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Thistle & Weed

2021

‘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.

The winemaking is quite rudimentary as the hard work was really done in the vineyard. The grapes were hand-harvested 70% of the lot was destemmed with the berries kept intact and the remaining 30% 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 two weeks the wine was dry and gently basket pressed, with only free run juice and the first light pressing being used, to old French tonneau. Malolactic fermentation carried out naturally in barrel and after 11 months the wine was racked to tank and bottled with a sheet filtration and sulfur dosage at bottling. No fining.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Cabernet Franc
  • Vineyard: Oudeberg Vineyard (Polkadraai Hills)
  • Vine Age: 21-years-old
  • Soil Type: Fine granitic sand intermixed with marl
  • Viticulture: Practicing biodynamic
  • Fermentation: Mostly native – one-ton open-top stainless-steel fermenters (30% whole-cluster)
  • Skin Contact: 10 days
  • Aging: 11 months in seasoned 500L French tonneau
  • Alcohol: 14%
  • pH: 3.55
  • Total Acidity: 5.5 g/L
  • Total SO2: 110 ppm
  • Total Production: 133 cases
  • UPC: 781718145626

Tasting Note

Fine perfume of rose and fresh herbs on the nose. The palate opens with red cherry and red currant notes set on a backdrop of chalky tannins. Gently spicy finish.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

92

"Grapes from Polkadraai. 30% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 11 months in older oak. Pretty and forthcoming aromatics with top notes of rose and fresh herbs before red currant while the palate is relatively light (despite an alcohol of 14%) with fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish dry and gently spicy. Rather charming." - Christian Eedes

Tim Atkin, MW

93

"Thistle and Weed's Cabernet Franc comes from one of the variety's preferred terroirs in the Polkadraai Hills. A wine that's not afraid of acidity or freshness, this has lovely perfume and structure from 30% whole bunches, racy red cherry and capsicum flavours and the unmistakable thumb print of granite soils. 2023-28." - Tim Atkin, MW
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Producer


Thistle & Weed

Region


Stellenbosch

Country


South Africa

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