De Toren Private Cellar Délicate N.V.

The vintage may differ from the image shown

In stock

11 items available

🚚 Order today and get it shipped tomorrow

Description

chevron-down

the De Toren Private Cellar winery: history and location

De Toren Private Cellar was founded in the 1990s by Emil and Sonette den Dulk, who left their lives in Johannesburg for a new adventure among the vineyards of Stellenbosch. Their goal was clear: to create wines that combine finesse, balance, and character. The estate is situated on the southern slopes of the Polkadraai Hills, a privileged location overlooking False Bay. The fresh sea breeze tempers the heat and ensures slow, even ripening of the grapes. The soil consists of weathered granite, sandstone, and loam, allowing the vines to develop deep roots and produce grapes with remarkable concentration and tension.

The estate is entirely hand-crafted. Each bunch is carefully harvested and selected. The white tower of the winery houses the gravity-driven cellar, where the wine is processed without pumping. This produces wines with natural elegance and a soft, structured texture.

region, terroir and climate

The Polkadraai Hills are part of Stellenbosch and are known for their cool microclimate. The combination of ocean influence, sunny days, and cool nights creates a long growing season. This allows the grapes to develop ripe aromas without losing their freshness. The well-draining soils restrict vine growth, resulting in concentrated berries with intense color and flavor. These conditions form the basis for the refined, fruity character of Délicate NV.

the wine Délicate NV: composition, style and vinification

The Toren Délicate NV is a unique, non-vintage red blend, designed for year-round enjoyment. The composition varies slightly per bottling, but generally consists of Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Malbec takes center stage, bringing juicy red fruit and soft tannins. Merlot and Cabernet Franc add roundness and refinement, while a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and length.

The wine is partially fermented in stainless steel to preserve the fresh fruit, while a portion is aged in used French oak barrels to develop complexity and softness. The result is an accessible, medium-bodied wine that can be enjoyed both as a light red and chilled summer wine. Délicate is intended as a modern interpretation of elegance: smooth, aromatic, and immediately drinkable, without betraying its origins.

color, scent and taste of Délicate NV

In the glass, Délicate reveals a bright ruby red color with purple hues. The aroma is seductive and pure: strawberry, raspberry, red cherry, and a hint of rose petals. A subtle spiciness of cinnamon and white pepper adds dimension to the nose.

The palate is smooth and fruit-driven, with velvety tannins and lively acidity. The mouthfeel is light yet expressive, with layers of ripe red fruit, a touch of spice, and a refined, fresh finish. The wine is excellent for immediate consumption and offers just the right balance between elegance and accessibility. It is even better enjoyed slightly chilled.

Would you like to order wines from De Toren Private Cellar online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

wine and food pairings

  • Spicy chicken skewers with peppers and onions – the juicy chicken and mild spices complement the wine's fresh red fruit perfectly.
  • Baked salmon with lentils and balsamic vinegar – the fruity acidity of the wine balances the dish and keeps it fresh.
  • Fresh pasta with tomato, basil, and Parmesan cheese – the light texture and red fruit flavors complement the acidity of the sauce beautifully.
  • Charcuterie board with soft cheeses and olives – a casual yet delicious pairing where the wine beautifully balances the salt and fat.
  • Mushroom and thyme risotto – the earthy notes of the dish enhance the subtle spiciness of the wine.
  • Grilled vegetables with olive oil and garlic – the simplicity of the dish allows the wine to express its full, smooth character.

Specifications

chevron-down
Available as of Nov 6, 2025
Packing information Case
Type of Wine Red
Country South Africa
Region Western Cape
Appellation Stellenbosch (Appellatie)
Winery De Toren Private Cellar
Grape Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Biological certified No
Natural wine No
Vegan No
Drinking as of 2025
Alcohol % 14.5
Alcohol free/low No
Content 0.75 ltr
Oak aging Yes
Sparkling No
Dessert wine No
Closure Cork
Parker rating 94

Professional Reviews

chevron-down

Parker

94

95/100

R

Wijnhuis

chevron-down

Historie en ligging

De Toren ontstond begin jaren 90 toen Emil en Sonette den Dulk hun drukke leven in Johannesburg verruilden voor een droom tussen de wijngaarden van Stellenbosch. Ze vonden hun plek op de heuvels van Polkadraai, met uitzicht op False Bay en Table Mountain. Die ligging bleek goud waard: de koele zeewind temt de hitte, waardoor de druiven langzaam rijpen en meer diepte krijgen. De eerste wijn verscheen in 1999 en zette het domein meteen op de kaart als serieuze speler in de wereld van Zuid-Afrikaanse Bordeaux-blends.

Druivenrassen en wijngaard

De Toren richt zich volledig op rode druiven. In de wijngaarden groeien Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec en Petit Verdot. Klassieke Bordeaux-variëteiten dus, maar met een Zuid-Afrikaanse twist. De stokken staan op vijftien verschillende bodemsoorten, elk zorgvuldig gekoppeld aan de juiste druif. De hoogte ligt rond de 200 meter en de bodem is arm, waardoor de wijnstokken diep wortelen en geconcentreerde druiven geven. Alles wordt met de hand geoogst in de vroege ochtend, druif voor druif gecontroleerd, en vervolgens met zwaartekracht verwerkt zodat er geen pomp aan te pas komt.

Specialiteiten van De Toren

De bekendste wijn is Fusion V, een blend van de vijf Bordeaux-druiven. Elegant, gestructureerd en inmiddels een klassieker. Daarna kwam Book XVII, genoemd naar het zeventiende boek van Plinius, waarin hij schrijft over bijzondere wijnen. Die naam zegt genoeg: dit is de absolute top van het huis, gemaakt in minieme oplage. En dan is er nog The Black Lion, een krachtige 100% Shiraz waarmee De Toren laat zien ook buiten het traditionele Bordeaux-recept iets indrukwekkends te kunnen maken.

Interessante weetjes

  • De naam “De Toren” verwijst naar de witte toren op het domein. Daarin bevindt zich het unieke systeem waarmee de wijn via zwaartekracht van tank naar vat stroomt — zacht en zonder druk.
  • De granietbodems van het domein zijn meer dan 500 miljoen jaar oud. Dat geeft de wijnen hun minerale spanning.
  • Elke druif ondergaat ruim twintig kwaliteitscontroles voor ze in de tanks belandt.
  • De opbrengsten zijn bewust laag, wat zorgt voor intensiteit en balans in de wijnen.

De Toren Private Cellar online bestellen?

De wijnen van De Toren Private Cellar bestel je eenvoudig bij Grandcruwijnen. Ze liggen opgeslagen in een geconditioneerd Wine Warehouse, zodat de kwaliteit optimaal blijft. Wie kiest voor ‘Afhalen’ tijdens het afrekenen, ziet direct de korting die geldt bij ophalen in Dordrecht. Zo haal je Zuid-Afrikaanse topwijn in huis onder de beste omstandigheden.

Attachments

chevron-down