Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot - Capaia

The red wine Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot - Capaia from South Africa’s Western Cape displays a deep ruby red color with dark reflections in the glass. Swirling releases intense aromas of cranberries, red currants, and ripe sour cherries, accompanied by fine spice, hints of cedarwood, and a touch of tobacco. On the palate, the cuvée is dense yet elegant, with a velvety texture and well-integrated tannins. The structure is powerful, while the acidity is lively and precise, giving the wine clear definition and an engaging drive. The long finish carries notes of dark berry fruit, a hint of cocoa, and finely toasted French oak.

The cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Shiraz comes from selected sites in South Africa’s Western Cape. The maritime-influenced climate produces grapes with intense aromatics and ripe tannin structure. Soils containing slate, clay, and weathered granite lend the wine richness, depth, and distinctive minerality. On the palate, Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot - Capaia reveals a harmonious interplay of juicy fruit, fine spice, and subtly smoky barrel notes. The tannins are ripe and polished, while the body is full without sacrificing elegance.

• Wine color: deep red with violet reflections
• Aroma profile: red berries, sour cherries, fine wood, tobacco, delicate spice
• Taste: dry, velvety, structured, with a long finish
• Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Shiraz
• Origin: Western Cape, South Africa
• Vinification: barrique, 225 l French oak

1. Intense, clear fruit on the nose and palate
2. Elegant combination of power, structure, and finesse
3. Multifaceted interplay of aromas with a long finish
4. Ideal for lovers of distinctive red wines from overseas

The wine’s style is inspired by the great Bordeaux tradition, combining it with the sunshine and richness of South Africa’s Western Cape. In a Bordeaux glass, the cuvée reveals its aromatic depth particularly impressively; the velvety texture spreads softly across the palate, while vibrant acidity lends the wine freshness and tension. The alcohol content of 13.5% by volume ensures balance and underscores the elegant character of this blend of grape varieties.

Production of Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot - Capaia

Around the Capaia winery in the Western Cape, cool sea breezes from the Atlantic meet richly structured, stony soils. This combination allows the grapes to ripen slowly at moderate temperatures. The vines are deeply rooted in soils of weathered granite, clay, and slate, producing concentrated berries with dense aromatics. Careful vineyard management focuses on low yields and maximum grape quality.

The grapes are harvested selectively, with attention paid to optimal phenolic ripeness and aromatic concentration. Each grape variety is brought to the cellar separately in order to preserve its character precisely. Following gentle destemming, the grapes are transferred to temperature-controlled fermentation tanks, where maceration begins at moderate temperatures. Regular punching down of the cap gently extracts color, tannins, and aromas, giving the wine its deep color intensity and structure.

After fermentation, the individual lots mature in 225-liter French oak barriques. Aging in small barrels creates room for the delicate harmonization of fruit and tannins while adding subtle toasted and spicy notes. Some of the barrels are new, while others have been used for a second or third time, giving the oak character complexity without allowing it to become dominant. The subsequent blending of the varieties shapes the distinctive character of Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot - Capaia.

The winemaker’s style clearly focuses on balance: concentration without heaviness, power without harshness, and oak used with subtlety. The cuvée highlights the strengths of each grape variety: depth and structure from Cabernet Sauvignon, soft richness from Merlot, aromatic nuances from Cabernet Franc, backbone from Petit Verdot, and spice from Shiraz. After a further period of rest in the bottle, the wine reaches harmonious maturity, revealing its full complexity.

Serving Suggestions for Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot - Capaia

For culinary occasions, this red wine is an excellent match for rich, dark dishes with powerful flavors. Its velvety texture and intense berry fruit complement roasts and braised dishes particularly impressively. The fine spice from the barrique is especially harmonious with roasted flavors and deeply flavored meat juices.

• Roast beef with red wine jus and root vegetables
• Rack of lamb with an herb crust
• Braised ox cheeks or game ragout
• Grilled beef steaks with pepper sauce
• Mature hard cheeses with nutty notes

The wine complements festive occasions such as family celebrations, holiday menus, and special dinner evenings just as fittingly as it does cozy evenings for two. In the company of friends, its dense fruit and multifaceted aromatics make it an impressive conversation companion. An elegant Bordeaux glass highlights the bouquet and structure particularly well.

The ideal serving temperature is between 15 and 18 °C. At this temperature, both the fruit and spice unfold in balance, while the tannins appear soft and polished. Decanting before serving gives the wine additional contact with oxygen and opens up its aromatic facets even further.

For proper storage, a cool, dark room with a temperature that remains as constant as possible is recommended. The bottle is best stored horizontally so that the cork remains supple. Under these conditions, this blend of grape varieties develops positively over several years and deepens its complex aromas of berry fruit, spices, and fine wood.

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