Hermanuspietersfontein Swartskaap

Swartskaap; Afrikaans for Black Sheep

Hey Everyone,

Despite the nearly incomprehensible name, this wine is beautiful stuff.  I am a huge fan of South African wine in general and when winemakers embrace the fact that they are perfectly suited to such complex wines and grape varieties, I think they can truly achieve a great deal.  Today's wine, the 'Swartskaap' 2008 by Hermanuspietersfontein, is a solid example of a %100 Cabernet Franc.  So many great wines these days are being made from this grape, which rarely gets the spotlight (though when it does, it performs wonderfully!) and often they are well priced.

This wine is superbly vegetal with lots of green bell pepper supported by dark cherries and a bit of strawberry with a touch of thyme and rosemary sprinkled in for a herbal balance.  On the palate it isn't too tannic and has a nice lingering acidic finish with a near perfect balance.  If anything it could be a bit more fruit forward and let the vegetal character be less prevalent.  Other than that, I am certainly pleasantly surprised by the fullness of character and the complexity.

I had this wine with some braised herb-crusted pork loin, and I am afraid it didn't quite work together, but had I gone for a pork accompanied by some berries or some other such style, I am confident that this Cabernet would have worked nicely.  Of course, the ideal pairing would have been a rack of lamb with a mustard and breadcrumb crust, as I am sure the acidity of this wine would take on the fatty texture of the lamb and the herbal notes would compliment the sweet meat flavours.  I also this a good roast duck would be splendid stuff with such a great example of Cabernet Franc.

It sells for about £17 so it's not a badly priced bottle for a really complex and intriguing wine.  It is yet another example of just how interesting South Africa's wine makers can be when they set their minds to being so adventurous.  %100 Cabernet Franc is certainly adventurous, without any supporting grapes for fruitiness, and to pull it all off with such class, it is clear that Hermanuspietersfontein has a skillful winemaker at work!

Much Love,
G

Thanks again to Flickinger Photography for the help with the photo! www.flickingerphotography.com