Spice Route - Chakalaka

In the heart of South Africa's Coastal Region, especially in the lively Swartland, the Spice Route Chakalaka presents itself as a red wine of profound character and complexity. The name 'Chakalaka', which comes from Zulu culture, symbolizes togetherness and reflects South Africa's rich diversity. This wine is an ode to the cultural mosaic and spice blends essential to the national cuisine, created to reflect the "Rainbow Nation" in every glass.

The Spice Route Chakalaka grows from mainly non-irrigated shrub vineyards that thrive in Swartland's deep, iron-rich Koffieklip and Oakleaf soils. These harsh conditions and low yields, ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 tons per hectare, ensure that the grapes reflect the unique terroir of the region. Each grape variety in the blend has been carefully chosen for its ability to thrive in these harsh conditions and harmoniously express the essence of Swartland.

The hand-picked and destemmed grapes are lightly pressed and fermented in open concrete fermentation vats, known as 'kuipe'. Manual punch downs during fermentation facilitate detailed flavor extraction. After this phase, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and maturation in used French and American oak barrels. This meticulous process is repeated after blending, with the final wine continuing to mature in the same barrels.

The Spice Route Chakalaka is distinguished by its deep, ruby ​​red color, which visually promises the richness and intensity of the wine. On the nose, this South African beauty reveals a seductive palette of aromas: ripe plums and juicy black fruits dance together with finer notes of cloves, tobacco and a subtle hint of vanilla. This fragrant combination invites you to take a first sip.

When tasting, the rich structure of the wine becomes immediately apparent. Ripe tannins form the backbone, while a surprisingly light residual sweetness completes the experience. The taste is a continuation of the aromas in the nose, with an abundance of black fruit and spicy nuances, followed by a long and tasty aftertaste in which red currant jam and juiciness predominate.

This versatile wine is an ideal accompaniment to a range of robust culinary creations. It pairs exceptionally well with South African flavors, especially slow roasted meats and barbeque pork. The wine's intrinsic fruitiness also makes it a perfect match for Asian-inspired dishes with plum sauce, adding an extra dimension to its rich flavor.

Embark on a journey with the Spice Route Chakalaka, a wine that not only embodies the spirit of South Africa, but also serves as a delicious companion to a world of flavors. Enjoy the essence of togetherness with every sip.