Joostenberg Small Batch Collection #25 & #26 2023

Based in the heart of South Africa’s wine country, Joostenberg boasts a rich history dating back to the late 1600s. Founded by a Swedish settler, the farm’s centerpiece, a historic Cape Dutch manor house built in 1756, stands as a testament to its enduring legacy. This architectural gem has been rightfully declared a national monument.

For centuries, Joostenberg has been a hub of agricultural activity, producing both wine and brandy. The Myburgh family, who acquired the farm in 1879, have maintained ownership for five generations. Although winemaking took a pause in 1947, the land continued to yield grapes, supplying the local cooperative for over five decades.

In 1999, brothers Tyrrel and Philip Myburgh took the reins, ushering in a new era for Joostenberg. Their commitment to individuality, natural winemaking, and sustainable practices has been at the forefront of their vision. The farm’s dedication to organic farming culminated in full organic certification in 2012, ensuring that every bottle reflects their respect for the land and its resources.

Among Joostenberg’s prized grape varieties, Chenin Blanc and Syrah stand out. These grapes, nurtured with care and attention, produce wines that capture the essence of the region’s terroir and the passion of its winemakers.

While the Chenin blanc and Syrah are stand-outs, they also grow small quantities of other varieties. What makes Joostenberg different from other Stellenbosch farms is that they are not content with the standards, Tyrrel and the team are always on the look for better suited varieties for the terrier and climate around the farm. Which results in rather niche crops. Some of the white grapes on the property include Alvarinho and Roussanne, and in terms of reds, Mourvèdre and Touriga Nacional. These go into their estate wines, the Fairhead White Blend and the Red Family Blend.

The Small Batch Collection is a platform for the Joostenberg team to try new techniques and refine them before adding them to their estate wines. By pushing boundaries and exploring new techniques, they aim to create unique flavours, styles, and terroir-driven wines. This vintage, Tyrrel and his team have crafted a Cinsault and a Grenache Noir. The Cinsault grapes were sourced from a neighboring farm, while the Grenache Noir is an estate wine, certified organic.

This Grenache Noir comes from a single bush vine vineyard on Joostenberg, planted in 2018. Fermented with 30% as whole bunches and natural fermentation in open tanks. Thereafter spent 10 months in an old 500L barrel before bottling.

Only 579 bottles produced.

“We’re on our 3rd vintage of Grenache Noir at Joostenberg & still getting to know the ‘new kid on the block’.

The 2023 surprised us with its chalky tannins. We love it, so we bottled a teeny, tiny batch before blending the rest into our other wines! Enjoy!”

This Cinsault comes from dry-farmed bush vines from the neighbouring Klipdam Farm. 50% of the grapes were destemmed. Naturally fermented in open topped fermenters, with gentle punch downs twice a day. The wine is left to mature in old seasoned 225l barrels and bottled after 10 months.

Only 501 bottles produced.

“We love our 2023 Cinsault…fragrant, refreshing and delicious. Plain old lekker. This teeny, weeny bottling is a blend of two of our favourite barrels. Give it a chill if you want to. Grab, pour, smash, repeat.”

Included:

– 3 Bottles Joostenberg ‘Small Batch Collection #25’ 2023 Grenache Noir
– 3 Bottles Joostenberg ‘Small Batch Collection #26’ 2023 Cinsault