Herbarium Cape Red 2023

The heritage building inside which Maanschijn crafts its wines has lived many lives. Previously a stable, it was also later inhabited by a Walker Bay local, Oom Sampie, who, within its walls, used to dry an assortment of indigenous flowers for sale at the local market.

Four varieties make up this Cape Red blend: Pinotage, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cabernet franc. The vineyards, all located in the southern, cooler Walker Bay wine district, are surrounded by the rich expanse of the Cape’s fynbos kingdom.

The fruit was fermented spontaneously, partially in whole bunches, for thirty-three days before being pressed to aged French oak. Maturation lasted ten months in aged Burgundy casks. The wine was then blended and bottled, sans fining.