An explosion of spice and dark berry flavours with the tannin caressing the palate. The extra dimension of integrated oak was all that was needed to complete the picture of a modern wine that illustrates the art of blending.  This is our red partner to the DTE white. The unusual blend of Touriga Nacional and Shiraz results in a smooth, drinkable wine with an explosion of spice and dark berry flavours.

VARIETY: 65 % Touriga Nacional, 35 % Shiraz

AREA OF ORIGIN: Stellenbosch

PRODUCT BACKGROUND

The Down to Earth concept is to create a wine that can be enjoyed by all. The name implies that it has to be consistent, reliable and affordable. The wine has to offer interest but drinkability is paramount. Down to Earth is packaged to grace any table and the style ensures that it can be enjoyed at any occasion.

HARVEST DETAILS

The grapes used are mid-season ripeners and harvesting occurs at full ripeness. Everything is picked by hand from mostly bush vines and sorted to ensure healthy fruit.

CELLAR TREATMENT

The delivered grapes are lightly crushed and destalked but handled carefully to limit tannins and ensure softness. When the winemakers made the original blend they began with Shiraz, but Jeff was looking for something with more fruit so Touriga Nacional was added for colour, depth and fruit. Perfect! This became the regular blend, further softened by some time in oak. It is bottled early and can be enjoyed relatively young although it will keep for up to 8 years. Due to limited use of additives the wine is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. TASTING NOTES: An explosion of spice and dark berry flavours with the tannin caressing the palate. The extra dimension of integrated oak was all that was needed to complete the picture of a modern wine that illustrates the art of blending.

AWARDS: Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge: GOLD

ANALYSIS

Alcohol: 14.16 vol %

Residual Sugar: 3.3 g/li

Total Acid: 5.34 g/li

pH: 3.61