Soon after I fell in love with wine and started learning more about it, I realised that the best winemakers are not only artists, but also philosophers. Modern renaissance types like the Heston Blumenthals of the world who are not satisfied with simply reproducing a product. They want to take it out of its pigeonhole, rip off the label, break it down, experiment and reinvent it. I believe Audacia Winery in Stellenbosch has done just that with its ‘no sulphites added’ Rooibos wooded range of wines. The newest addition to its portfolio, the Chenin Blanc (2015), was released at the end of July 2015.
It is a huge pioneering leap in the wine world for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s the first time anyone has used South Africa’s unique Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and Honeybush (Cyclopia genistoides) chips in a wine. Secondly, the resulting wine, owing to the unique properties of Rooibos, requires no added sulphites to preserve it. Trevor Strydom, co-owner of Audacia, said in a recent radio interview “we used to put wine into wood, and now we put wood into wine.” Certainly that is true, but living up to its name Audacia which means spirit of adventure, originality and boldness, the winery experimented with various wood alternatives in conjunction with stellenbosch University until they found success with our very own indigenous wood, Rooibos.
Tasting notes
I recently tasted the Chenin Blanc (2015) and loved it. It’s a wine made with a light touch. I found it to be elegant and fruity with a lingering finish. It did not taste of Rooibos, but there was a subtle hint of it on the nose. On the palate there were elements of tropical fruit (I got cooked pineapple) and a fresh hint of lime.
Since Audacia is exclusively red wine winery, they partnered with local winemaker Niel Patterson from Niel Patterson Wines (Stellenbosch). He brought his experience of making ‘no sulphites added’ wine to this maiden vintage and was assisted by winemaker Gerda Willers from Four Paws in Franschhoek.
So does the incorporation of Rooibos in the wine mean it’s healthier?
I’d like to think so! People with allergies and sensitivity to sulphur won’t experience the negative side effects of added sulphur in the wines.
Are there any other wines in South Africa made with Rooibos in this way?
KWV is Audacia’s partner in Red Dawn (IP) Holdings, a company established to patent the use of Rooibos in alcoholic beverages, and they launched the first Rooibos infused Pinotage in November 2014 under their Earth Essence Range with winemaker Louwritz Louw.
Subsequently, the company has shared its patent with beer crafters Stellenbrau and Windermere, who have produced a Rooibos infused beer and cider respectively.
Last year Audacia launched the first ever Rooibos Wooded Merlot (2013). Soon after, a Shiraz (2014) and a Cabernet Sauvignon (2014) followed. The newly released Chenin (2015) is a limited release wine and is available for purchase at Audacia’s Root 44 Market on Saturdays and Sundays in Stellenbosch. The Rooibos infused craft beer and cider is also available at the market.
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