AFRICAN WINE SERIES
WILD BEASTS IS A STORY OF WILD SOIL’S, FASCINATING TERROIR WITH UNIQUE IDENTITY
OUR APPROACH
We live in a world where a deeper sense of meaning can be lost and we turn to nature to inspire us to find that meaning to give us timeless answers as we look to the power of the vines to give us the same strength. On our journey through the Wild Vineyards, we have discovered in Africa the oldest soils where vines tenaciously thrive. Walking down dirt roads and paths beyond trails lie the most ancient of soils over 8 million years old.
The powerful life energy of those vines is deeply connecting the earth to the roots from which they grow on sacred soils. Inspired by the ancient tradition of viticultural collaboration, we are a group of makers with an insatiable obsession for quality. Our wines are coming from ancient terroirs and soils. Every wine is named after a fantastical fictional beast which appears in those mystic wine mountains to introduced to the consumers these wonderful wild lands and ancient terroirs. Every animal is our unique mythical blend of the local African animals.
OUR STORY
Kelly and Romain Francois are both seasoned wine professionals who approached their business with passion and authenticity, explorers of the world seeking wines of great flavours and quality which represents the purest essence of the grapes. This mindset led them on a three year expedition travelling the world from California through wild fires, Frances angry cheese mongers to South Africa's sand dune storms to baboon mischief and Springbok crossings. At every corner meeting the most adventurous and passionate winemakers believing in expressing the true character of these wild vines in their respective environment. Their story is about to reach the end of the earth in pursuit of the best vines land, the most exciting thing is, they have only just scratched the surface.
When grapes originally from France are cultivated with new methods in different environments, they produce wines with novel sensibilities. Rather than keeping discoveries for a selected few, the role of an explorer is to make these new experiences available for everyone to enjoy, in the hope they will inspire future generations to experiment on their own and keep spreading the culture of beautiful wines.
WINE ADVENTURES
WILD BEAST AFRICAN WINES SERIES
Drawing from Kelly’s vast experience with South African wines has a Fine Wine expert in New York tied to Romain François Wine producer and wine merchant, co-founder of Domaine de Champvallon in Burgundy; and Grand Brulot in Cognac. The two friends joined forces, using their know how to produce these outstanding wines: to get the best from both parties: French know-how combined with the richness of the South African region, notably travelling the country to find the best terroirs to offer us good value for money wines for any occasions.
Working with a local single estate winery, they have selected the best plots with attractive slopes in the vineyards. These plots provide the grapes with solid acidity and a low Ph which reflects a sense of place rather than technique in the wines. The grapes were harvested by hand, from a selection of specific high lying blocks. The blocks are sustainably farmed vineyards.
WILD BEAST WINES
Sauvignon Blanc
ALCOHOL CONTENT:
12,5% Vol
CLIMATE:
Temperate, mitigated by the mountains and ocean, protects it from the winds and heat. Annual rainfall of 1200 mm, min. temperature 12°C, max. temperature 32°C
VINIFICATION:
Fermentation for 13 days in stainless steel tanks at 10°C. Extended lease ageing for 6 months. Ageing: 2-4 years.
SOIL TYPES:
Ancient sandstone riverbeds with good water retention.
AGE OF VINES:
Planted in 2006
PRODUCTION AREA:
Western Cape
SERVING TEMP.:
8/10 °C
STORAGE TIME:
3-4 years
ORIGIN:
Slanghoek Mountains
APPELLATION:
Western Cape
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS:
- Ph: 3.42
- Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/L
- Total Acidity: 6.9g/l
BOTTLE SIZE:
750 ml
GRAPES:
Sauvignon Blanc
HARVEST:
First half of February
TASTING NOTES:
This Sauvignon Blanc bursts with crisp tropical fruit aromas. Fresh and bright with floral notes and mouthwatering finish. Serve chilled for aperitif, Italian salads and seafood to compliment both food and wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon
HARVEST:
Second half of February
APPELLATION:
Western Cape
CLIMATE:
- pH 3,48
- Residual Sugar 3,6g/L
- Total Acidity 5,65g/L
BOTTLE SIZE:
750 ml
GRAPES:
Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN:
Slanghoek Mountains
STORAGE TIME:
3-4 years
PRODUCTION AREA:
Western Cape
ALCOHOL CONTENT:
13,5% Vol
SERVING TEMP.:
12/14 °C
AGE OF VINES:
Planted in 2006
CLIMATE:
Temperate, mitigated by the sea, the chain of the Slanghoek mountains protects it from the northern winds. Annual rainfall of 1200 mm, min. temperature 32°9. max.
VINIFICATION:
Hand harvested, destemmed into oak cask open top fermenters. The Cabernet Sauvignon underwent extended maceration for 30 days after which it was pressed, and the wine went to aged 300L French oak for 12 months. After the 12-month period the wine was bottled and rested in bottle for another 4 months.
SOIL TYPES:
Ancient sandstone riverbeds with good water retention.
TASTING NOTES:
This Cabernet Sauvignon offers beautiful red berry fruit flavours with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberries. Easy-drinking, smooth mouthfeel with fine-grained tannins underpinned with a mouth watering core and effortless soft finish. Complements all types of juicy red meat dishes, especially slow cooked ones.
