Thistle & Weed
Nastergal 2021
Western Cape
Nastergal is a blend primarily made from Tempranillo sourced in Wellington, a revered variety from the Iberian Peninsula. This grape provides backbone and pairs well with rustic Alicante Bouschet. Unlike most red varieties, Alicante is a teinturier variety, meaning it has both red flesh and red skin, resulting in an inky black hue. Inspired by this unique characteristic, the wine is named Nastergal (Black Nightshade), evoking the dark berries of this common weed. The winemaking process is kept modest and straightforward, allowing the combination of cultivars and site to express itself. Grapes are sorted, fermented separately without any additions in open-top fermenters. Routine punchdowns gently extract color and tannin. After 10 days on skins, the grapes are pressed and drained to barrels for malolactic fermentation. Maturation occurs separately in mainly old French oak barrels for 12 months before blending. The wine is bottled with a light sheet filtration and a small addition of sulfur dioxide.
Vineyard
Wellington (Tempranillo & part of Alicante) – Stellenbosch (all other grapes) , Various – majority deep, red, shale & Granitic soil derived clay-loam
Winemaking
Grapes are sorted, fermented separately without any additions in open-top fermenters. Routine punchdowns gently extract color and tannin. After 10 days on skins, the grapes are pressed and drained to barrels for malolactic fermentation. Maturation occurs separately in mainly old French oak barrels for 12 months before blending. The wine is bottled with a light sheet filtration and a small addition of sulfur dioxide, with no fining.
Vintage
Unusually cool weather conditions throughout the season, which persisted throughout harvest time.
Tasting Note
Inky black with aromas of vibrant plum, blueberries, tumbleweed, and black pepper on the nose. The palate is moreish, brimming with berry flavors and robust tannins. This could age for several years to come.
Color
Red
Appellation
Western Cape
Farming
Sustainable - Dry Farmed
Trade Materials
