It sounds strange, but this week we harvest Sangiovese! Yes, in March! But not in Tuscany, in South Africa! Thank you Peter Finlayson and Chris Albrecht for this splendid experience!
One of South Africa’s most awarded boutique wine estates lies in a scenic valley, just an hour and a half from Cape Town, called Hemel-en-Aarde or Heaven-and-Earth. Framed by great fold mountains and breath-taking ocean views, it is one of the coolest wine-making regions in the Cape, with duplex soil structures and sun-facing slopes. The promise of the unique terroir is harnessed by winemaker Peter Finlayson in slow-ripened, flavour-rich wines of exceptional quality.
Ever since Peter Finlayson established Bouchard Finlayson in 1989, the winery’s name has been internationally synonymous with excellence. His success has been recognized globally, with a string of awards for his achievements with the Pinot Noir grape and many other mastered varietals found at Bouchard Finlayson. His wines are considered a prized addition to any collection.
Owned by the Red Carnation Hotels’ Tollman family and under the leadership of Victoria Tollman, founder Peter Finlayson and winemaker Chris Albrecht, 50% of its vineyards are devoted to the varietal for which it is most acclaimed – Pinot noir. Other cultivars under production include Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Sangiovese, as well as a handful under exploration. Accolades include winning the South African Wine Index (SAWi) awards for Top Pinot Noir – Galpin Peak (2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016) and Top Red blend (other) – Hannibal (2014, 2015 & 2016), as well as being voted the No. 2 Top overall wine producer in both 2015 and 2016. Bouchard Finlayson is a World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Conservation Champion. BOUCHARD FINLAYSON FEATURES AS ‘SA WINE ICON’ NOMINEE IN KLINK AWARDS.
We are very curious and want to improve our knowledge of how is Sangiovese growing in a New World and assemble it with the traditions of the Old World!
Ruby-red tending to garnet with age, its perfumes should be rich and full. Some tasters find hints of leather, tobacco, truffles, figs, mulberries, raspberries, vanilla and cinnamon on the nose. Young Sangiovese has a ripe cherry fruit flavor, with a cherry stone bitterness on the finish. Sangiovese is a major component in Hannibal wine, which is Franco-Italian red blend of Bouchard Finlayson.
Poggio del Moro is traveling with all its heart and passion for Sangiovese all over the world!
