A Bold New Wine Released At De Grendel
New year, new wine! We are thrilled to announce that we have a new signature wine available at De Grendel. It is inspired by, and honours, Sir David Graaff, who went from being a poor shepherd boy in Villiersdorp to First Baronet of Cape Town. Sir Graaff (1st baronet), who died in 1931, was an extraordinary man and an iconic figure playing a vital role in the civil, economic and agricultural landscape of Cape Town during his lifetime.
Each of the 3 344 numbered bottles Sir David Graaff, First Baronet of Cape Town 2013 carries his signature, the quality of the wine reflecting his high values. “The values of my great-grandfather serve still serve as a reminder to future generations to lead meaningful lives and contribute to society”, says his great grandson Sir De Villiers Graaff, the Fourth Baronet of Cape Town. “The wine was produced in tribute to his exemplary character and remarkable achievements.”
Taking on the responsibility to produce a wine worthy of the iconic personality, Charles Hopkins, De Grendel cellar master, views it as a privilege to have selected the grapes, done the vinification, barrel ageing and blending to create a wine with great fruit balance, longevity and a true expression of his winemaking philosophy.
“After the success of the De Grendel Rubaiyat, our first flagship red wine, and with access to so many red cultivars at De Grendel, the timing was right to put something new in the market and to honour the life of the First Baronet, Sir David Graaff,” says Charles.
“I put the wine together in 2013,” says Charles. “I made certain I made it different to my other vinification. I made it more aggressive on extraction. I worked with three of my favourite vineyards, a Shiraz from Kuikenvlei, a Petit Verdot from our farm and a Cabernet from a farm called Eendrag. Vinified individually, they were all big wines with massive longevity,” says Charles.
After making up dozens of proportional blends, Charles came up with the perfect combination. “I think it can mature and improve for 15 years and will be at its peak in 10,” he says. “It’s not such an expressive wine on the nose, but that will come with time. On the taste there are layers and layers of fruit. It’s seamless.”
About the wine:
“Selected, handpicked, individually vinified and matured for 15 months before blending, the wine consists of 80% Shiraz, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot,” explains Hopkins. “After blending, it was returned to the same new barrels and nurtured for a further 6 months. At a total of 22 months of maturation, this wine is the ultimate expression of longevity and potential."
Shiraz and cabernet sauvignon grapes from 30-year-old vines in the Somerset West region were used to produce an exceptional wine. Some carefully selected petit verdot from seven-year old vines at De Grendel were incorporated for a touch of youthful vigour and character.
Tasting notes:
Deep ruby garnet in colour, layers of cedar wood, white pepper and clove on the nose, underscored by black plum, prune, mulberry fruit and blackcurrant. The dried cranberry on the palate evolves into rich plum flavours supported by nuances of savoury cassis and perfumed, sweet tobacco leaf. The finish is augmented by firm, rounded tannins.
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Sir David Graaff 1st Baronet of Cape Town 2013
 The wine is available online and at the De Grendel Tasting Room & Restaurant at R1 380 per bottle.
*Loyalty club discount does not apply
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