Thistle & Weed | Knapsekêrel Cabernet Franc | 2019
Thistle & Weed | Knapsekêrel Cabernet Franc | 2019
If you go through our small portfolio you’ll notice that we have a bit of a Cabernet Franc obsession, and the Knapsekêrel is just another reason why we love this under-represented grape. The grapes are hand-picked from just 7 rows of biodynamically farmed Cabernet Franc in Stellenbosch. It’s Loire inspired so there’s plenty of green freshness and acidity but with a solid juicy blackberry overtone throughout - this one will only improve with age!
Nose & Palate
Dried thyme, violet, blackberries and glazed cherry on the nose. Influence of the whole bunch ferment is evident, a light palate, concentrated fruit flavours juxtaposed with chalky tannins.
Pairing
Something we love about Cabernet Franc is its versatility when it comes to food. The acidity means it can hold up to a tomato sauce - spaghetti and meatballs (or if you’re vegetarian, replace the meatballs with eggplant).
Accolades
91 Points - Tim Atkin 2020 SA Wine Report | 4 1/2 Stars (91 Points) - Platter's 2021 SA Wine Guide | 94 Points - Christian Eedes
About Thistle & Weed
An independent collaboration between winemaker Stephanie Wiid and viticulturist Etienne Terblanche. Together, they set out to discover the best of the Cape’s hidden gems, intent on crafting honest natural wines that are made with a deep connection to nature and offer the most simple expression of the terroir from which they come.
They immediately gained critical acclaim for their Chenin Blanc in particular and now produce three different Chenins from three different old-vine sites around the Cape. Stephanie employs the same minimal intervention winemaking approach to produce pure, site-specific wines. Their wines are Afrikaans names for different thistles and weeds found amongst the vines grown in the Cape. Etienne and Steph draw parallels between thistles and weeds and the uncompromising tenacity and survival skills of grapevines.
