Welcome back to our second instalment of our new 'Behind the Bottle' series, where we look behind the label of Thistle & Weed's wines. Join me, Winemaker Steph Wiid, and Viticulturist Etienne Terblanche as we share the stories behind our Stellenbosch-created bottles.
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It's October in the Cape, and while we’re itching to reach for our sunglasses and picnic baskets, our vines are still stirring from their winter slumber. At Thistle & Weed, we're witnessing bud break in the vineyard and eagerly anticipating the season of renewal. But winter's chill still lingers, making this the perfect time to explore Khakibos, our lively and fresh blend that bridges the gap between seasons.
We're also delighted to share that our 2023 vintage just scored 95 points in the 2024 Tim Atkin SA Special Report, making this a real trophy wine for your cellar.
Behind The Name: Khakibos
The name "Khakibos" comes from Tagetes minuta, a plant dubbed "khaki bush" by the Boers during the Anglo-Boer War, referencing the khaki-coloured uniforms of British troops. But don't fret – you won't need to don khakis to enjoy this wine!
Much like its namesake, our Khakibos is a newcomer to the Cape winelands, bringing together offbeat Iberian varieties in a unique white blend that tells the story of our terroir.
Behind The Vineyard
Our Khakibos blend draws its character from five wholly-unique terroirs across the Cape:
Verdelho thrives in the koffieklip-rich soils on the foot slopes of the Helderberg Mountain
Chenin Blanc hails from our exceptional Paarl vineyard
Old vine Palomino grows in the sandstone soils of Piekenierskloof
Alvarinho finds its home on Wellington's gravelly terrain
Fernão Pires flourishes in the gravelly soils along the Breede River
Together a true reflection of what a Western Cape bend can offer / A real Western Cape blend
Behind The Wine
When our grapes make it to the cellar, we gently squeeze whole bunches - stems and all - to get only the best juice. Then, we step back and let Mother Nature take the wheel. The juice kicks off its fermentation journey naturally in French oak barrels that have already seen a vintage or two adding a hint of oak without stealing the spotlight from our star grapes.
Now comes the part where patience is key. Our young wine ages on the remaining yeast (we call this lees) from fermentation in these barrels for 9 months. During this time, the wine develops deeper flavours and gets silky smooth, all while keeping the unique personality of each grape variety. It's a waiting game, for sure, but we reckon good things come to those who wait.
Tasting Profile
Khakibos is a sensory hop, skip, and jump through the Cape's eclectic terroir. It greets the nose with enticing aromas of neroli, preserved lemon, and toasted brioche. On the palate, it reveals its true character: richly layered and expressive, with a bright acidity that keeps everything in perfect balance, finishing with a playful zest.
This voluptuous Cape Blend brings forward a burst of lively scents, with Verdelho leading the charge. The supporting cast may vary in percentage from year to year – be it Palomino, Chenin Blanc, Alvarinho, Fernão Pires, or all of the above – depending on the best performing vineyards and how that particular vintage unfolds.
Khakibos is your go-to wingman for any weather. Fancy a glass now? It'll chase away those lingering winter blues. Stashing some bottles for later? Smart move - it'll be there to high-five you when spring finally shows up. Either way, this cheeky blend's got your
back, come rain or shine!
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Come visit our tasting room to experience Thistle & Weed firsthand from Thursday to Saturday at 10:00, 12:00, and 14:00. Can't make the journey? Order online and bring a taste of the vineyard to your home.
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