Elethu Wine is a proudly South African farm nestled on black-owned terrain. As part of Food For Mzani’s Faces of Summer campaign, Kristin Johnson, a shareholder, unveils why their cabernet sauvignon stands as this summer’s premier red wine choice.
Nestled amid the rolling hills of Bonnievale in the Western Cape, Elethu Skalie Wine stands as a testament to resilience and aspiration. Founded in 2007 on the embrace of black-owned land and meticulously tended vineyards, Elethu, meaning “it is ours”, echoes a story of triumphant stewardship.
From once barren earth, this farm has blossomed into a tapestry of history and excellence, woven by the hands of its beneficiaries. The farm, acquired through a successful tendering process, was transformed from bare land into a thriving venture, boasting wines that offer premium quality.
According to Kristin Johnson, one of Elethu Skalie’s shareholders, their wine brand is rich in history and has a distinguished reputation for exceptional quality.
A rich and glorious history
“It is so true to us. We were the successful applicants in the tendering process, so we received the Elethu farm in 2007. When we got the farm it was bare; there was nothing, and we started everything from scratch,” she explains.
Set in the scenic outskirts of Bonnievale, Elethu Farm graces fertile riverfront terrain. Initially selling grapes from its premier vineyards, Elethu embarked on crafting its inaugural wine in 2020. The nutrient-rich, layered soil provides the ideal foundation, nurturing vines to yield the finest-quality fruit.
“Bonnievale has the Breede River that flows through it. We are very fortunate because in winter it is very cold and in summer the temperatures can get high. Around that, you have to control the pesticides and your spraying programmes,” she adds.
A total of 33 community members and beneficiaries, including cellar personnel and regular farm workers well-versed in the vines, are involved.
“I’m privileged to be part of an enterprise we can call ‘our own’. It’s important our children see that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible,” she explains.
Summer wine selection
Her summer wine selection for the Faces of Summer campaign is a Cabernet Sauvignon, filled with aromas of juicy blackberries and spice that dominate.
“Strict viticulture practices were applied, and the best quality bunches were sought for harvest by handpicking. The grapes were tested and monitored regularly to be harvested at physiological ripeness,” she explains.
On the palate is a well-balanced and structured wine with velvet tannins and layers of dark fruit, followed by a hint of crushed pepper.
“On the nose, it is so inviting. This garnet-coloured wine shows the aromas of blackberries and spice. The palate is balanced and structured with velvet tannins that hold layers of dark fruit and a whisper of pepper that lingers in a long finish.”
Matured to perfection
The wine was racked into a barrel where it underwent malolactic fermentation. It spent a further 18 months maturing in new oak barrels, of which 70% are of French origin and the remainder American.
This wine is ready to be enjoyed immediately but will continue to develop in the bottle for up to 10 years. This wine can easily be enjoyed on its own but pairs well with bold red meat dishes prepared as grills, stews, or roasts and served with rich tomato-based dishes.
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