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Thistle & Weed

2023

‘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 fifth vintage of this exquisite wine that 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 2023 season was cooler, giving this white blend a more refined expression this vintage.

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 and older 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 saw a gentle sheet filter at bottling. It is unfined.

Stats

  • Grapes: 49% Verdelho - 19% Chenin Blanc - 15% Alvarinho - 11% Palomino - 10% Fernao Pires
  • Vineyard: Stellenbosch (Verdelho & Chenin Blanc) - Piekenierskloof (Palomino) - Wellington (Alvarinho) - Paarl (Chenin Blanc) - Swartland (Chenin Blanc) - Worcester (Fernao Pires)
  • Vine Age: Average 26-years-old
  • Soil Type: Sandstone & granite
  • Viticulture: Sustainable - dry-farmed
  • Fermentation: Native – 4th fill & older 225L French oak
  • Aging: 9 months in fourth use 225L French barriques
  • Alcohol: 13.5%
  • pH: 3.25
  • Total Acidity: 6.3 g/L
  • Total SO2: 122 ppm
  • Total Production: 417 cases
  • UPC: 781718456500
  • SRP: $26.99

Tasting Note

This is a polished, generously textured Cape Blend that opens with a lifted bouquet of citrus peel, orange blossom, and subtle brioche notes. The palate is layered and expressive, guided by focused, vibrant acidity that brings precision and energy, finishing with a refined, sherbet-like lift.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

92

"45% Verdelho, 19% Chenin Blanc, 15% Alvarinho, 11% Palomino and 10% Finao Pires sourced from across the Western Cape. Top notes of floral perfume, hay and herbs before pear, peach, citrus and pineapple. The palate is well balanced and has broad appeal – pure and zesty with a dry finish."

- Christian Eedes

Tim Atkin, MW

95

"Showing the gentle touch that is a feature of Stephanie Wiid's winemaking, this is a blend of what she calls "drought tolerant varieties": Verdelho, 19% Chenin Blanc, 15% Albariño, 11% Palomino and 10% Fernão Pires. Peach, pear and citrus flavours are supported and freshened by vivid acidity, hints of lime and mezcal and a racy, almost nettley finish. Effortlessly complex."

- Tim Atkin, MW
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Producer


Thistle & Weed

Region


Western Cape

Country


South Africa

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