Lock, stock and wine barrel: Kleine Zalze

Laughing in the face of adversity can and should be the norm. Survivors often get to share lessons with others and that really is what builds humanity.

Kleine Zalze’s latest vineyard selection – including the Shiraz 2016 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 – was born out of the drought in the Western Cape and for that reason alone, they’re noticeable.

The Shiraz started with a bit of luck and even though the winter wasn’t as wet as previous years, the fruit did not need supplementary irrigation. In fact, cooler conditions later in the season ensured ripened grapes, which saw good flavour development.

The drought also had a hand in the Cabernet Sauvignon 2017. In 2017, Kleine Zalze had a very dry winter season and warm dry conditions early in the growing season but slightly cooler weather in the run-up to harvest.

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The drier than usual conditions resulted in smaller berries and the cool weather in the later stages of ripening led to good balance of fruit concentration and elegance with very little intervention required.

Made in cooler climates, both are considered winter wines. The Cabernet Sauvignon follows the style of a classic Stellenbosch Cabernet. With a punch of blackberry that lingers, it’s a vivacious wine.

As every good Shiraz should, the 2016 vintage is loaded with spice. There’s great intensity with dark fruit, spice and wild fruit.

Expect to pay R140 for each of these two wines.

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