Thistle & Weed
Western Cape
Thistle and Weed is a collaboration between the Terblanche and Wiid families established in 2015, led by Etienne Terblanche (Viticulturist) and Stephanie Wiid (Winemaker). Inspired by the encroaching weeds found amongst the vines grown in the Cape, Etienne and Steph draw parallels between thistles and weeds and the uncompromising tenacity and survival skills of grapevines. Each wine is dedicated to one of their favorite nuisances, using the colloquial Afrikaans term for each, reminding the drinker that these wines are unapologetically Kaaps (Cape Wines). Together, Etienne and Steph set out to discover the best of the Cape’s hidden gems, intent on crafting honest wines that are made with a deep connection to nature and offer the most simple expression of the terroir from which they come.
Wines
In Pieces Chenin Blanc
In Pieces' refers to several pieces (barrels) of Chenin Blanc which are used to make up this blend from vineyards in Stellenbosch, Swartland and Paarl. The shards on the label are images of the actual shards they found. Native in French barriques, 8 months in seasoned French barrique.
Duwweltjie Chenin Blanc
The vines from the Duwweltjie vineyard in Damarakloof are 61-years-old, showcasing the depth and complexity of old-vine Chenin Blanc.
Khakibos
Khakibos comes from a single vineyard on Heldeberg mountain, featuring some of the oldest vines for these varieties in South Africa planted on Sandy soil, grantic soil. A Verdelho based blend with other Portuguese varieties, native barrel fermented, 10 months in neutral 225L French barrique
Nastergal
Nastergal is a blend primarily made up of Tempranillo sourced from Wellington, north of Paarl. The name comes from the Afrikaans name for Black Nightshade, which create inky black berries. 10% whole-bunch, 12 months in old 225L and 300L French oak
People
Etienne Terblanche and Stephanie Wiid
Thistle and Weed is a collaboration between the Terblanche and Wiid families established in 2015, led by Etienne Terblanche (Viticulturist) and Stephanie Wiid (Winemaker). Stephanie grew up in Johannesburg, and later moved to Stellenbosch to study Viticulture and Oenology. Etienne Terblanche grew up in a sleepy coastal town on the West Coast picking-up the weekend shift in his parents' seaside restaurant. He holds a Masters degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Montpellier SupAgro and a PhD in Viticulture from Stellenbosch University.
