2023 Spice Route Chakalaka

Charles Back, owner of Spice Route, is one of the pioneers in Swartland. In the late 1990s, he found a vineyard with Sauvignon Blanc vines over thirty years old that produced wine of exceptional quality. Together with winemaker Eben Sadie, he planted new grape varieties around this oldest block of Sauvignon, most as freestanding bushes, known as 'bush vines'. The winery became the base of an old tobacco barn, formerly known as Klein Amoskuil. Spice Route wines soon became a success!

For the success of these and other producers in this innovative region (there is even talk of a 'Swartland Revolution'), a combination of two elements is decisive. First, the deep soils (weathered granite and 'Koffieklip') in which the vines can root deeply to find water. Secondly, the climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

The Spice Route Chakalaka (which can be translated as 'leftovers') is the wine that has made The Spice Route internationally very famous. It is a blend of no fewer than 6 different grapes, all sourced from a single vineyard. This trend (although it used to be done this way) is now making a full comeback in Spain and Italy, and the renowned winemaker Telmo Rodrigues has become known for this old-fashioned new trend, working exclusively with vineyards that possess diversity and therefore contain different grape varieties.

The Chakalaka is a blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Tannat, Grenache, and Petit Syrah. In the glass, the wine is ruby red with aromas of plums and ripe black fruit, clove, tobacco, and vanilla on the nose. On the palate, it has a very rich structure and ripe tannins. The wine is difficult to categorize and is simply unique and very fine. Perhaps the best comparison is with an Amarone or a Ripasso due to the wine's jammy character. Pure enjoyment at a great price.