Perdeberg Cellar is proud to announce the release of two new wines in its super-premium Iconic range. The Paarl cellar’s award-winning Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc boasts a new 2018 vintage ready for market, and newcomer to the collection, the Endura Winemaker’s Selection Cape Blend 2017, is set to impress lovers of exceptional Pinotage-led red blends.
“The unique soils and climate of the Paardeberg all contribute to the distinctiveness of these wines, and reflect the true character of the terroir,” explains cellarmaster Albertus Louw. A Perdeberg signature, the label Endura pays tribute to the journey a dry land vine embarks on to produce fruit. The vines receive no irrigation, but are planted in the best soils to support these plants reliant on seasonal rainfall. Smaller, flavour-rich grapes are the reward for enduring these challenging conditions, as mother nature’s natural survival instinct produces her best fruit which is hand-picked and harvested in small batches to create remarkable wines.
When winemakers choose the best
The Winemaker’s Selection Cape Blend, a top-tier limited release, is bottled only when there’s a vintage good enough to keep company with its exceptional forerunners. The blend of 69% Pinotage, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Malbec, was previously released as the Rex Equus 2014.
Only the finest wines from French Oak barrels were blended to create a harmony of flavours and balance. The Winemaker’s Selection Cape Blend is elegant with a fine tannin structure, intense colour and fruit-forward flavours, with promising ageing potential.
Dark purple-red in colour, the blend boasts a bouquet of dark berries, blackcurrant and vanilla flavours with some spicy notes. Blueberries, cherries and a hint of chocolate feature on the palate, which is well-structured, with a long smooth finish. The blend pairs well with rich dishes such as Cape Malay curry, red meat and wild game. It’s ready to be enjoyed immediately, but has potential to age further from five to eight years.
One vineyard; one vision
The Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc, crafted from grapes grown in a single vineyard, the highest-altitude Chenin in the Paardeberg, is truly singular. Made in a natural style, it is fermented in ceramic clay, Diamante concrete tank and a touch of older oak. During fermentation, the lees are turned in to lend a fresh, mineral character, and the wine gains complexity with ageing in the bottle.
The style is totally different from the rest of Perdeberg’s Chenin, one of the grape varietals for which The Home of Chenin Blanc is most famous. “It’s really a special-occasion wine,” says cellarmaster Louw. “Everybody used to think Chenin was the workhorse of the industry – cheap and cheerful – but, by selecting the best vineyards and being creative, you can create amazing wines.”
The Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc has notes of ripe stone fruit, citrus and lemon on the nose. With a rich palate, fresh acidity and mineral finish, it pairs well with most fish or poultry, and is an ideal match, when served slightly chilled, for spicy curries.
Add the Perdeberg Endura Winemaker’s Selection Cape Blend 2017 to your collection for R350 (750ml), and the Perdeberg Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2018 for R250 (750ml).
Endura is available to purchase from the Perdeberg Tasting room, selected boutique wine outlets and online from the Perdeberg Wine Shop.
