Silverthorn - River Dragon NV

Grape Varieties:

100% Colombar

Wine Inspiration:

“If the sky could dream, would it dream of dragons?”

Dragons exist in the realm of magic, but their origins are grounded by our collective fascination and curiosity in nature. Perhaps inspired by dinosaurs, there is a rich and ancient history of dragons throughout the world. Draco Africanus, the majestic African Dragon, is alleged to have spent its time whimsically flying and “skywriting” with smoke. Benevolent, wise and powerful, the ‘River Dragon’ of Silverthorn appears eternally silhouetted against the River Without End Mountains.

Method and Maturation:

River Dragon was hand harvested towards the end of February in the early hours of the morning at 19 degrees balling. The grapes from a 39 year old vineyard,
were whole bunch pressed with a very low recovery rate of only 500 litres per ton – this ensures that no bitter tannins are extracted. 40% of the base wine was
fermented in old Acacia 500 litre barrels to enhance complexity. Secondary fermentation occurred in the bottle and the wine spent 12 months on the lees after which it was manually riddled and disgorged.

Wine Tasting Notes:

Colour/appearance: Vibrant green hue – with a fine twirling bead of bubbles.

Nose: Vibrant aromas of chamomile blossom and thatch complimented by a subtle stone fruit and tropical notes.

Palate: Well balanced with an elegant structure, fine mousse which imparts a gentle explosion of bubbles on the palate and a long finish

Alcohol	12%
Residual sugar	6.5g/L
Acidity	6.1g/L
Ph Level	3.2
Region	Robertson
Producer	Silverthorn

 

• Recommended Cheese Pairings

  Pair this with...
  aged Gouda! Aged Gouda has a rich, nutty flavor with caramelized notes that complement the toasty, brioche-like qualities of the Cap Classique. Its slight sweetness balances the wine's acidity, while the cheese's crystalline texture contrasts beautifully with the wine's effervescence. The pairing creates a harmonious balance of flavours and textures. Enjoy!
  
  You can also consider...
  
  Brillat-Savarin – This triple-cream cheese is rich, buttery, and slightly tangy, balancing the crisp acidity of the Cap Classique while enhancing its creamy texture.
  
  Comté (12-18 months) – The nuttiness and subtle umami depth of a mid-aged Comté complement the toasty, brioche notes in the wine without overpowering its delicacy.
  
  Goat’s Cheese (Chèvre) – A fresh, tangy goat’s cheese (like Valençay or Sainte-Maure de Touraine) enhances the wine’s citrus and green apple character, making the pairing refreshing and bright.
  
  Parmigiano-Reggiano (24 months) – The aged, slightly crystalline texture and umami richness contrast beautifully with the fine bubbles and acidity of the River Dragon.