Daschbosch Methode Ancestrale

Daschbosch crafts elegant wines and experimental wines whilst upholding traditional methods of wine-making and craftsmanship, since 1754, when the farm land was granted by the Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, Rijk Tulbagh. Their wines reflect the vastness of the South African landscape and reflect the decades of vines growing in one place, in the unyielding sun, the cold winter rain, the storms and winds, on a mountain, on a plain somewhere which produces these delicate but powerful wines.

Daschbosch wines are certified as part of South Africa’s sustainability accreditation, the ‘Integrated Production of Wine’ (IPW) system. The IPW scheme, started in 1998, consists of a set of audited guidelines specifying agricultural practices, manufacturing practices and bottling activities. Sustainability is one of the core values of the winery as they rely on a biological asset, grapes. Their approach is focused on environmental sustainability, as the environment is a focal point when farming high quality grapes. They implement sustainability by reducing their carbon footprint, water usage and the need for electricity by using solar energy. With deep roots in the local community they supplying water to a school, free accommodation for cellar employees and access to medical examinations.

Production

Grapes are hand picked, destemmed and crushed. Cold soaking and slow fermentation at about 12-15 degrees enhances the flavour and colour. The initial fermentation takes place in tank for about 2 weeks with wild yeast. Bottling took place towards the end of fermentation which is completed in the bottle. The wine spends a further 4-5 months on lees before disgorgement.

Tasting Notes

Winemaker WS Visagie flies planes, and occasionally jumps out of them, in his spare time. He likens producing Ancestrale wines to parachuting without a backup chute. But this delicious, naturally fermented and sustainably produced Pet Nat from Verdelho has landed safely.

Aromas of lime, crisp apple, with freshly baked pastry, and toasted almonds on the nose. The palate is vibrant and zesty, reminiscent of appetizer, nostalgic and new all in one. Bright citrus fruit offset by fresh acidity with good depth of flavour and a soft creamy mouthfeel.

Perfect with smoked salmon, oysters and seafood dishes.