Description
Experience the essence of the Western Cape with Hiervandaan 2023, a meticulously crafted Rhone-style red blend. This wine brings together the finest varietals from the renowned regions of Darling and Tulbagh, with a predominant composition of Shiraz (69%), complemented by Grenache noir (15%), Cinsaut (8%), and Mourvedre (8%). Secure your case of six wines now.
The Vineyards and Viticulture:
The grapes for Hiervandaan 2023 were sourced from vineyards flourishing in weathered granite and schist soils. Predominantly grown on West-facing slopes in Tulbagh at 500m above sea level, the vineyards benefit from cooling breezes and high altitudes, contributing to the wine’s incredible freshness and linear structure. Notably, the bushvine Cinsaut from Darling, nearing 50 years old, adds a distinctive bitter-cherry character to the blend. The 2023 growing season was marked by early rains, posing challenges, especially for the Mourvedre, but careful vineyard management and skilled winemaking have resulted in a superbly balanced wine.
Winemaking Process:
Winemaker Francois Haasbroek has masterfully crafted this blend by selecting five different parcels of Shiraz from four vineyards, with partial stem inclusion during fermentation (up to 30%). The Grenache and Mourvedre were fully destemmed, while the Cinsaut fermentation retained nearly 80% stems. Spontaneous fermentation took place in large open tanks with capacities ranging from three to eight tons, involving daily punchdowns and a single, light pump-over. After 21 days on the skins, the wine was aged for nine months in 500L French oak barrels, six to eight years old, ensuring a minimal wood influence. The final blend was lightly filtered before bottling.
Tasting Notes:
Hiervandaan 2023 radiates a crimson-edged cerise color, epitomizing balance, vibrancy, and dynamism. Its bouquet entices with aromas of spices, red fruit, currants, raspberries, and wild herbs. On the palate, the wine bursts with juicy, bright freshness, supported by a classic, powdery dry tannic structure. Subtle oak notes fill in the gaps, enhancing the wine’s deceptively powerful character, crafted with a delicate touch.
Pairing Suggestions and Aging Potential:
Perfect for any occasion, Hiervandaan 2023 is delightful on its own as an aperitif or sundowner. It pairs wonderfully with grilled lamb, beef, or game, as well as tomato-based pastas and mildly spicy dishes. While this wine is ready to enjoy now, it also possesses the potential to develop further complexity over the next five years.
Wine Analysis:
- Alcohol: 13%
- Free SO2: 36 ppm
- Total SO2: 94 ppm
- pH: 3.6
- Residual Sugar: 2.4 g/l
- Total Acidity: 5.4 g/l
- Volatile Acidity: 0.7 mg/l
Indulge in the remarkable Hiervandaan 2023 and savor the harmonious blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and the unique terroir of the Western Cape.
