Pilgrim, Viura

Wine Type: White

Grape(s): 100% Viura

Country: South Africa

Region: Breedekloof

Organic: No

Vegan: No

ABV: 12.5%

Winemaker: Owner and Viticulturist Riëtte Kotzé and Winemaker Henry Kotzé (also head winemaker at Mulderbosch, having recently left Morgenster), are the dynamic young ‘pilgrims’ behind this boutique, Platter’s Newcomer of the Year 2021 producer.

Winemaking: Grapes are harvested from a small block of only 200 vines in the Breedekloof in the Western Cape. When the grapes arrive at the winery, they are sorted before being crushed and allowed 12 hours of skin contact, in order to extract additional flavour compounds and structure for the wine.

Tasting Notes: The wine opens with aromas of flint and wet stones before all the smells of a Spring morning – fresh, crisp, pretty blossom – followed by an array of fruit, ranging from lime to guava. On the palate the wine is surprisingly weighty, as a result of the skin contact and 3 months in neutral oak with battonage. Fresh and lively, with zingy acidity and flinty, pithy minerality – yet beautifully elegant and well rounded.

Food Pairing: Think of Viura’s native Spain and pair it with your favourite tapas. Delicious with seafood, white meat and charcuterie.