Apr
29
2008
Di Filippo Italain wines have arrived! Please see our “Italian” page for descriptions of these wines!
Di Filippo produce high-quality grapes, without which good wines cannot be produced. They consider the following conditions of greatest importance in the prouction of good grapes:
- Low Yield per hectare: their vineyards produce on average 8,000 kg of grapes per hectare
- Thier cultivation which uses only natural methods gives a lower yield, but grapes-and consequently wines-free from fungicides, weed-killers or other harmful compunds. All thier vineyards are cultivated using certified organic methods.
- A personal knowledge of their vineyards allow them to select the most suitable grapes for their wines.
- They ascertain the time when their grapes are perfectly ripe in order to choose the right moment for the best possible wine.
- Very important, they harvest by hand, allowing them to preserve the integrity of the grapes until the moment of wine production.
White wines: The grapes are hand-picked, usually into crates, then delicately pressed whole. The “must” obtained is then decanted naturally for one day and fermented at a low temperature for a period of betwen two to four weeks. The wine is then refined in stainless steel casks or (in the case of Farandola) in barrels of French oak.
Red Wines: After harvesting by hand, the grapes are rasped and left to steep for 10 to 30 days, depending on the type of wine they produce. During the steeping process the temperature of fermentation is continually checked in order to preserve the fruity qualities of the wine. After this process the grapes are pressed. Refining is done in stainless steel casks for Villa Conversino Rosso, and in wooden casks for other red wines. They use casks of different sizes and woods.
Apr
24
2008
This beautiful wine is on special for the month of May! 12 bottles for €185.00!
— BON CAP ORGANIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003 —
Region: Robertson Ward: Eilandia Havest Date: 11/03/2003
Harvest Details: Hand-picked at a phenolic ripeness of 26.4 degrees balling
VINEYARD INFORMATION:
Planted: 1992
80% French oak & 20% American oak barrels used. Matured in barrels for 10 months.
TASTING NOTES:
Deep intense ruby colour. Prominent spice & flinty flavours on the nose, backed by black fruit and fresh minty undertones. Full-bodied with a good integration of wood. Will age beautifully.
Feb
29
2008
This feature focuses on Stellar Winery, which is situated 275 kilometres north of Cape Town on the road to Namibia. The winery is a joint venture between four farmers and the cellar, and makes use of a semi-arid climate, unrivalled refrigeration capacity and extensive in-house engineering skills to produce modern organic wines. The cellar processes about 900 tonnes of organic grapes from farms straddling the northern boundary of the Olifants river wine region and Namaqualand. The area is known for its spring flowers and is also the only semi-arid biosphere hotspot in the world.
Stellar Winery and their Fairtrade practice have had many accomplishments. Their definition of Fairtrade is that “it is an international system of standards for producers, and terms of trade for their goods that ensure farmers and workers in some of the poorest countries in the world are adequately protected and can build a more sustainable future.”
The Fairtrade logo has become established as a credible, independent consumer guarantee for goods that are ethically produced and assist producers in developing countries get a better deal from international trade.
The Stellar workforce benefits directly from sales of Fairtrade-labelled wine
- Both farm & cellar staff are transported to and from work
- Families receive health care and the permanent services of a community worker.
- Workers receive free housing, electricity and water and all schooling and childcare facilities are subsidised.
- The Stellar Employees’ Trust serves as a forum for workers to identify their needs and manage the income derived from Fairtrade sales. The Trust initiates and manages projects designed to improve the living conditions of workers and provide additional sustainable income for the benefit of the community
If you would like to know more about their Fairtrade, visit their website at www.stellarorganics.com.
