonds on the palate, with well-balanced acidity and a full, round mouthfeel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTim Atkin South Africa Report 2018: 90 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlatter’s Guide 2019: 4 Star \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":null,"offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48776450572481,"sku":"11259","price":690.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0800\/9308\/5889\/files\/aquiver-2016.png?v=1731424398"},{"product_id":"degrendelrose","title":"De Grendel Rose","description":"\u003cp\u003eTrellised and bush vine Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coastal Region were purposefully grown to produce our high-quality Rosé. With supplemented irrigation, the well-drained vineyards planted in weathered shale soils produced 12 tons per hectare. Pale rose gold in colour, with a pronounced bouquet of watermelon, raspberry coulis, and passion fruit. The palate is dry with medium acidity, packed with red berry flavours, floral undertones and a crisp citrus tail. De Grendel Rosé is the ideal partner for lighter summer fare such as spicy prawns, Portuguese sardines and salads made with red fruits such as watermelon, raspberries, strawberries and pomegranate. This youthful and vibrant wine is best enjoyed early while still fresh and crisp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":null,"offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48776513454273,"sku":"11276","price":90.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0800\/9308\/5889\/files\/de-grendel-rose_e2936f8b-2312-4a83-a286-232946998905.jpg?v=1731425820"},{"product_id":"anura-chardonnay-2021","title":"Anura Chardonnay 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003e750ml South African Chardonnay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrapes are hand-picked early morning to keep the juice temperatures cool and preserve fresh, clean fruit flavours. Fermentation was initiated in French oak barrels (15%) using natural yeast and the balance was fermented in tank using, VIN 13, a commercial yeast. 15% of the wine aged in 2nd and 3rd fill French oak barrels for 4 months after fermentation. After fermentation, 85% remained in the tank to preserve fresh fruit f lavours and have a very lightly wooded wine once blended with the oak component. Elegant lemon, lime and papaya flavours, combined with a floral bouquet and hints of spice and honey are integrated with a very subtle French oak and mineral aroma. This wine has a fresh, juicy palate and should be served chilled and paired beautifully with fresh fruit, salads, fish, light meals and sushi.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":null,"offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48776575221953,"sku":"6009665150161","price":130.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0800\/9308\/5889\/files\/Anura-Chardonnay-2023.jpg?v=1731427737"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.whisky-shop.co.za\/collections\/via-the-grapevine.oembed","provider":"Whisky Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}