Spice Route - 2019 Chakalaka

The Spice Route Chakalaka is a Rhône style red blend. Using 6 varietals from bush vine, that thrive in the Swartland's harsh growing conditions - Carignan, Shiraz, Mataro (ie. Mourvedre), Durif (ie. Petite Sirah, Grenache Noir, Tannat to harmoniously express the unique terroir. A rich & robus velvety wine with layers of ripe dark berry fruits and savoury spices. 

Spice Route Winery’s name, a testament to their signature style of robust, spicy red wines, recalls the ancient mariners of the 15th century who went in search of exotic spices. In much the same way Charles Back’s search for exceptional vineyards took him sailing into the uncharted waters of the Swartland. Synonymous with exploration, adventure and innovation, Spice Route’s’ Journey of Discovery’ is on-going, venturing out further into the Western Cape’s wine regions in a quest to discover more extraordinary vineyards to expand their wine offering.

A deep ruby red in the glass, with ripe juicy black currant, cherry & plum notes. A lovely purity, with white pepper, spiced meats, smoky cloves, nutmeg & vanilla complementing the bold fruits. A full-bodied wine, with an intense, silky smooth rich texture. The palate shows the Rhône-style depth integrated with oak, smooth structured tannins & a lingering spice finish. Like a perfect combination of spices, this wine is meant to harmoniously bring together many different vineyards & varieties, each individual profile complementing the other to make the wine shine.

Most definitely a fantastic food wine. Just as the Chakalaka spicy South African relish adds the truly Proudly South African factor to any dish, so too the Spice Route Chakalaka, whether its's at home, in a fancy restaurant or around the fire, it enriches any occasion with delectable flavour and local flair.

Think intensely flavoured South African cuisine like curry, bobotie, braaied spicy meat (Shisa Nyama – served with Chakalaka relish and pap), Middle Eastern and Asian inspired cuisine.

Keeping it close to home, Chakalaka is a perfect complement to celebrated chef & charcuterie whizz, Neil Jewell’s famous charcuterie, available at Jewell’s Restaurant and Deli at the Spice Route Destination in Paarl. While Neil works his magic in the kitchen at this farm-to-table eatery, his wife Tina, a baker par excellence, looks after front of house. Neil’s passion lies in his homemade artisanal charcuterie that he prepares with mountains of patience & bucket loads of love. A chakalaka sausage to complement a glass of Spice Route’s luscious rich and robust Chakalaka Rhône-style red blend.