Kleine Zalze, nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands near Stellenbosch, has been a family-owned winery since 1695. However, it was in 1996 that Kobus Basson and his family acquired the property, ushering in the modern era of Kleine Zalze. Scientific mapping and evaluation of the estate’s soils led to a meticulous replanting process based on specific terroir characteristics and potential. Over the past two decades, continuous investment has transformed Kleine Zalze into one of Stellenbosch’s most acclaimed wineries.
The vineyard selection range from Kleine Zalze showcases top-quality grapes sourced from premium vineyards. Utilising the finest oak barrels and meticulous attention to detail throughout the winemaking process, this limited range yields wines with ripe, expressive flavours, complexity, structure, and cellaring potential, making them ideal partners for food.
When crafting Grenache, the winemaker’s focus is always on elegance. The grapes are destemmed without crushing and transferred to tanks for fermentation, which lasts about 2 weeks. The process is carefully managed with only 2 pump overs per day to ensure the delicate flavours and soft tannin structure of Grenache are balanced.
Only the “free-run” wine is selected for maturation in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness. It undergoes further maturation for 10 months on lees, enhancing its complexity and texture.
This wine exudes fragrant delicacy yet offers remarkable concentration and depth of flavour. It opens with a bouquet of fresh strawberries and subtle spice, leading to a lively palate with vibrant acidity and flavours of wild brambleberry accented by hints of all-spice. The fine and supple tannin structure provides perfect balance, extending into a lingering finish where additional subtle nuances emerge.
Food pairing suggestion: Grilled salmon with creamy red wine and garlic sauce.
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