KWARTSKOP
Cabernet Sauvignon
Made from a small Cabernet Sauvignon block situated on a Southern Slope and planted next to a bedrock ridge with a lot of white quartz. The name, KWARTSKOP Cabernet Sauvignon, was inspired by these quarts that sparkle in the afternoon sun.
The grapes have a long ripening season on the southern slope. The wines are much more red fruit driven with floral notes coming through on the nose.
This wine was made to showcase Bonnievale’s unique terroir.
VINEYARDS
The KWARTSKOP CABERNET SAUVIGNON was made from a small vineyard planted at an elevation of ±130m above sea level.
When you approach the vineyard in the afternoon, sunlight reflected off stones in the vineyard is the first hint one gets of the white quartz bedrock on which these vines are planted.
Together, the effects of light and rock weave this wine’s distinct, fruit-driven character. Planted in soils comprising decomposed shale and sandstone with a prominent quartz component, the vineyard is established on a South facing slope and planted with North-South row direction.
Here, South-Easterly oceanic summer winds offer respite during the hot ripening months.
WINEMAKING
The destemmed grapes were hand sorted and cold soaked for 4 days before the tank was inoculated. During fermentation, at 25 degrees, for two weeks the skins are punched down lightly 4 times a day.
After fermentation, the skins are left on skin contact for another 4 weeks. This brings extra structure and depth to the wine. Maturation was done in a combination of five 225 liter French-Oak barrels, ranging between 1st, 2nd and 3rd fill, for a period of 15 months.
TASTING
Appearance – Dark garnet red colour right to the edge.
Nose – The richness of black currants and ripe red fruit lead the way to hints of fennel, complimented by by the earthyness of forest floor and an aromatic cedar wood aroma.
Palate – Unfolding through multi-layered dimensions of flavour, a solid foundation is brought about by the abundance of rich red and black fruit. Grippy tannins envelop the side-palate, hinting at generous maturation potential, while notes of cigar-box bring about elegance to the lingering finish.
PAIRING
This Cabernet Sauvignon is a lot friendlier and more accommodating than many other interpretations of this varietal. Paired with goats cheese salad with pomegranate seeds or berries is an option for summer, while slow roasted lamb with Salsa Verde will satisfy during colder months.
DETAILS
100% Cabernet Sauvignon | Mid-full | 10 ton / ha | 01.04 | 5 X 225L |
1283 Bottles | 14ºC - 16ºC | 10 - 15 Years | Bordeaux Red | 1 - 2 Hours |
ANALYSIS
14.76% VOL | 3.0 g/l | 6.1 g/l | 0.80 g/l | 3.65 |
TASTING NOTES
Kwartskop 2024 Tasting Note
Kwartskop 2023 Tasting Note
Kwartskop 2022 Tasting Note
Kwartskop 2021 Tasting Note
