First Verse

Enjoy the wine with poultry, red meat, seared tuna or matured cheese.

Keet Wines epitomizes viticulturist and oenologist Christopher Keet’s philosophy that the art of viticulture and winemaking lies in the focus attention to detail and precision nurturing of vine and wine. A dedication that has led to the creation of his award-winning wine First Verse. A Bordeaux-style blend that has longevity in its DNA yet satisfies the eager palate. Created from grapes sourced within the Stellenbosch region of the Western Cape South Africa Keet First Verse can be likened to a fine symphony of orchestral instruments each performing in perfect harmony.

The grapes are sourced from some of the finest vineyards on the amphitheatre of mountains surrounding Stellenbosch - including the Helderberg, Stellenbosch Mountain, Simonsberg and the Polkadraai area. Meticulous site selection and attention to detail in the management of the vineyards is crucial to ensure that the very best quality grapes are brought into the cellar. Each vineyard site has been carefully selected to deliver grapes with a very specific aromatic profile, tannin structure and texture contributing to the harmonious complexity of the First Verse. A good start to the new season is a cold and wet winter. This was experienced in abundance. Cool conditions were sustained throughout the growing season. Post-veraison conditions were equally optimal for the ripening process until the day of harvest. Certainly a blessed vintage!

Thereafter the wine was matured in the finest French oak barrels for 19 months, followed by blending and bottling.

Winemaking, I believe, should involve the combination of tradition, modern technology, science, art and passion. Attention to detail and focus are key ingredients. The grapes were fermented on the skins to extract the grape flavours, colour and tannins.