# Kleine Zalze Vintner's Choice Cabernet Sauvignon (2023)

- **Producer:** Kleine Zalze
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, plum, mint, cedar, coffee, chocolate, toast, vanilla, tobacco

## About this wine

Established in 1685 in Stellenbosch, Kleine Zalze is one of South Africa's most historic winemaking estates. Kobus Basson acquired the property in 1996, transforming it into a globally recognized benchmark for South African wine. Under the direction of Cellarmaster RJ Botha, the estate crafts wines from vineyards planted along mountain slopes cooled by False Bay breezes. The Vintner's Choice bottling highlights specific parcels grown on local 'koffieklip' soils.

## Interesting facts

- Founded in 1685, Kleine Zalze is one of South Africa's oldest winemaking estates.
- The grapes grow in 'koffieklip'—iron-rich decomposed ferricrete soil that adds distinct minerality.
- The vineyards benefit from cooling sea breezes blowing directly off nearby False Bay.

## Food pairing

This robust Cabernet Sauvignon relies on bold, firm tannins and vibrant acidity to cut through rich fats and dense proteins. Red meats, rich game, and dishes featuring savory reduction sauces complement the heavy structure and oak maturation seamlessly.

## Wine making process

Grapes were hand-harvested at optimal maturity and completely destemmed upon arrival at the cellar. Fermentation occurred in open-top stainless steel tanks with regular manual punch-downs and pump-overs to extract structural depth and color. The wine aged for 20 months in 225-liter and 300-liter French oak barrels, comprising 40% new oak, 30% first-fill oak, and 30% second-fill oak.