Welcome back to the third instalment of our new 'Behind the Bottle' series, where we look behind the label of Thistle & Weed's wines. Join me, Winemaker Steph Wiid, and Viticulturist Etienne Terblanche as we share the stories behind our Stellenbosch-created bottles.
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As October rolls around in the Cape, tiny grape clusters are forming, leaves are unfurling, and there's a palpable buzz in the air. Speaking of buzz, we've got some exciting news that's got us all aflutter - our Brandnetel Chenin Blanc has officially joined the Old Vine Project family! This completes our trio of Old Vine Project wines, with Brandnetel now standing proudly alongside its siblings, Duwweltjie and Springdoring.
For those unfamiliar, the Old Vine Project is a non-profit company certifying the plant dates of vineyards that are 35 years and older, intending to preserve vineyard heritage. This prestigious certification recognises the unique character and quality of wine these venerable vines produce.
Old Vine, New Tricks
It's not just a fancy sticker (though it does look pretty snazzy on the bottle). Old vines, like the ones producing our Brandnetel, are special for several reasons. Thanks to their deep root systems and gnarly trunks coupled with years of adaptation to their environment they produce wines notable texture and complexity.
These venerable survivors are naturally more resilient, offering stability in the face of climatic extremes. But perhaps most importantly, each old vine is a living piece of history, telling the story of our wine heritage. By supporting old vine wines like Brandnetel, you're helping preserve a vital part of South Africa's viticultural legacy.
Now let’s get to know this nettle by name.
Behind The Name: Brandnetel
"Brandnetel" might sound like a heavy metal band, but it's actually the Afrikaans name for stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). This humble plant embodies the very spirit of Thistle & Weed's philosophy – honouring the overlooked and misunderstood elements of nature that play crucial roles in our ecosystem.
The name "Urtica" comes from the Latin word for "sting," referring to the plant's notorious defence mechanism. But don't let that deter you – our Brandnetel won't leave you with a rash, just a serious case of wine wanderlust.
Much like its namesake, our Brandnetel Chenin Blanc is fierce yet soft, restorative yet with a bit of bite. It's a reminder that greatness often comes from unexpected places. The stinging nettle, often dismissed as a bothersome weed, is actually a powerhouse of biodiversity in the vineyard:
· Natural protector: Its stinging hairs deter large herbivores, creating safe havens for smaller creatures.
· Butterfly sanctuary and magnet: Brandnetel serves as a haven for butterfly larvae and attracts various Lepidoptera, including the striking red admiral butterfly (Vanessa atalanta), contributing to biodiversity in the vineyard.
In our vineyards, you might spot brandnetel growing amongst the vines, playing its part in fostering a balanced ecosystem. This seemingly unassuming plant exemplifies nature's intricate design, where even the "weeds" serve a higher purpose.
But why name our Chenin Blanc after this prickly plant? The parallels are delightfully surprising:
· Unexpected Delight: Much like the brandnetel's reputation might make you wary, our Chenin Blanc's name may give you pause. But just as the nettle's sting fades to reveal its benefits, our wine's first sip dispels any hesitation, surprising you with a refined balance that captivates the palate.
· Hidden Softness: Upon closer inspection, both the plant and the wine reveal a gentler side. In our Brandnetel Chenin Blanc, careful barrel ageing has softened those initially sharp edges.
· Beautiful Balance: Like the ecological balance the nettle brings to our vineyards, this wine achieves a perfect equilibrium. The bright acidity is perfectly counterpointed by rich, developed flavours from gentle oak maturation.
· Lasting Impression: Both leave you with a lingering sensation – thankfully, in the case of our wine, it's an infinitely more pleasurable one of complex flavours and textures.
The result is a Chenin Blanc that's both invigorating and infinitely palatable – a testament to the unexpected delights that come from embracing nature's full spectrum.
Fun fact: Brandnetel isn't just for the bugs – humans have long recognised its value too. The fibre has historically been used in textiles, and adventurous cooks incorporate it into soups, omelettes, and even traditional dishes like Bulgarian banitsa.
So, the next time you sip our Brandnetel Chenin Blanc, remember – you're tasting more than just wine. You're experiencing a tribute to nature's underdogs, the beautiful complexity of a thriving, diverse vineyard ecosystem, and the delicate balance achieved through thoughtful winemaking.
Behind The Vineyard
Every great wine tells the story of its origin, and Brandnetel is no exception. Nestled on the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain at an altitude of 300m, our vines have been soaking up the Stellenbosch sun since 1980. The terroir here is truly special, playing a crucial role in shaping the unique character of our grapes.
The vineyard was originally planted as a rootstock trial vineyard, home to over 32 different rootstock varieties. Much of the rootstock material we use today (a handful of the best “onderstokke”) is based on the outcome of this trial and now it remains a living library of rootstock relics like Constantia Metallica, one of the original locally bred rootstocks, which form part of our vinous heritage. This experimental plot, with varying vine vigour and architecture and performance, amplified over the years, adds an underlying layer of complexity to what is in the bottle.
The soil here is a fascinating mix of weathered granite overlain by sandstone - that gives a distinctive personality to our wines. Soil originating from these geologies creates a unique substrate for viticulture:
Granite-derived soils: Provide excellent drainage, preventing waterlogging and encouraging healthy root development. It tends to impart a subtle textural complexity to the wine, enhancing its depth and nuance. Their low fertility naturally regulates vine vigour, leading to balanced growth, unlikely to bear too much fruit. Sandstone components: Contribute to lower water retention, crucial during wet spring spells, a regular phenomenon in the Cape. Often found at cool, higher altitudes at the base of the Cape Fold Mountains, they are associated with wines of finesse and aromatic intensity.
Equally important is our vineyard's specific microclimate. At 300m altitude, facing South and southwest it profits from exposure to cooling breezes from the False Bay coast – slowing down grape ripening and retaining freshness. Less sunlit hours due to towering Simonsberg mountain close by also differentiates the profile in terms of freshness – compared to the valley floor below. These factors play a vital role in grape development:
The interplay between these soil types and our unique microclimate creates a terroir that is perfectly suited for producing complex, expressive Chenin Blanc. Each sip of Brandnetel is a liquid testament to this extraordinary piece of Stellenbosch earth - a wine that truly embodies the essence of its origin, from the minerals in the soil to the rhythm of warm days and cool nights.
Behind The Wine
When it comes to winemaking, we're firm believers in the "less is more" philosophy. We start with whole bunch pressing - we're talking grapes, stems, and all the good bits. This gentle approach helps preserve the delicate flavours and aromas that make Brandnetel so special.
Next comes fermentation, where we let nature take the lead. The juice is left to ferment naturally in older French oak barrels. These barrels, having already seen a vintage or two, lend subtle oak notes without overwhelming the wine's natural character.
After fermentation, our Brandnetel Chenin Blanc is left to age on the lees for nine months. This extended contact with the yeast cells adds complexity and texture, resulting in a wine that's as multifaceted as the vineyard it comes from.
Tasting Profile
On the nose, you'll find a bouquet of stone fruit, pineapple, and a hint of salinity. On the palate, you'll discover quince and white peach taking centre stage, with blood orange waiting in the wings. The finish brings a zippy acidity that'll keep you coming back for more.
Brandnetel: Your All-Season Companion
Brandnetel is the perfect companion for a leisurely picnic in the Winelands or the ideal wine to christen the first braai of the season - it can hold its own against flame-grilled fare. And on those quiet evenings on the stoep, watching the sun dip below the horizon? There's nothing quite like a glass of Brandnetel to sign off the day.
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Come visit our tasting room to experience Thistle & Weed firsthand from Thursday to Saturday at 10:00, 12:00, and 14:00. Can't make the journey? Order online and bring a taste of the vineyard to your home.
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