Ex Animo Wine Co is delighted to bring you the latest release from the Scions of Sinai label of Stellenbosch by winemaker Bernhard (Bernie) Bredell.

As a 7th generation winemaker, Bredell is not only a skilled and conscientious in the cellar, but his knowledge of, and shall we say intuition for, farming in Stellenbosch is unrivalled.

While looking to the past and paying homage to the classics, Bredell uses the Cervantes series to reference the great work “Don Quixote” with a cheeky smile.

While wines such the ’Feniks’ and ‘Swanesang’ make you sit up and pay attention to their power, this project shows a more joyful and playful side to Bernie’s character.

These are wines that are meant to be enjoyed with good company and a great meal. Open them up, share them around, and enjoy a good ‘kuier’ with these delightful fresh wines.

WO Coastal Region

‘Rocinante’ refers to the mule or workhorse. Using the ‘workhorse’ grapes of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, Bernie has transformed them into a wine that is almost skipping along with freshness. With pineapples and limes on the nose, the Rocinante has a beeswax richness and finishes with great zip.

Christian Eedes, Winemag:
“60% Chenin Blanc, 30% Grenache Blanc and 10% Roussanne, the former from Stellenbosch and the latter two from Voor Paardeberg – all grapes picked on the same day. Exotic aromatics of citrus, stone fruit, pineapple and spice – warmer conditions after veraison in the Voor Paardeberg meant these grapes were slightly riper than usual. The platate is round, juicy and full of flavour making for an expressive, engaging wine. Alc: 13.6%.” 93/100

WO Coastal Region

‘Tallos’ in Spanish refers to the stems and stalks, which Bernie has included in this Chenin Blanc / Grenache Blanc blend. With skin maceration and a bit of natural flor, this wine offers a good deal of personality and texture on the palate. Taste notes of lemon and sage on a chewy and refreshing structure.

Christian Eedes, Winemag:
“51% Chenin Blanc from the Helderber, 59% Grenache Blanc from Voor-Paardeberg. 50% destemmed and 50% whole-bunch. Three weeks of skin contact before maturation lasting eight months in older barrels as well as tank, under flor. Nutty, rancio notes to go with tangerine, stone fruit and spice on the nose while the palate has a dense core of fruit and firm but not overly astringent tannins, the finish bone-dry. Unconventional and intriguing – that much better balanced and substantial than the previous vintage. Alc: 12.5%. 94/100“

WO Stellenbosch

If you thought Pinotage was a bit staid, this wine challenges you to think again. The grapes are from the same block as ‘Feniks’ (old vines from 1996 and 1976), although picked at different times.

Made in a much lighter style, the Atlantikas is perfumed and floral on the nose. Fruity, lively and absolutely delicious. Give this Pinotage a slight chill for a perfect summery red!

Christian Eedes, Winemag:
“100% Pinotage. Grapes from two Helderberg blocks planted in 1976 and 1996 by earlier Bredell farmers. 30% stems intact, 30% destemmed and the rest direct pressed. Pretty aromatics including abundant floral perfume plus cranberry, raspberry and cherry. The palate shows pure fruit, zesty acidity and fine tannins.  Poised, energetic and just so pleasurable – serve slightly chilled and drink all summer long. Alc: 12.5%. 92/100“