Delheim’s latest vintage will please the fans

Delheim’s 2017 vintage of their classic blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon has hit the shelves with winemaker Roelof Lotriet extremely happy, despite the challenges presented by the drought conditions in the Cape.

“It would be very difficult to notice a huge difference between the vintages because the drought affected the yield more than the quality,” says Lotriet, adding, “We were fortunate enough to have our own dams in place so we could give the vines water in the most crucial periods”.

Over the years this Delheim blend has developed a large number of followers who look forward to picking up a few bottles for the winter and Lotriet admitted that he himself was one of those fans.

“Even I return to it a lot. It’s just so versatile and an everyday wine,” Lotriet said. “Its aroma is loaded with typical Shiraz spice and complemented by the mature tobacco leaf notes of the Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s lovely and juicy, with flavours of plums and cherries. Every sip lingers with bright red fruit.”

Delheim winemaker Roelof Lotriet is confident fans will love this year’s vintage.

While most people make it a braaiside attraction, Lotriet said he had been pleasantly surprised pairing it with a rabbit cassoulet or confit du canard (duck in duck fat).

“My wife’s chorizo pasta and the Cab/Shiraz has that synergistic effect, 1+1=3,” he was quick to add.

For those fans who want to add a little variety to their wine collection, Lotriet recommends the Delheim Cabernet Sauvignon.

“For me, [it] ticks all the boxes for a classic Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon,” he said with a smile.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.