Silverthorn - The Genie NV

Grape Varieties:

100% Shiraz

Wine Inspiration:

Magic in the bottle!

Richly entwined in Persian folklore, Genies are best described as free-willed spirits formed from smokeless fire. Capable of using their power to create either magic or mischief, Genies were popularised in the Tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Traditionally, Rosé Champagne is made from two red varieties, namely Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. With Silverthorn The Genie we broke the rules. Embracing the free-willed spirit of the Genie, we opted for something far more daring and exotic, and used Shiraz, an ancient grape variety, originating from Persia.

Method and Maturation:

The Genie was hand harvested in mid February in the early hours of the morning at 19 degrees balling. The grapes were whole bunch pressed with a very low recovery rate of only 500 liters per ton – this ensures that no bitter tannins are extracted and leaves the juice with a beautiful light purple colour. The colour gradually evolves into a salmon pink. Fermentation took place in a stainless steel tank at 15 degrees Celsius. Secondary fermentation occurred in the bottle and the wine spent a minimum time of 15 months on the lees after which it was manually riddled and degorged.

Wine Tasting Notes:

Colour/appearance: Bright onion skin – fine twirling bead of bubbles.

Nose: Exotic bouquet of rosewater and raspberries.

Palate: Fresh raspberries and sherbet flavours supported by a velvety texture, fine mousse and lengthy finish.

Alcohol	12%
Residual sugar	7.0g/L
Acidity	6.3g/L
Ph Level	3.01
Region	Robertson
Producer	Silverthorn

 

• Recommended Cheese Pairings

  Goat Cheese!
  Goat cheese, particularly a fresh or slightly aged Chèvre, has a tangy, creamy, and slightly earthy flavour that pairs beautifully with the bright acidity and citrus notes of The Genie. The wine's effervescence cuts through the richness of the cheese, while the floral and fruity elements in the wine enhance the cheese's delicate flavours. This pairing is refreshing and balanced, making it a delightful combination.
  
  You can also try...
  
  Époisses – This rich, creamy, and slightly funky washed-rind cheese has a bold character that pairs beautifully with The Genie’s spice and fruitiness. Its buttery texture also mellows the wine’s acidity.
  
  Taleggio – A semi-soft cheese with a mild tang and earthy depth, Taleggio harmonizes with the wine’s berry and floral tones without overwhelming them.
  
  Brie with Truffle – The creamy texture of Brie softens the wine’s effervescence, while the truffle adds an earthy contrast to The Genie’s bright red fruit flavors.
  
  Mimolette (12-18 months) – The nutty, slightly caramelized depth of aged Mimolette enhances the subtle spice and fruitiness of the Cap Classique.
  
  Aged Gouda – With its butterscotch and nutty undertones, aged Gouda complements the hint of spice in the Shiraz-based bubbly while providing a rich contrast to its acidity.