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Thistle & Weed

2021

‘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 and were only planted in the past quarter century. Both are remarkably comfortable in the unique Cape climate. 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 10 months prior to being racked to tank for two months with a small dose of SO2 and bottled with another small addition of sulfur dioxide.

Stats

  • Grapes: 35% Verdelho - 24% Palomino - 22% Chenin Blanc - 13% Alvarinho - 6% 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: Mix of sandstone and granitic soils
  • Viticulture: Sustainable - dry-farmed
  • Fermentation: Native – barrel fermented in fourth fill and older 225L French oak
  • Skin Contact: None
  • Aging: 10 months in fourth use 225L French barrique followed by 2 months in stainless-steel
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • pH: 3.29
  • Total Acidity: 5.6 g/L
  • Total SO2: 100 ppm
  • Total Production: 417 cases
  • UPC: 781718456500

Tasting Note

Aromas 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

96

"35% Verdelho, 24% Palomino, 22% Chenin Blanc, 13% Albarinho and 6% Fernão Pires. Complex aromatics of white peach, lime, lemon, flowers, herbs and spice. Medium bodied and intricate in flavour with a compelling urgency about it thanks to snappy acidity and a saline finish." - Christian Eedes

Tim Atkin, MW

95

"Back in 2018, Khakibos was a pure Verdelho. These days it uses four other "drought- resistant" varieties in the mix - Palomino, Chenin Blanc, Albariño and Fernão Pires - sourced from all over the Western Cape. The result is a thing of wonder, with steely precision, waxed lemon, apple and orange peel flavours and top notes of lanolin and thatch. 2023-28."
- Tim Atkin, MW
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Producer


Thistle & Weed

Region


Western Cape

Country


South Africa

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