The Spijkerbessie brand started in 2019 when Annelie Viljoen (wife of the winemaker De Wet Viljoen from Neethlingshof) approached their neighbours from Lovane Boutique Wine Estate to experiment with winemaking in their cellar. Her first vintage was ready in 2020, in the middle of the worldwide Covid-19 outbreak. Needless to say, but no marketing could take place during this time and the brand launch had to wait for things to settle down before it could officially be launched. Getting a wine brand off the ground during such a difficult time is very commendable!
The story of Spijkerbessie is very interesting! The names of their red wine (Spijker) and white wine (Bessie) refer to two bovine cows on their farm. Spijker once belonged to the late Duimpie Bayly from Distell, who loved cattle farming. Duimpie’s favourite grape variety was Malbec and they have decided to name their Malbec after the bovine, Spijker.
This wine has a deep dark red colour. It presents plum, mulberry and cherries on the nose. It has really soft tannins with notes of plum, black cherries, blackberries, mulberries, leather, tobacco leaf and violets contributing to this full-bodied wine. It has a medium long, dry and fruity finish. This wine spent 12 months in French oak barrels, contributing to the soft tannins and elegant mouthfeel of this wine.
At just over R100 a bottle, this wine is real good value for money, especially if you compare it with other Malbecs that are available in South Africa. It is a good wine that can be enjoyed on its own or with seared salmon or herb-flavoured pork chops. It could benefit from a slight chill before serving in a large red wine glass.
Producer: Spijkerbessie – Buurman & Buurvrou Wyne
Variety: Malbec 100%
Vintage: 2021
Origin: Helderberg, Western Cape, South Africa
Winemaker: Annelie Viljoen
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 13.78%
RS: 1.6g/l
Average price: R140
Rating: 92/100
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