WeeklySA_AdminCOMPARISON: Reyneke says organic wines have the same longevity as any other wine
By Len Maseko
What are the important things wine lovers should know about organic wines?
Reyneke: Organic wines promote regenerative agriculture – farming in a way to heal the earth.
* Organic wines are of excellent quality – DRC being a case in point. 3. Organic wines have longevity and can last for as long as their conventional counterparts.
* Organic wines are certified under strict regulations and international standards and are completely traceable back to all the actions the producer undertook in the vineyard and wine cellar.
* Organic wines are the way of the future and the market for them is growing rapidly.
In terms of longevity, how long can one keep an organic wine?
Reyneke: The organic-ness of a wine does not impact on its longevity. Other factors (like the terroir of the vineyard or the specific cultivar) do. At Reyneke, we have organic wines that should be consumed within the next five years, but we also have organic wines that will improve over the next two decades.
What experience can you promise those who want to visit your farm?
Reyneke: A wonderful experience. The farm is beautiful and alive with promise of life and vitality – come and see for yourself.
Organic wines and food, are there any unique points to consider when pairing or cooking with these wines?
Reyneke: For sure. You would want to focus on fresh and organic ingredients for your food as well.
REYNEKE WINES ETHOS
WE BELIEVE there’s a lot to be said for the way winemaking used to be. There were no chemicals, no “technological advancements” that made the process a process, and natural balance was more important than balance sheets.
Some people dismiss it as old-fashioned nostalgia, but we like to think of it as ancient wisdom. And we embrace it as much as we can. Not just because it’s better for the earth, but because it makes for better wine.
TASTING NOTES
The nose has distinct mulberry, blackcurrant and cherry characters, along with cedarwood and spices. Layers of black fruit, cherries, spice and liquorice develop on the palate, making the wine very enjoyable. Well balanced & structured, with juicy sweet tannins, but a dry finish. It is smooth & approachable now, but can be cellared until 2022.
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
The 2020 Organic Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is a 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot blend. The grapes are sourced from the best organic vineyards across the Western Cape, a third of the grapes coming directly from the estate.
A total of 35% of the wine spent 10 months in older oak barrels and foudré, after which the assemblage was made and then bottled.
