Hannibal

Hannibal is a hugely versatile match for a range of dishes, but it works especially well with Indian and other spicy cuisine. Pair it with a Cape Vegetable Biryani, Mauritian seafood Vindaye or simply goats milk cheese served on brioche toast.

Spring 2019 saw ideal weather conditions during flower and fruit set, heightening expectations for the up coming vintage. However, our hopes were soon challenged by the atypical and unstable weather presented early in the New Year. Fortunately, dry conditions set in as soon as harvest commenced, with the crop remaining healthy. Volumes recovered slightly from the light 2019 vintage and all-round, unexpectedly positive, fruit-quality was delivered to the cellar.

The final blend was assembled after a year of small barrel maturation (17% new) and bottled in July 2021.

Celebrating the 20th edition, marks a significant milestone for this eccentric blend, as the numbers of loyal followers continue to grow. Hand harvesting of naturally low yielding, mature vineyards extendover six weeks. Following alcoholic fermentation in tank, individual components are barrelled down for a lengthy, secondary malo-lactic fermentation; with Sangiovese taking up to nine months to complete.

One of South Africa’s most awarded boutique wine estates lies in a scenic valley just an hour and a half from Cape Town called Hemel-en-Aarde or Heaven-and-Earth. Framed by great fold mountains and breath-taking ocean views it is one of the coolest wine-making regions in the Cape with duplex soil structures and sun-facing slopes. The promise of the unique terroir is harnessed by winemaker Chris Albrecht in slow-ripened flavour-rich wines of exceptional quality. Bouchard Finlayson is globally acclaimed for producing the best Pinot Noir in South Africa as well as exceptional Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs. The vineyards are surrounded by an indigenous floral conservancy alive with birdsong and wildflowers. Beyond the beauty of the farm itself you can discover the enchantments of the local area. Some of the popular attractions of nearby Hermanus include whale-watching; shark-cage diving; mountain hiking or biking; browsing art antiques and shops; and of course the white sandy beaches.