50% Grenache, 26% Syrah, & 24% Mourvèdre from South Africa. Biodynamic

Avondale is a 160 hectare estate where grapes have been cultivated here for more than 300 years. Avondale is one of the first farms in South Africa dedicated to growing grapes exclusively. The Grieve family purchased the property in 1997 where their motto became “Terra est Vita” or “Soil is Life”.

The estate uses quevri, reminiscent of the ancient clay vessels used in Georgia and going back 8000 years. This unique container allows the wine to breathe while it ferments. The blend is composed of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre harvested from vines 14-39 years old. The juice goes through spontaneous fermentation and gentle punch downs once a day. The wine is left on the skins for 1-3 months, lightly pressed, and aged in quevri before blending and bottling.

A melange of fruit going on here -- raspberries, strawberries, and currants, with unmistakable earthiness and minerality. There’s a great balance of fine tannins and acidity to pair up with the brightness of the fruit!