I am always on the look out for a good Nebbiolo. It’s possibly the greatest of Italian grapes, but few examples are available in South Africa. If you do find one, it’s normally not that great.

Last week, I decided to pop in at one of my long time vino-friends and winemaker Kyle Zulch at Super Single Vineyards in the quiet valley of Stellenboschkloof. Kyle has a passion for lesser-known grape varieties and a flair for barreling single vineyard grapes that results in distinctive, food friendly wines.

Super Single Vineyards winemaker Kyle Zulch

Super Single Vineyards, which is lead by Danie de Waal, produces two diverse ranges of wine under the labels Pella Coastal and Mount Sutherlandproduces two diverse ranges of wine under the labels Pella Coastal and Mount Sutherland. The latter is produced from grapes grown on the farm Kanolfontein in the newly allocated Sutherland-Karoo region. The vineyards are located at the foot of Sneeuberg at an altitude of approximately 1500 metres above sea level and 350kms inland from the Indian Ocean, which makes it the highest and coldest wine growing region in Africa. The region is blessed with deep scali and clay soils, making it great for growing Nebbiolo.

Having said that, this is by no means an easy grape to grow. Believed by some to be even more difficult to grow than Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo is extremely picky about where it can grow to produce quality wines. The grapes tend to be grown in cooler climates at higher elevations. If the vines are happy, the result is wines that are lighter and more delicate in style.

By the taste of things, the grapes used in the 2014 Mount Sutherland Nebbiolo experienced an exceptional growing season. With a total production of only 400 bottles, this is by no means a mainstream wine. In fact, if you get your hands on a bottle, count yourself lucky and let me know when you plan on opening it!

In the glass, the wine is intense yet graceful, with bright, complex floral and earthy aromas and flavours. It’s an exceptional wine, with a velvety texture combined with rich fruit flavours, acidity and tannins and a super long finish.

The 2014 Mount Sutherland Nebbiolo is available from the farm and selected fine wine merchants, like Wine Concepts. Expect to pay around R450 for a bottle, which is an absolute steal when you consider all the time, work and passion that went into making this beautiful gem of a wine.