The Caracal Red Blend 2023

Rarely seen – the Caracal’s enigmatic presence is always felt. This beautiful cat known as the Rooikat (Red Cat), has moved back to the Neethlingshof estate. In an attempt to restore Neethlingshof’s natural biosphere, islands of Renosterveld have been re-established amongst the vines to offer these fine creatures place of shelter. 

BLEND
Cabernet Sauvignon (63%) | Merlot (23%) | Cabernet Franc (13%) | Malbec (1%)

TASTING NOTES
Richly pronounced notes of blackberry and sour cherry, intertwined with subtle aromas of white pepper, cigar box and supple leather.

FOOD PAIRING
Excellent enjoyed with meat dishes such as Beef Brisket or Kudu Carpaccio. Great match with cheese, such as Swiss cheese or white cheddar, or vegetables dishes like Green Bean Casserole or Ratatouille Tart.

WINEMAKING & MATURATION
The grapes were harvested at various Balling (each cultivar at optimal ripeness) during late February till mid-March. After destalking and crushing, the mash was cold soaked for a short period before fermentation started using a selected pure yeast culture in rotation tanks at 25° to 27°C. Fermentation took 8 to 10 days to complete, after which the wine was drained, and the skins were pressed. It was then transferred directly into barrels to undergo malolactic fermentation and next matured in 300L barrels consisting of a combination of new French oak and second-and third-fill French oak barrels for a period of 14 to 16 months. The components were matured separately before careful construction of the final blend.