De Grendel launches First Baronet in ode of a pioneer

From poor shepherd boy in Villiersdorp to First Baronet of Cape Town, Sir David Graaff (1859 – 1931) was an extraordinary man and an iconic figure playing a vital role in the civil, economic and agricultural landscape of Cape Town during his lifetime. Now a new flagship De Grendel red wine honours his remarkable life.

Each of the 3 344 numbered bottles Sir David Graaff, First Baronet of Cape Town 2013 carries his signature, while the quality of the wine reflects his high values.

“The values of my great-grandfather still serve as a reminder to future generations to lead meaningful lives and contribute to society”, says his great grandson Sir De Villiers Graaff, the Fourth Baronet of Cape Town. “The wine was produced in tribute to his exemplary character and remarkable achievements.”

Taking on the responsibility to produce a wine worthy of the iconic personality, Charles Hopkins, De Grendel cellar master, views it as a privilege to have selected the grapes, do the vinification, barrel ageing and blending to create a wine with great fruit balance, longevity and a true expression of his winemaking philosophy.

“After the success of the De Grendel Rubaiyat, our first flagship red wine, and with access to so many red cultivars at De Grendel, the timing was right to put something new in the market and to honour the life of the First Baronet, Sir David Graaff,” says Hopkins.

About the wine:

“Selected, handpicked, individually vinified and matured for 16 months in 100% new, tight grain French oak barrels before blending, the wine consists of 80% Shiraz, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot,” explains Hopkins. “After blending, it was returned to the same new barrels and nurtured for a further 6 months. At a total of 22 months of maturation, this wine is the ultimate expression of longevity and potential.”

Shiraz and cabernet sauvignon grapes from 30-year old vines in the Somerset West region were used to produce an exceptional wine. Some carefully selected petit verdot from seven-year old vines at De Grendel were incorporated for a touch of youthful vigour and character.

Tasting notes:

Deep ruby garnet in colour, layers of cedar wood, white pepper and clove on the nose, underscored by black plum, prune, mulberry fruit and blackcurrant. The dried cranberry on the palate evolves into rich plum flavours supported by nuances of savoury cassis and perfumed, sweet tobacco leaf. The finish is augmented by firm, rounded tannins.

The wine is available online and at De Grendel’s tasting room at R1 380 per bottle.