Morgenster Vespri 2017

Wine of Origin: Western Cape

Winery Location: Somerset West

Winemaker: Henry Kotzé

Background: The Morgenster Estate in Somerset West is well known for its highly acclaimed premium red wines. The estate boasts three ranges of wines, namely The Morgenster Estate Range, The NU Series and The Italian Collection. The latter are wines produced from Nebbiolo, Sangiovese clones brought in by owner, Giulio Bertrand, from his native country, Italy. The Italian Collection adds a romantic operatic touch having names for the wines such as Nabucco (Nebbiolo based) the Tosca (Sangiovese based) and the Caruso Rose (Sangiovese based).

However to complete the collection Giulio recently launched the Vespri which is made from Vermintino grapes. Giulio planted a hectatre of this variety on the Estate this year so as they are in their infancy, winemaker Henry Kotzé bought in Vermintino grapes from a clone originating from the Italian island of Sardinia. These were whole bunch pressed to lessen extraction of colour and tannins and to ensure a cleaner fruit expression. Fermentation was in stainless steel tanks and the wine was kept on its primary fine lees prior to bottling late in April this year.

Vespri is named from Verdi’s opera, I Vespri Siciliani, which has a historical theme reflecting powerful tensions of national and personal loyalties.

Result: The wine has a bright lemon colour with aromas of ripe peach with hints of flinty minerality. The crisp, yet creamy palate offers lovely spicy yellow fruit flavour which lingers on the finish.

When to drink: now till 2020

Drink with what: This is a lovely wine for summer and with food it will pair beautifully with seafood dishes.

Expect to pay: R140.00