releaf Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot – Shiraz

releaf Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot – Shiraz

Western Cape, South Africa
Made from Organically Grown Grapes

“A time for change…A time for releaf.”

Too often, wine producers rely on harsh chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides to maintain their vineyards.  Thankfully, not all wineries are the same!  Releaf is produced from a property in the Swartland region of the Western Cape, South Africa.  The property had been uncultivated for 17 years and was strictly used for grazing cattle, making it an ideal spot for growing organic grapes.

Releaf wine symbolizes the true meaning of sustainability and harmony within nature. Releaf is 100% hand harvested and made from organically grown grapes certified organic by Soil Association Certification Ltd., the oldest and most recognized organic certifier in the world. Every bottle of releaf is made from partially recycled glass; the labels are made from recycled paper, and printed with sustainable inks. 

Releaf is the perfect wine for a braai, a backyard barbeque, the cornerstone of Swartland cuisine.  At the braai traditional foods such as wors (traditional sausage), tjops (lamb chops), and mieliepap (the South African version of Polenta) will be served.   Try with a vegetarian sarmie (sandwich).  Not quite as adventurous, releaf pairs well with rich meat dishes, roasts or matured cheeses.

Tasting Notes

Releaf Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz offers intense flavors of blackberry, cassis and vanilla spice.  Merlot adds plumy and red cherry notes plus a suppleness that balances Cabernet’s structure, while Shiraz adds a peppery blackberry pie characteristic.  The blend perfectly balances the fabulous fruit flavors, structure, and acidity, yielding a wine with concentrated flavors and complexity.

Vineyards

Releaf Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz is produced with organically grown grapes sourced from the Swartland region of South Africa.  The soils are derived from shale, on partly decomposed parent rock, with good nutrient reserves and water-retention properties. The climate is warm and dry, Mediterranean style, with an average temperature range of 77° to 95°F and an annual rainfall of between 17 to 23 inches, and very sunny with most of the rain occurring in the winter months.

Reviews

88 points (Highly Recommended) - 2007 releaf Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Shiraz, Western Cape, South Africa

"...Aromas of currant, honey, and praline follow through on a soft, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body..."

Silver Medal in the World Wine Championships from The Beverage Testing Institute

2007 releaf Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Shiraz

By LeDom du Vin: Wine and Colors

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

"A nice discovery from South Africa...Fairly complex for a wine in this price category from South Africa, it is inviting and approachable...Releaf is a good example (of) what can be achieved when growers use sustainable farming."