The Chocolate Block 3L

The Chocolate Block is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. It’s a great match for grilled meats such as steak, lamb chops, or barbecued ribs, thanks to its rich, full-bodied character and tannin structure. The wine’s chocolate and spice notes also make it an excellent partner for spicy dishes like Moroccan lamb tagine or beef chili. For a vegetarian pairing, try it with a roasted vegetable and lentil stew or a mushroom and truffle risotto. Its dark fruit flavors and hints of cocoa make it a delightful companion to chocolate desserts as well.

The grapes for The Chocolate Block 2022 are sourced from carefully selected vineyards in the Swartland region of South Africa, known for its dry climate and diverse soils, including granite and slate. These terroirs contribute to the wine’s complexity and intensity. The vineyards are managed sustainably, with a focus on low yields to ensure concentrated flavors and high-quality fruit.

The Chocolate Block 2022 is aged for approximately 12 to 18 months in French oak barrels, with a portion of new oak used to add complexity and depth to the wine. This aging process helps to integrate the tannins and impart subtle flavors of vanilla, spice, and oak, complementing the wine's fruit-forward character.

After being harvested by hand, the grapes undergo a sorting process to select only the best fruit. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks and open-top concrete fermenters, which allows for optimal extraction of color and flavor. Regular punch-downs and pump-overs are employed during fermentation to enhance the wine's structure and aromatic profile.

Boekenhoutskloof was established in 1776. Located in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek valley the farm’s name means “ravine of the Boekenhout” (pronounced Book-n-Howed). Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape Beech tree greatly prized for furniture making. In 1993 the farm and homestead was bought and restored and a new vineyard planting programme was established that now includes Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Grenache Semillon and Viognier.