{"product_id":"boekenhoutskoof-the-chocolate-block","title":"Boekenhoutskoof The Chocolate Block","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Note Boekenhoutskoof The Chocolate Block \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn abundance of red and dark berries, violets, and intense white pepper. And then that explosion of flavor in your mouth. All layers: from soft, ripe fruit and spices like cardamom, cumin, and cloves, to black peppercorns. Concentrated and balanced with fine acidity, tannins reminiscent of cocoa powder and cedar. Finishing with a long, sultry aftertaste. A surprising powerhouse from South Africa. Deep red color. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine \u0026amp; Food\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis internationally beloved red wine is powerful and a true evening wine. Delicious with dinner, alongside grilled meat, beef stews, or a cheese board as a finisher or later in the evening by the fireplace. Of course, the great favorite remains a classic South African 'braai'. Also an ideal wine to give as a gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Chocolate Block\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most Googled wines in the world. This is undoubtedly due to its distinctive name. The winemaker is particularly mysterious about the origin of the wine, which makes it even more exciting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoekenhoutskloof is a prominent winery in Franschhoek - \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/zuid-afrika\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #B2002B\"\u003eSouth Africa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #B2002B\"\u003e,\u003c\/span\u003e which is particularly impressive in terms of quality. Despite its somewhat unusual African name for 'French' Franschhoek, Boekenhoutskloof was founded three centuries ago by French Huguenots. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe current winemaker, Marc Kent, still has a connection to France. He visits at least once a year to find new inspiration in the northern Rhône, Cornas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Chocolate Block is a unique wine within \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/boekenhoutskloof\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #B2002B\"\u003eBoekenhoutskloof\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #B2002B\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e It originated from the project to discover the potential of new plots. The primary goal is to produce a world-class wine. The grapes come from plots located in various places. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Grenache grape comes from very old vines (the oldest vines in South Africa) that grow on sandy soil. This ensures perfect ripening of the grapes. The Cinsault grape, on the other hand, comes from granite soils. Ultimately, the different grapes are brought together for a unique blend in which Syrah is the most important grape. This together makes a delicious Chocolate Block wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis blend consists of 55% Syrah, 20% Grenache Noir, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault, and 4% Viognier grapes. The precise composition of the wine changes annually, but the most important component in the blend is always Syrah. Supplemented with Cabernet Sauvignon and the Rhône grapes Grenache, Cinsault, and sometimes even the white Viognier. It is dark and robust with an association of cocoa, hence the name. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Grenache ripens in 600-liter barrels, all other grape varieties in French oak barrels, as well as two 500-liter French oak foudres. The wood aging lasts a total of 12 months. Finally, this wine undergoes a light egg white fining and filtration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe grapevines for this wine are grown as 'bush-vines'. This means that the top is pruned, and no trellis system is used. Many of the world's oldest grapevines are maintained in this way.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlso available in \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/the-chocolate-block-magnum\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #B2002B\"\u003emagnum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards\/Accolades \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e93 points – Tim Atkin MW (2022)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e91 points – James Suckling \u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e5 stars (Platter’s Wine Guide) \u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e90 points – Vinous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eTim Atkin - 2021 - 93\/100\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eJancis Robinson ~16.5\/20\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Boekenhoutskloof","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58944344031557,"sku":"30070","price":22.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1078\/1183\/2133\/files\/80d7a64080a7685a7d5c5a3e41c2e33d5497f978.jpg?v=1787299559","url":"https:\/\/vechtstreekwijnen.nl\/en\/products\/boekenhoutskoof-the-chocolate-block","provider":"Vechtstreek Wijnen","version":"1.0","type":"link"}