KARDOUW the Farmers Wife Grenache 2018

The vineyards in the Piekenierskloof produce excellent grapes. Only about 519 metres above sea level and south of Citrusdal, this mountain pass, which forms part of South Africa's N7 national road, climbs over the Olifants River mountain range into the Cederberg Mountains. From up here you have a breathtaking view of the picturesque Citrusdal and it is hard to imagine how the former "ox wagon route" had to struggle up here and how the carts had to be dismantled and carried up by hand. The pass road, which is now tarmac and easy to drive on, got its name from the Dutch pikemen (Wiki: The pikemen represented the heavy infantry in large parts of Europe from the 15th to the 17th century and were named after their main weapon, the pike), sent from the Cape of Good Hope to explore the plains around the Olifants River region. They acted as peacemakers and protected the local farmers and travellers from raids and wild animals. It is said that these pikemen enjoyed their freedom so much that they settled permanently in the region and did not return to the Cape, but began to farm the land.

The Grenache grape grows here under ideal conditions and with the boutique red wine "The Farmer's Wife Grenache 2018" we present an exclusive and excellent wine. The long summers in the Cederberg region are ideal conditions for the uncomplicated Grenache grapes, which grow particularly well in the dry scrubland. Rich soil, a mixture of sandstone rubble, slate and a little granite here and there, holds just enough moisture even without irrigation. And so these 34-year-old vines produce a comparatively small harvest of excellent grapes, which are bottled in just 1000 bottles to make the exclusive Kardouw "The Farmer's Wife Grenache 2018". Enjoy this wine with its typical Grenache berry freshness on warm summer evenings, slightly chilled, with grilled meat, fresh salad and grilled vegetables.