Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2022 vs Tabali Vetas Blancas Pinot Noir 2023
Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications.
| Availability | In stock | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| Best current price | £16.99 | £16.99 |
| Current stockists | 1 merchant | 1 merchant |
| Producer | — | Tabali |
| Style | Red | Red |
| Grape | Cabernet Franc | Pinot Noir |
| Region | Stellenbosch | — |
| Country | South Africa | — |
| Size | 750ml | 750ml |
| Where to buy |
Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2022
Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc is a vibrant, elegant and deeply characterful red from the granitic Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch, one of South Africa's most exciting terroirs for the variety. Crafted by Bruwer Raats, widely regarded as one of the Cape's most gifted winemakers, this is Cabernet Franc of real purity, minerality and finesse. Why You'll Love It Founded in 2000, Raats Family Wines has built its reputation on a singular focus: excellence through specialisation in Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Bruwer Raats identified the unique potential of the decomposed dolomite granite soils in Polkadraai Hills early on, and the Dolomite Cabernet Franc is the expression of that vision. Regarded as one of the finest examples of the variety in the southern hemisphere, this is a wine that rewards those who appreciate elegance, complexity and a genuine sense of place. Vineyard & Production Sourced exclusively from vineyards planted on decomposed dolomite granite soils in Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch, which impart freshness, vibrant acidity and a distinct mineral character. Grapes are hand-harvested in February at optimal ripeness and triple hand-sorted before crushing. A five-day cold soak on skins precedes fermentation at 28 degrees, followed by basket pressing and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. The wine is then aged for 14 months in French 300-litre barrels with no new oak, preserving purity and elegance. Tasting Notes Dark and red cherry aromas layered with spice and herbaceous notes. The palate shows dark berries, graphite and a hint of wet-stone minerality, leading to a soft, velvet finish. Floral and approachable, yet balanced and complex with real depth. Perfect Pairings A natural partner for game birds in red wine sauce, beef fillet and pork loin. Also excellent with duck breast, mushroom-based dishes and aged hard cheeses. Grape Variety Cabernet Franc 100%
Tabali Vetas Blancas Pinot Noir 2023
Tabalí Vetas Blancas Pinot Noir is an elegant, cool-climate red from the Limarí Valley, balancing vibrant fruit with striking minerality. Sourced from the Talinay and Espinal vineyards, this wine reflects the region’s unique calcareous and alluvial soils, producing a Pinot Noir of finesse, structure, and expressive character. Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and carefully vinified, it delivers freshness, depth, and a delicate yet complex profile. Meet the producer Established in 2002, Viña Tabalí is a pioneering winery on the edge of the Atacama Desert, celebrated for terroir-driven wines that capture the distinctive character of northern and central Chile. Production 30% of the grapes come from the Talinay vineyard, 12km from the Pacific Ocean, where constant cool sea breezes create lower temperatures than the rest of the valley. Talinay’s calcareous soils, formed from ancient marine terraces, provide excellent drainage and a rich source of calcium carbonate. The remaining 70% comes from the Espinal vineyard, planted on stony alluvial terraces with clay layers and veins of limestone dust. Grapes are hand-harvested into 20kg bins, carefully selected, and destemmed before an 8-day cold soak at 8°C. Alcoholic fermentation occurs in small stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, followed by a 3-day post-fermentation maceration. The wine is then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels to enhance structure, complexity, and elegance. Tasting notes Bright and delicate, this Pinot Noir displays aromas of raspberry and subtle spice. On the palate, flavours of fresh summer fruit, strawberries, and raspberries are complemented by gentle hints of oak spice and graphite. The wine’s minerality, derived from the region’s limestone soils, provides structure and length, making it both expressive and refined. Food match Pairs beautifully with roast lamb, autumnal stews, or hearty risotto. Grape Pinot Noir 100%
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