{"title":"Spice Route","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"spice-route-chakalaka","title":"Spice Route Chakalaka","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Note Spice Route Chakalaka \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDeep ruby red in color. The aroma reveals notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, and ripe cherry, complemented by black pepper, clove, cinnamon, bay leaf, and a subtle smokiness. The taste is full-bodied and powerful, with ripe tannins, juicy fruit, and a long, spicy finish. Delicious to drink now, but will develop beautifully for another\u003cstrong\u003e 8 to 12 years\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine \u0026amp; Food Pairing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpice Route Chakalaka \u003c\/strong\u003efeels at home alongside hearty dishes. Think grilled entrecote, côte de boeuf, rack of lamb, spareribs, or slow-cooked beef. The Chakalaka also shines with barbecue dishes, stews, and spicy South African or North African cuisine. Thanks to its spicy character, it also pairs surprisingly well with aged cheeses.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpice Route Winery was founded by Charles Back, one of the most influential winemakers in\u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/zuid-afrika\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #B2002B\"\u003e South Africa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e. The winery is located in Swartland, an area globally renowned for its old vineyards and characterful wines. The name Spice Route refers to the historic trade routes along which spices were transported from Asia to Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe grapes are harvested and fermented separately. After fermentation, each grape variety ages for approximately 16 months in French oak barrels. Only then is the final blend created. This method ensures great depth, complexity, and excellent balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0)\"\u003e\"If you love the spiciness of a Côtes du Rhône or Gigondas? Then the Spice Route Chakalaka will certainly surprise you.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards\/Accolades \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e🏅 92-94 points – Tim Atkin MW\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e🏅 91-93 points – James Suckling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e🏅 4½ to 5 stars – Platter's Wine Guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFun Fact\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe name \u003cstrong\u003eChakalaka\u003c\/strong\u003e is derived from a traditional South African vegetable dish with beans, tomato, onion, and spicy herbs. Like the dish, this wine is distinctive, spicy, and full of character.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Spice Route","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58944371294533,"sku":"30068","price":19.75,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1078\/1183\/2133\/files\/9b4d2b8cbedab25e860ebd62a915ea222bfe1abd.jpg?v=1787299961"},{"product_id":"spice-route-tarragon-old-vine-chenin-blanc","title":"Spice Route Tarragon Old Vine Chenin Blanc","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Note Spice Route Tarragon Old Vine Chenin Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA rich, concentrated and layered Chenin Blanc from South Africa's Swartland region. The aroma reveals ripe pineapple, yellow stone fruit and candied pear, complemented by a subtle spicy note. The taste is full and creamy, with tropical fruit, citrus and a lovely freshness. The aging in French oak gives the wine extra structure and texture. The finish is dry, slightly spicy and refreshing. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine \u0026amp; Food Pairing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpice Route Tarragon Old Vine Chenin Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e is delicious with lobster, crab, shrimp and other shellfish. Also excellent with roasted chicken, mild curries and creamy dishes. The combination of richness and fresh acidity also makes it an excellent accompaniment to mushroom risotto.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe grapes for this wine come from Swartland, one of South Africa's most important wine regions for Chenin Blanc. The vineyard was planted in 1978 and is dry farmed. The old vines grow on so-called coffee clip soils, consisting of weathered granite and iron-rich clay. Due to their deep roots, the old vines can still find sufficient moisture in the dry climate. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe hand-harvested grapes are picked late for optimal ripeness, followed by a gentle pressing. After settling, fermentation begins in 500-liter French oak barrels, some of which are new. The wine then matures in barrels for approximately 8 months, which provides texture, creaminess, complexity and integration of aromas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpice Route Winery was founded by Charles Back, one of the most influential winemakers in\u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/zuid-afrika\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #B2002B\"\u003e South Africa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e. The winery is located in Swartland, an area renowned worldwide for its old vineyards and characterful wines. The name Spice Route refers to the historical trade routes along which spices were transported from Asia to Europe. Tarragon is an herb.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards\/Distinctions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e94 points – Winemag.co.za – 2023\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e​\u003cstrong\u003eFun Fact\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe vines are now almost 50 years old. The Chenin Blanc vines were planted in 1978 and are dry farmed. It is precisely these old, deep-rooted vines that produce grapes with great concentration and character. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Spice Route","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58944372408645,"sku":"P49716","price":16.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1078\/1183\/2133\/files\/dbf70a8c2f9be01eb2cf3512aad7b78caa2fb045.jpg?v=1787299981"},{"product_id":"spice-route-grenache","title":"Spice Route Grenache","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Note Spice Route Grenache\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eClear ruby red in colour with a slightly translucent rim. On the nose, enticing aromas of ripe red fruit like raspberry and cherry, complemented by black pepper, dried herbs, and a light minerality. The taste is smooth and elegant with a generous burst of red fruit, velvety tannins, and a fresh acidic balance. The long finish ends with fine spices and a subtle, smoky touch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine \u0026amp; Food Pairing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDue to its fruity and spicy profile, \u003cstrong\u003eSpice Route Grenache\u003c\/strong\u003e is a \u003cstrong\u003eversatile meal wine\u003c\/strong\u003e. It pairs excellently with grilled lamb with rosemary, slow-cooked pork belly, duck breast, and spicy chicken. It is also a perfect match for vegetarian dishes such as oven-roasted vegetables, lentil stews with mushrooms, or dishes with Ras el Hanout. For cheese, combine it with Manchego or goat cheese.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpice Route Winery was founded by Charles Back, one of the most influential winemakers in \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/zuid-afrika\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #B2002B\"\u003eSouth Africa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e. The winery is located in Swartland, an area globally renowned for its old vineyards and characterful wines. The name Spice Route refers to the historical trade routes along which spices were transported from Asia to Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe grapes grow on dry-farmed vineyards of weathered granite and shale. Because the vines have to root deeply for moisture, small grapes with a high aroma concentration are produced. After a manual harvest and traditional fermentation in open vats with manual pigéage, the wine matures for 12 to 14 months in older 500-litre oak barrels. This provides structure and elegance while preserving the fresh fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards\/Accolades\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlatter's South African Wine Guide: Structurally 4 to 4.5 stars\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTim Atkin MW: Regularly rated 90+ points\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e​\u003cstrong\u003eFun Fact\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen Charles Back planted Grenache in the bone-dry Swartland in the 1990s, everyone declared him crazy. Local farmers mockingly called the un-irrigated vines \"Back's thirsty bushes.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, the drought-resistant grape turned out to be a resounding success: the first harvest was so complex and successful that Charles single-handedly triggered the famous 'Swartland Revolution' with it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Spice Route","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58944372441413,"sku":"P49715","price":14.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1078\/1183\/2133\/files\/226fc5c87824885b5978d496ca850d797cf8d437.jpg?v=1787299981"},{"product_id":"spice-route-pinotage","title":"Spice Route Pinotage","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes Spice Route Pinotage \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDeep ruby red in colour with a purple hue. The nose offers a rich bouquet of ripe dark berries, plums, and a subtle hint of spices, dark chocolate, and toasted oak. The taste is full and powerful with a generous burst of ripe black fruit, firm yet ripe tannins, and a pleasant, fresh acidity balance. The long, warm finish leaves notes of vanilla, smokiness, and a touch of liquorice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine \u0026amp; Food\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDue to its powerful and spicy profile, \u003cstrong\u003eSpice Route Pinotage\u003c\/strong\u003e pairs well with hearty meals and barbecues. Think of a classic South African braai, roasted venison or wild boar, a fragrant beef stew, and grilled ribeye with black pepper. It’s also a perfect match for vegetarian dishes such as grilled portobellos, spicy vegetarian tagines, or smoked eggplant.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpice Route Winery was founded by Charles Back, one of South Africa's most influential winemakers. The winery is located in Swartland, an area renowned worldwide for its old vineyards and characterful wines. The name Spice Route refers to the historical trade routes along which spices were transported from Asia to Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe grapes come from old, un-irrigated bush vines on a soil of weathered granite and clay. The extreme drought forces the roots deep into the ground, resulting in small grapes with intense flavour concentration. After manual harvesting, the grapes ferment in open fermentation vats with regular pigeage for gentle extraction. Subsequently, the wine matures for approximately 12 months in predominantly French and American oak, which provides a beautiful balance between fruit and spices.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards\/Distinctions \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlatter's South African Wine Guide: Consistently awarded 4 stars \u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eTim Atkin MW: Regularly rated with 90+ points for its modern, balanced style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e​\u003cstrong\u003eFun fact\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePinotage is a unique, South African-crossed grape (Pinot Noir × Cinsault) that was formerly known for its sometimes overly rustic taste (often too much banana or paint scent).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpice Route completely debunked this image by planting the grape as un-irrigated bush vines in the dry Swartland. The extremely low yield per vine transformed the 'stubborn' grape into an elegant, velvety top wine that has garnered international acclaim.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Spice Route","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58944372474181,"sku":"P49710","price":14.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1078\/1183\/2133\/files\/c7c471f20f9396ea9119a9e4f28019f45cd3bafe.jpg?v=1787299982"}],"url":"https:\/\/vechtstreekwijnen.nl\/en\/collections\/spice-route.oembed","provider":"Vechtstreek Wijnen","version":"1.0","type":"link"}