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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Our very first Straw Wine which is also made from a Chenin Blanc. So many things to love about this wine, and a perfect way to conclude a home cooked meal made with love.
Grape Varieties:
100% Chenin Blanc
Method and Maturation:
- A natural sweet wine made using an ancient method of drying grapes in the sun for intensity of flavour. The winemaking process is labour-intensive and requires careful attention to detail as the drying conditions and timing can greatly influence the final flavour profile.
Wine Tasting Notes:
The colour is a beautiful rich amber.
On the nose, intense aromas of dreid fruit, honey, nuts and hay.
The palate is full bodied with a lush texture with pronounced flavoured of dried apricot, pineapple, peach, caramel, and hazelnut, leaving you with a long, satisfying finish.
Food and Wine Pairing Suggestions:
For Cheese pairings, consider:
- Blue Cheeses (Salty & Bold): Gorgonzola Dolce, Roquefort
- Washed-Rind Cheeses (Funky & Creamy): Epoisses, Taleggio
- Aged Cheese (Nutty & Crumbly): Aged Gouda, Comté (aged 24+ months)
- Soft & Bloomy Rind Cheeses (Creamy & Buttery): Brie de Meaux, Camembert
- Goatâs Cheese (Tangy & Fresh): Aged Goat Cheese (e.g., Valençay or Crottin de Chavignol)
| Alcohol | 11.5% |
|---|---|
| Residual sugar | 215.8g/L |
| Acidity | 3.79 |
| Region | Northern Cape |
| Producer | Orange River Cellars |
Testimonials
Fall in love with every sip. Try one today.
Explore our collection of spectacular Reds
This collection has been carefully curated to represent the best expressions of South Africa from our wine makers.
South African wines can be outstanding.
In fact, critics are calling this period the "Golden Age" for South African wines! If you are new to South African wines, let us introduce you to them with some history and notes about the grape varietals found there.
The History of South African Wines
Of course, this is meant to be a "all you must know" summary about the history of South African wines, because as you can imagine, history is never so simple. But if you're new and just looking for a snapshot of the highlights, then here's it;
1655: THE FIRST VINE PLANTINGS
South Africa has been making wines for a long time - The Longest time, in fact, in modern history and when compared to all the "New World" wine countries. The first record of wine production in South Africa was in 1655 during the time when the East India company set up a colonial base in South Africa. Then, Jan van Riebeeck, the first Commander of the Cape colony, brought along a vine with him and made a vineyard with that planting.
1695: THE FIRST WINES
4 years after planting the first vines, the farmers harvested the grapes and made wine. However, the Dutch didn't know much about wines nor of wine making, and the local farmers weren't particularly skilled at farming the grapes, nor making the wines, so the quality of the wines then weren't impressive. This all changed when the French Huguenots, Protestants fleeing religious prosecution in Franch fled to South Africa and brought along their wine culture and knowledge. In the year 1679, Van Riebeeck was succeeded by Simon van der Stel, who was not only enthusiastic but very knowledgeable about viticulture and winemaking.
STELLENBOSCH TODAY
Van der Stel was so successful with his vineyard and as the first Governor of the Cape that his wines became world famous and the cape, as well as it's surrounding mountains were named after him. That's how we have Stellenbosch today, a region that remains well known for its wines, and the Simonberg mountains that form part of the incredible fauna and flora of South Africa today.
From the blog
Every month, we try to publish content that helps you understand wines and South African wines better. Here's our latest blog articles, check them out.
Honouring International Womenâs Day with Vanessa Tan
Celebrate Vanessaâs incredible accomplishments as she breaks barriers in the wine industry, inspiring others this International Womenâs Day with her...
Know Your Grapes: The Muscadel
Itâs been a while since we last wrote about a specific grape varietal, but weâre bringing that focus back. This...
What makes Straw Wine special?
Discover Straw Wine, a unique dessert wine made by drying grapes to intensify sweetness and flavor. Learn about Orange River...
Honouring International Womenâs Day with Vanessa Tan
Celebrate Vanessaâs incredible accomplishments as she breaks barriers in the wine industry, inspiring others this International Womenâs Day with her sommelier success.
Know Your Grapes: The Muscadel
Itâs been a while since we last wrote about a specific grape varietal, but weâre bringing that focus back. This...
What makes Straw Wine special?
Discover Straw Wine, a unique dessert wine made by drying grapes to intensify sweetness and flavor. Learn about Orange River Cellars, a South African producer crafting exceptional Straw Wine that highlights the Northern Capeâs terroir.