ALVI'S DRIFT 221 Special Cuvée. South Africa

Alvi is short for Albertus Viljoen, the official first name of the owner of South African winery Alvi's Drift in Worcester, but his friends call him Alvi. Today's Alvi is the third generation, but it started with the first Alvi in 1928. Albertus Viljoen van de Merwe was a gentleman farmer in Worcester about two hours' drive from Cape Town. Because his Alfalfa estate lay on both sides of the Breede River, he built a drift (Afrikaans for bridge) in 1928 to provide easier access to both pieces of land. Colloquially, this water crossing was soon called 'Alvi's Drift'. Alvi van der Merwe now uses this name as a tribute to his grandfather.

A total of 19 grape varieties are grown in the Alvi's Drift vineyards. The vineyards are located in the heart of the Broad River Valley in Worcester County. Together with the highly driven team of winemakers, Alvi makes beautiful wines that are now receiving plenty of international acclaim.

Only the best grapes are selected by hand and picked early in the morning to ensure the grapes are delivered to the wine cellar cool and in perfect bunches. The grapes are destemmed and each grape variety is vinified separately. A total of seven grape varieties are used in this wine. Depending on the grape variety, part of the young wine matures in French and American oak barrels. The rest matures in stainless steel tanks. Blending these wines creates a harmonious combination of complexity and fresh fruit. This Special Cuvée has aromas of ripe fruit, plums, cherries, liquorice and spices that surface as it rolls in the glass. The fruit and silky tannins are beautifully intertwined and perfectly balanced.

TASTING PROFILE

Aromas of ripe fruit, plums, cherries, liquorice and spices. The wine has a perfect balance between fruit and silky tannins. The finish is long and fruity.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Boeuf bouguignon and beef Wellington are a good combination.

DRUMS

Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Grenache, Petit Verdot and Durif.

ALCOHOL CONTENT

14%

More information at MONK-DRINKS.CO.UK

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