Select another wine

Thistle & Weed

2022

‘Knapsekêrel’

Cabernet Franc   |   Stellenbosch - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

The perennially opportunistic Knapsêkerel (Blackjack) gambles by spreading its seeds through wind, water, man and beast. The Blackjack is generally thought of as a weed but in many communities around the world it is used as a source of food and for medicinal purposes. This biodynamically farmed Cabernet Franc from the Oudeberg Vineyard in the Polkadraai area of Stellenbosch is littered with these beautiful weeds. Only seven rows are used for this small batch wine. Fun fact: Knapsekêrel also means “handsome man” in Afrikaans. In 2022, Steph made the decision to omit the use of oak during aging to focus on freshness and vitality.

The winemaking is quite rudimentary as the hard work was really done in the vineyard. The grapes were hand-harvested and 85% of the lot was destemmed with the berries kept intact and the remaining 15% was left whole-bunch. The wines fermented with mostly ambient yeasts (some inoculation where necessary) and frequent punchdowns by hand were employed to get a gentle extraction. After a week the wine was dry and gently basket pressed, with only the free run juice and the first light pressing being used. The wine aged in stainless steel tanks where malolactic fermentation was carried out naturally. After nine months, the wine was bottled with a sheet filtration and sulfur dosage at bottling. No fining.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Cabernet Franc
  • Vineyard: Oudeberg Vineyard (Polkadraai Hills)
  • Vine Age: 22-years-old
  • Soil Type: Fine granitic sand intermixed with marl
  • Viticulture: Practicing biodynamic
  • Fermentation: Inoculated – open-top stainless steel fermenters (15% whole-cluster)
  • Skin Contact: 7 days
  • Aging: 9 months in stainless steel
  • Alcohol: 13.5%
  • pH: 3.67
  • Total Acidity: 5 g/L
  • Total SO2: 90 ppm
  • Total Production: 150 cases
  • UPC: 781718145626

Tasting Note

Elegant aromas of rose and thyme greet the nose. On the palate, vibrant raspberry and cranberry flavors emerge, supported by refreshing acidity and fine chalky tannins. The finish is subtly peppery, leaving a crisp and lively aftertaste.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

93

"From Polkadraai Hills grapes. 15% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured in stainless steel tank and bottled early on account of the wine from this vintage being so immediately open. Inviting aromatics of rose, fresh herbs including just the right amount of mint, orange, plums, black cherry and a hint of earth. The palate is light bodied with pure fruit, fresh acidity and powdery tannins. Delicate and poised, this is a delight."

- Christian Eedes

Tim Atkin, MW

95

"I love the lightness of touch of Stephanie Wild's winemaking, immediately apparent in this Cabernet Franc from granite soils in the Polkadraai Hills. Fermented with 15% whole bunches, this partners violet and green salad aromas with graceful tannins and layers of summer berry and black cherry flavours. Wonderfully elegant. 2024-30"

- Tim Atkin, MW

Wine Spectator

90

"A potpourri of dried herbs and flowers on the nose carries through the tangy notes of macerated cherry, raspberry paste and orange peel set in this bright, silky, light- to medium-bodied red, showing good focus through the well-spiced finish. Drink now."

- Alison Napjus
Select a wine

Producer


Thistle & Weed

Region


Stellenbosch

Country


South Africa

Have a question or want to drop a line?

Contact Us