Ben Prins Cape Vintage

Pairs well with with fine game dishes or properly-matured artisanal cheeses.

Tucked into the exquisite Knorhoek Valley north of Stellenbosch, Muratie Wine Estate, under the stewardship of Rijk Melck and his family, has been at the heart of a lot of passionate debate. This debate is centred largely around the desire to protect a century’s old wine experience that is a magnet for wine lovers around the world. The farm itself dates back to 1685 when it was granted by Governor Simon van der Stel who was Governor of the Cape of Good Hope at the time. This makes Muratie one of the oldest estates in South Africa and along with that age comes many characters and truly fascinating stories. The Melck family has revived this rich heritage in an updated yet classical evolution of the brand, naming its range after many of these colourful characters. For example, the MCC bubbly is known as Lady Alice. She is joined by Ansela van de Caab (blended red), George Paul Canitz (Pinot Noir), Ronnie Melck (Shiraz), Alberta Annemarie (Merlot), Laurens Campher (blended white), Isabella (Chardonnay) and Ben Prins (Port). It is not only the label that has changed. The wine itself has also undergone incredible changes in quality, under the creative hand of winemaker Hattingh De Villiers and his team. This has seen Muratie become a serious and respected player in the Bordeaux blend, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir stakes. Historically, Muratie has been known for being the first producer of Pinot Noir as well as fine ports. Along with the development of other varietals, Muratie has elevated itself into a new appreciation amongst truly discerning wine lovers.

Muratie’s Cape Vintage Port is produced from a vineyard planted way back in 1965. The varietals (Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roritz, Tinta Francesca and Souzão) are all planted in the same block. This block is harvested together so this “field blend” is unique to the Muratie Cape Vintage.

After being pressed, the port is pumped into a tank and transferred to barrels after settling. After two and a half years in barrels the port is racked and bottled unfiltered to maintain its complexity.

The varietals (Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roritz, Tinta Francesca and Souzão) are harvested by hand at 25-28 °B, and are then sorted, crushed and destalked before being pumped into open fermenters. Cold maceration at 10 °C for 2-3 days allows for optimal colour and flavour extraction. The grapes are then inoculated for a controlled fermentation accompanied by regular punch downs 3-4 times a day. Once the desired sugar concentration is reached, brandy spirits are pumped into the tank to halt the fermentation. The fortification is carried out on the skins, which allows for further flavour extraction. Cooling and the addition of sulphur dioxide, further assists in halting the fermentation.