# Nebukadnesar (2021)

- **Producer:** Babylonstoren
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, black cherry, violet, blueberry, graphite, cloves, cedar, vanilla, chocolate, tobacco, leather, earth

## About this wine

The Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar is a red wine from the Western Cape, South Africa, produced by Babylonstoren. The wine's name is inspired by King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon, drawing connections to themes of restoration and grandeur, and is also associated with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon due to its opulent nature. Babylonstoren is a historic Cape Dutch farm known for its extensive gardens and a winemaking philosophy focused on expressing the terroir. The Nebukadnesar is the estate's premier Bordeaux blend, crafted to be complex and possess significant aging potential, reflecting the unique environment of the Simonsberg Mountain slopes where its grapes are cultivated.

## Interesting facts

- Named after King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon.
- Draws parallels to the Tower of Babel's restoration theme.
- Linked to the opulent Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
- Flagship Bordeaux blend from Babylonstoren estate.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and robust tannins are well-suited to complement the protein and fat in rich meat dishes, softening the tannins and enhancing the savory flavors. The wine's complexity can echo the herbs and spices used in cooking, creating harmonious flavor bridges.

## Wine making process

The Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar is produced by vinifying each of its constituent grape varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec – separately. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 23 to 24 months in French oak barrels, with 85% of these being first-fill. After blending, the wine rests in tank for one month before bottling and a further five months of maturation prior to release. The grapes are sourced from the estate's vineyards located on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain in the Western Cape.