2018 -Z- Cabernet Sauvignon Neil Ellis

In the narrow Ahr valley, the horizon may sometimes seem a little narrow - but when it comes to winemaking, we have expanded it considerably. Werner Näkel has worked as a winemaker in both Portugal and South Africa. In 1996, after his first trip to the Cape, he decided to make wine there too. We continue this with enthusiasm today - not least a welcome reason to escape the winter in Germany now and again.

STELLENBOSCH WINE REGION

Stellenbosch is by far the most famous wine region in South Africa. The surrounding mountains offer a spectacular panorama and excellent conditions for growing wine. The summers here are relatively dry and hot and the winters are sufficiently rainy. There are a total of 50 different types of soil. This is one of the biggest challenges for growing wine, along with the heat and the constant risk of fire. However, this variety of soils also allows for incredible variation in the cultivation of vines.

VINIFICATION

The grapes are picked by hand and transported to the winery in small boxes. The harvest is processed carefully. After 14 days of mash fermentation, the malolactic fermentation takes place. The wine matures for 14 months in French barriques.

WINE DESCRIPTION

A powerful red wine with a deep violet-red color, which has a bouquet of ripe dark berries such as blueberries, blackcurrants, plums, but also roasted peppers and peppery, spicy aromas. The pronounced fruitiness combines with the well-structured tannins to create an expressive wine that is very accessible even when young, but also offers great drinking pleasure after a few years. At a drinking temperature of 15-17°C, it goes well with hearty roast dishes, for example.