Pictus VIII

Beef, Lamb, Game (deer, venison)

Jeremy and Emma Borg lead the small but determined Painted Wolf Wines pack. Each pack member is as unique as each African wild dog, contributing completely different talents, strengths and abilities. We strive to make a tangible and sustainable difference to the conservation of Painted Wolves (African wild dogs), other rare and endangered animals and the wild spaces in Southern Africa in which they live. We produce high quality wines with a distinctive South African feel. To that end our emphasis is on Chenin Blanc and Pinotage – the two benchmark South African grape varieties. We also work with other varieties, especially Shiraz and other Rhône grapes.

Grenache and Carignan grapes were harvested on Welgegund farm on western facing slopes above Wellington; Syrah and Mourvèdre are both from Kasteelsig vineyard, a certified organic vineyard in the Swartland. The Carignan vines are over 45 years old and are registered heritage vines. Neither of the above vineyards are irrigated. Grenache Gris is from Voor Perdeberg.

The wine was aged in 300-litre French oak barrels for 12 months with Syrah in new barrels. The Grenache Gris was fermented in a stainless-steel tank.

The Carignan, Grenache noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes were hand-picked into small baskets and crushed into small open fermenters and fermented with wild yeast. We hand punched the cap up to four times a day and then dry pressed in small batches.