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Thistle & Weed

2022

‘Khakibos’

White Wine   |   Western Cape - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

Much like the Verdelho grape, the Khakibos (Tagetes Minuta for those botanist/Latin speakers) is a newcomer to the foothills of Stellenbosch. Neither are native, though both were planted in the past quarter century and are remarkably comfortable in the unique Cape climate. This weed is also used to repel bugs and mosquitos! This is the fourth vintage of this exquisite wine and has now further morphed into the vision that Stephanie and Etienne had, which is an Iberian white blend, made from drought-resistant Portuguese grapes.

The majority of this wine comes from the oldest Verdelho vineyard in South Africa and there is a degree of density and complexity rarely seen with this variety. The vineyard is planted on the base slopes of the Helderberg mountain in sandy granitic soils. All of the grapes were handpicked and whole bunch pressed directly to fourth use 225L French barriques, with only the free run juice used. Fermentation kicked off naturally and a weekly battonage was implemented for the first two months to keep the fermentation extra active. The wine matured on the gross and fine lees for nine months prior to being racked to tank with a small dose of SO2 and bottled with another small addition of sulfur dioxide. The wine gets a gentle sheet filter at bottling. It is unfined.

Stats

  • Grapes: 41% Verdelho - 28% Chenin Blanc - 17% Palomino - 10% Alvarinho - 4% Fernao Pires
  • Vineyard: Stellenbosch (Verdelho - Chenin Blanc) - Piekenierskloof (Palomino) - Wellington (Alvarinho) - Paarl (Chenin Blanc) - Swartland (Chenin Blanc) - Worcester (Fernao Pires)
  • Vine Age: Average 25-years-old
  • Soil Type: Mix of sandstone and granitic soils
  • Viticulture: Sustainable - dry-farmed
  • Fermentation: Native – barrel fermented in fourth fill and older 225L French oak
  • Skin Contact: 2% of the Alvarinho was fermented on skins for 7 days and aged in glass and barrel
  • Aging: 9 months in fourth use 225L French barriques (2% of Alvarinho aged in glass)
  • Alcohol: 12.5%
  • pH: 3.27
  • Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L
  • Total SO2: 110 ppm
  • Total Production: 417 cases
  • UPC: 781718456500

Tasting Note

This is a voluptuous Cape Blend that brings forward a medley of explosive aromatics of citrus, orange blossom and toasted brioche. The richly layered, and expressive palate is kept in line by a searing acidity finishing with a sherbet tang.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

95

"41% Verdleho, 28% Chenin Blanc, 17% Palomino, 10% Alvarinho and 4% Finao Pires. Subtle and intricate aromatics of white and yellow fruit, thatch and dried herbs while the palate has great clarity of fruit and bright acidity before a pithy finish. An unusual collection of varieties, but their union is very well judged, and the result is complex without sacrificing approachability in any way."

- Christian Eedes

Tim Atkin, MW

94

"Aimed at the by-the-glass market, this is the sort of thing you’d be very happy to find in a restaurant. Partnering Verdelho with 49% Chenin Blanc, Palomino, Albariño and Fernão Pires, this is a seamless blend with subtle skin contact bitterness, citrus, pear, grapefruit and green fig flavours, racy minerality and a waxy undertone. 2024-30"

- Tim Atkin, MW

Wine Spectator

91

"A subtle, high-toned and aromatic overtone of cured tobacco, white peppercorn and dried chamomile winds through flavors of baked melon and Meyer lemon peel, all deftly integrated with sleek acidity through the lightly salty finish. Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, Palomino, Alvarinho and Fernão Pires. Drink now through 2030. 417 cases made, 125 cases imported."

- Alison Napjus
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Producer


Thistle & Weed

Region


Western Cape

Country


South Africa

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