Stellenrust Barrel Selection Cabernet Franc 2018

Stellenrust Barrel Selection Cabernet Franc 2018

Stellenrust Wine Estate is one of the largest family owned wine estates and is situated off the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation. This area on the slopes of The Helderberg is known as The Golden Triangle. Cabernet Franc is one of the oldest wine grapes in Bordeaux. With Sauvignon Blanc, in a vineyard crossing, Cabernet Franc became a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tertius Boshoff of Stellenrust Wine Estate

Tertius Boshoff, of the owning family, tells that “The vines used for this wine are from 23-year-old trellised vineyards with a South Eastern slope on our Helderberg property grown in coffee stone [Koffieklip, looking like instant coffee granules].” Grapes are picked at optimal ripeness in strict accordance with the vintage. Keeping the vineyards close to our hearts and picking at optimal physiological ripeness allows us to capture the wide array of flavours this elegant grape produces. When delivered to Herman du Preez, winemaker, the grapes are crushed and allowed to cold soak for 1 day. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in open concrete tanks with regular punch downs of the cap for 7 days. After pressing, malolactic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then matured in small 225 litre French oak barrels for 18 months before being prepared for bottling.

Herman du Preez, Young Winemaker of the Year, Stellenrust Winemaker

Pour

From a Bordeaux shaped bottle, closed with natural cork. Elegant gold on black label. In the glass, the wine is a deep bloodplum at the heart which pales out to ruby at the edges. The aromas and palate segue one into the other. Brilliant aromas of ripe squashed blueberries, blackcurrants and cherry tobacco. On entry there is a sparky acidity line running through the rich and generous mid palate into the long and satisfying aftertaste. Fabulous fruit, red and black berries and desiccated acai berries with their rustic tastes of blackberries and 90% dark chocolate. An impressive glass. Would reward after a couple of years of cool cellaring.

Carey Boucher Erasmus’s Roast Pork with Spiced Plums

Pair

The Stellenrust Barrel Selection Cabernet Franc 2018 is excellent with food, and a perfect after dinner bottle with share of dark chocolate. It’s a good idea to chill it for a short while. As to the perfect partner, red meat is a good choice. And pork. Carey Boucher Erasmus’s Roast Pork Belly with Spiced Plums is a great dish for this wine. CLICK HERE for her recipe.

Carey Boucher Erasmus, with big fan