Avondale Cyclus 2013

Wine of Origin: Paarl

Winemaker: Corne Marais

Background: General Manager and family member of Avondale, Jonathan Grieve, has, since 1999, instilled strict farming practises combining bio dynamic and organic principals to their vineyards and winemaking. It was a costly and somewhat adventurous exercise to initiate but with his dedicated team all having the same vision, the farm has now turned into one of the most effective and economical ways of farming.

Avondale’s philosophy and motto “Terra Est Vita” (Soil is Life) has given meaning to the dynamic living system on the farm where soil, water and energy; plants animals and people, and even the buildings all work together combining the individual strengths of each other. Their white blend, named the Cyclus, relates to “natures spinning, turbulent flow of the vortex to energise and revive fluids”. The wine is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Chardonnay and Semillon grapes where after natural fermentation in 500 litre oak barrels was left on the lees for a further 12 months.

Result: This wine offers peaches and delicate creamy spice aromas, leading to a rich, full palate with a graceful long, lingering finish.

When to drink: now till 2020

Drink with what: We enjoyed the wine with La Mouette’s roasted free range chicken with root vegetable puree, potato galette and kale. Also excellent with Norwegian Salmon and rich seafood dishes

Expect to pay: R293.00