2019 Camino Africana Cabernet Franc

This wine is a full bodied, dry red with a fragrant taste. Depth, structure, bold fruit and suave, juicy tannins - all bolstered with classy wood regimen - make for unmistakable quality.

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Viticulture

With all the hype for resurrected old vine projects and natural wines. David's "Camino Africana" project seeks to kill two birds with one stone. This is the oldest Cabernet Franc vineyard in Stellenbosch - planted in 1985. The vineyard is in fairly poor condition and its upkeep and rejuvenation is constant and ongoing. The 5 tons of Cabernet Franc grapes (that's all of it) were carefully sorted and lightly pressed into a 5 ton fermenter. After 3 days of cold soaking and allowing spontaneous fermentation to take place, pump overs occurred 3 times per day for 14 days. 10 full days of post ferment maceration was followed by a soft press and a further 18 months maturation in the new 300 litre Allier Hogshead barrels. Bottled with minimal filtration and no fining maintain the wine's fine structure. This is as non-interventionist as he could manage. The fruit is pure and very expressive, and challenges the notion that this grape should be used for blending.

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Vinification

The 5 tons of Cabernet Franc grapes were carefully sorted and crushed whole berry into a 5 ton fermenter. After 3 days cold soak and allowing spontaneous fermentation to take place, pump overs occurred 3 times per day for 14 days. 10 days post ferment, maceration was followed by a soft press and a further 24 months maturation in 30% new and 70% second fill 300l Allier Hogshead barrels. Bottled with minimal filtration and no fining to maintain the wines fine structure.