Wine Of The Week 5: Reisiger Colombar 2022
This wine is truly special. It’s made from grapes grown on old vines, which gives it a rich and complex flavor.
Winemaker Gunter Schultz has a personal connection to this wine. He named it after an old blue Combi that his dad used to drive them around in when they were kids. The name “Reisiger” means “traveller” in Afrikaans, and Gunter chose it to reflect his own journey of searching for the perfect vineyards for his wines. During the day, Gunter works as a winemaker for Baleia Wines & Olive Oil on the Cape South Coast.
When Gunter stumbled upon a 29-year-old vineyard in Rawsonville, he knew he had found something special. The vines were planted in sandy soils with white riverstone boulders. He describes it as love at first sight. “I couldn’t resist,” he jokes.
Cape Colombar: South Africa’s Hidden Grape Gem
Have you ever heard of Cape Colombar? If not, you’re not alone. This grape may not have the same fame as its sibling, Chenin, but it plays a vital role in South Africa’s winemaking scene. In fact, it’s the country’s second most widely planted grape, just behind Chenin.
Most people aren’t familiar with Colombar because it’s often used in bulk blends, destined for the bag-in-a-box market. But I’m here to tell you that this grape deserves more attention.
Colombar is a natural crossing of Chenin and Gouais Blanc, and it has a long history in South Africa. It was first planted in the 1700s, primarily used as a base wine for brandy production. However, just like its famous parent, Chenin, Colombar has the potential to create extraordinary wines.
Thanks to the older vineyards, which naturally yield fewer grapes, producers are now discovering the true potential of Colombar. When the crops are kept low, this “brandy grape” can produce wines with depth and complexity. Its crispness and high acidity make it an excellent addition to white blends, adding a burst of freshness. And when it stands on its own, it showcases a distinct tropical fruit profile and a tantalizing tension.
However, it’s important to note that the quality of Colombar can vary. When it’s over-cropped, it tends to lean towards a more frivolous guava juice spectrum. Therefore, it’s crucial for producers to carefully manage the yield to bring out the best in this hidden gem.
So, if you’re looking for something new and exciting to try, I highly recommend exploring wines made from Cape Colombar. You may just find a new favorite that will elevate your wine-drinking experience. Cheers!
I’m really excited to tell you about the Reisiger Colombar 2022. This wine is something special because it brings out the natural and rugged beauty of the riverbed site where it’s grown. The winemaker, Schultz, used a unique approach to showcase the essence of the place in every glass.
Discover the Reisiger Colombar 2022
The winemaking process for this wine is all about simplicity and purity. The grapes are gently pressed to only have minimal contact with the skins. They are then fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in old 500-liter barrels. This careful process allows the true character of the wine to shine through.
When you take a sip of the Reisiger Colombar 2022, you’ll be transported to a world of fresh flavors. The first taste brings vibrant notes of oyster shell and flint, reminiscent of the unique riverbed where the grapes are grown. As the wine opens up, you’ll start to notice hints of green apples, lemon, white peach, and beach scrub.
But the real magic happens when the flavors deepen and evolve on your palate. Layers of green pineapple and juicy limes burst forth, balanced by the wine’s high acidity. It’s a tight and well-structured wine that benefits from being opened a few hours before serving, allowing the flavors to fully develop and unfold.
If you’re looking to elevate your wine experience, the Reisiger Colombar 2022 is a fantastic choice. It’s a wine that captures the essence of the riverbed site and brings it to life in a bottle. So go ahead, indulge in this unique and captivating wine.
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