South Africa is spoilt for choice when it comes to wine with world-class wine regions and top-notch farms. There’s definitely something for everyone for every budget. It is no secret that the wine industry has taken a hard knock the last year due to the pandemic but we are excited to see this industry flourish again.
Today we are featuring the boutique winery Tempel Wines, located in the cape winelands.
In the heart of South Africa’s premier wine-farming region, mid-way between Paarl and Wellington about an hour’s drive from Cape Town and on the banks of the beautiful Berg River stands Tempel Wines. Appropriately named Tempel as the old farmhouse on the estate once served as a Jewish place of worship.
The first thing that comes into mind when you look at the bottle is sheer elegance, featuring a heavy glass bottle, deep punt, and a hand-dipped wax seal that reflects the supremely high, hand-crafted quality of these incredible wines.
Tempel Wines focuses on the Mediterranean cultivars, including Cinsaut, Shiraz, Grenache, Mouvèdre, and Tempranillo. Today they have a stunning selection of 5 big beautiful red wines on offer, each of them infused with the unique character of the region.
The detail of the labels are incredible, each label is unique featuring drawings of local fauna and flora found in the area from proteas, snakes, owls to little bees and butterflies.
We had the pleasure to try four lovely hand-crafted wines from Temple Wines.
SKEMERDANS means “Dance at Sunset”
Packed with juicy red berry fruit, perfume, exotic spices and a hint of citrus. A vibrant line of acidity follows through on the palate with a light fresh lingering finish. Can be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Price Tag: R295
Our Rating 4.5/5
Watch the winemaker explain more about the wine here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNJ1gzul3ui/
SORGVRY means “Without Worries”
100% Cinsaut is derived from handpicked older dryland vines from Wellington. This robust red is naturally fermented with 30% whole bunch grapes, before being matured in older oak barrels and a cement egg for 12 months. It features layers of Red Cherry, Raspberry, Fynbos and spices.
Price Tag: R250
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Watch the winemaker explain more about the wine here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNhNil_Bol3/
TYDSAAM means “Slowly” and to “Spend time together”
Layers of cherry, plum and Mediterranean herb flavours with a hint of leather, lead to a rich and plush extracted palate, with bold, yet a beautiful and ripe tannin structure, dryness and a long lingering finish bursting with fruit.
Price Tag: R325
Our Rating: 4.8/5
Watch the winemaker explain more about the wine here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNT93OthC2W/
OOGWINK means “in the blink of an eye”
100% Shiraz, translates to “in the blink of an eye” – sexy & playful, just like this full-bodied red! The palate is fresh and vibrant with blackberry, plum, cherry and raspberry. Also notes of oak, tobacco and chocolate with a great tannic structure and a long finish.
Price Tag: R280
Our Rating: 5/5
Watch the winemaker explain more about the wine here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CN4JH-3hX10/
Wine lovers can purchase Tempel Wines range on www.tempelwines.co.za or join Tempel Wines Club and immediately receive 10% discount with free delivery at every purchase PLUS exclusive invitations to our wine tastings.
The beautiful estate also plays host to a modern B&B still rich with its historic Cape Dutch charm. Tempel Wines invites South Africans to visit and enjoy a view of either the scenic vineyards or picturesque Paarl Mountain from a private terrace.
