The varietals for our Ansela were all hand harvested, sorted, crushed, destalked and fermented in classic open fermenters. Malolactic fermentation is done in French Oak barrels After 16 months of barrel maturation, the varietals are individually tasted and selected for the Ansela blend. This blend is re-introduced into French Oak for a further 6 months to ensure that a good marriage takes place between the varietals. Ansela van de Caab is an excellent reflection of the huge influence that great terroir plays in producing red wines that has the potential to age and mature gracefully.

Wine maker notes

On the nose you get a lot of concentrated fruit flavours ranging from dark fruit to lighter red fruit. The Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine a structured backbone and the nose follows through elegantly on the palette. The Cabernet Franc combines the big structured Cabernet flavours with the upfront fruit flavours of the Merlot. The palette is very concentrated with an abundance of flavours varying from intense fruit flavours to cigar box nuiances. The flavours and tannins are meticulously woven together to form a totally ­­­balanced wine that lingers on in your mouth long after the last drop is savoured

Food pairing

This wine, with its velvety tannins will go great with red meat or any savoury dishes.

Producer

Tucked into the exquisite Knorhoek Valley north of Stellenbosch, Muratie Wine Estate, under the stewardship of Rijk Melck and his family, has been at the heart of a lot of passionate debate. This debate is centred largely around the desire to protect a century’s old wine experience that is a magnet for wine lovers around the world. The farm itself dates back to 1685 when it was granted by Governor Simon van der Stel who was Governor of the Cape of Good Hope at the time. This makes Muratie one of the oldest estates in South Africa and along with that age comes many characters and truly fascinating stories. The Melck family has revived this rich heritage in an updated yet classical evolution of the brand, naming its range after many of these colourful characters. For example, the MCC bubbly is known as Lady Alice. She is joined by Ansela van de Caab (blended red), George Paul Canitz (Pinot Noir), Ronnie Melck (Shiraz), Alberta Annemarie (Merlot), Laurens Campher (blended white), Isabella (Chardonnay) and Ben Prins (Port). It is not only the label that has changed. The wine itself has also undergone incredible changes in quality, under the creative hand of winemaker Francois Conradie and his team. This has seen Muratie become a serious and respected player in the Bordeaux blend, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir stakes. Historically, Muratie has been known for being the first producer of Pinot Noir as well as fine ports. Along with the development of other varietals, Muratie has elevated itself into a new appreciation amongst truly discerning wine lovers.