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Waterkloof launches maiden Circumstance Straw Wine 2009
Waterkloof Estate has extended its lineage of elegant wines shaped by bio-dynamically farmed vineyards with the launch of the maiden Straw Wine 2009 under the acclaimed Circumstance label – made from 100% naturally sundried Chenin blanc grapes.
The Circumstance Straw Wine 2009 with its golden sun-kissed allure, stems from 22-year old, windswept vines on the low lying slopes of the Schapenberg on the outskirts of the Helderberg Winelands, where strong winds churn up the vineyards with regularity, assuring small volumes and intense flavours.
Staying true to the time-honoured tradition of making wine from naturally sundried grapes which travels back many centuries, the grapes were picked at optimal ripeness and were left to dry on a ‘mattress’ of straw to reach the desired concentration levels. This process helps to concentrate the natural flavours and sugar in the grapes after which they are then delicately pressed to extract the small quantity of sweet, concentrated juice.
“After about six weeks the berries lose moisture and the aromatic, sweet juice is concentrated to almost double the initial sugar content,” explains Waterkloof winemaker Werner Engelbrecht.
As with all Waterkloof wines, Werner relied on natural wild yeast fermentation which took five months to complete and the Circumstance Straw Wine 2009 spent 30 months in oak barrels before bottling.
Described by the winemaker as ‘viscous, liquid sunshine’, the Circumstance Straw Wine 2009 is a lusciously sweet, yet fresh and complex wine with layered flavours of apricot, dried pear, honey and caramelised nuts. Fresh acidity helps to balance the unctuous sweetness that runs like a golden thread, ending with a persistent, dryish finish.
The Circumstance Straw Wine 2009 is exclusive to the Waterkloof Restaurant where it styles as the ultimate wine companion for chef Grégory Czarnecki’s scrumptious Cheese Platter.
In addition to its a la carte menu and Degustation Tasting Menu (comprising of six mouthful portions of the restaurant’s most popular dishes matched with six estate wines), Waterkloof Restaurant recently added 2- and 3-course indulgences to its bill of fare. These 2- and 3-course dining options change on a weekly basis and are available at R190 and R230 per head for lunch or dinner.
To reserve your table contact Waterkloof Restaurant at Tel: 021 858 1491 or send an email to restaurant@waterkloofwines.co.za. Waterkloof restaurant serves lunch and dinner from Tuesdays to Saturdays and lunch only on Sundays.
Waterkloof Estate is located outside Somerset West on the M9 Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road.