First Verse

Enjoy the wine with poultry, red meat, seared tuna or matured cheese.

The grapes are sourced from some of the finest vineyards on the amphitheatre of mountains surrounding Stellenbosch - including the Helderberg, Stellenbosch Mountain, Simonsberg and the Polkadraai area. Meticulous site selection and attention to detail in the management of the vineyards is crucial to ensure that the very best quality grapes are brought into the cellar. Each vineyard site has been carefully selected to deliver grapes with a very specific aromatic profile, tannin structure and texture contributing to the harmonious complexity of the First Verse. A cold and wet winter always sets the tone for a potentially good vintage. Above average rainfall and snow-capped peaks get us excited for the next vintage! Moderate conditions were experienced during the growing season with some seasonal rainfall which resulted in vegetative growth which had to be managed. Heat peaks in January halted the growth and accelerated ripening. The 2022 vintage certainly ranks as one of the gems.

Thereafter the wine was matured in the finest French Oak barrels for 19 months, followed by blending and bottling.

Winemaking, I believe, should involve the combination of tradition, modern technology, science, art and passion. Attention to detail and focus are key ingredients. The grapes were fermented on the skins to extract the grape flavours, colour and tannins.

Keet Wines epitomizes viticulturist and oenologist Christopher Keet’s philosophy that the art of viticulture and winemaking lies in the focus attention to detail and precision nurturing of vine and wine. A dedication that has led to the creation of his award-winning wine First Verse. A Bordeaux-style blend that has longevity in its DNA yet satisfies the eager palate. Created from grapes sourced within the Stellenbosch region of the Western Cape South Africa Keet First Verse can be likened to a fine symphony of orchestral instruments each performing in perfect harmony.