Thistle & Weed was established in 2015, the creative brainchild of viticulturist Etienne Terblanche and winemaker Stephanie Wiid. This boutique winery, nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch, South Africa, embodies a dream turned reality.
Drawing inspiration from the resilient weeds that thrive amongst the vines, Thistle & Weed makes wines that tell the story of their origins. Under the combined expertise of Etienne and Stephanie, a collection of distinctive wines has emerged, each named after a tenacious weed found in the Cape's vineyards.
In this new ‘Behind the Bottle’ blog series, we’ll peel back the layers of our Thistle & Weed wine range, revealing the stories, inspirations, and craftsmanship behind each of our seven unique bottles: Brandnetel, Springdoring, Duwweltjie, Khakibos, Knapsekêrel, P. Jackson, and Nastergal.
As the winter chill sets in and we find ourselves drawn to the warmth of hearty reds, we thought it fitting to begin with the tale of Knapsekêrel, our character-filled Cabernet Franc.
Behind The Name: Knapsekêrel:
Amidst the orderly rows of vines, the perennially opportunistic Blackjack weed or, for the nature geeks (ahem, us) Bidens pilosa, stands tall. This is Knapsekêrel, our cheeky inspiration. "Knapsekêrel," affectionately translated from Afrikaans as "handsome guy," perfectly captures this weed's charming tenacity. True to its name, it employs a gambler's strategy for survival, scattering its seeds far and wide, carried by wind, water, man, and beast.
This adaptable plant goes by many monikers - hitchhikers, beggar's ticks, farmer's friends, Spanish needle, or cobbler's pegs - each name hinting at its persistent nature and widespread presence. Despite its reputation as a nuisance, Knapsekêrel surprises with unexpected beauty. When in bloom, it reveals daisy-like flowers, their white petals surrounding a cheerful yellow centre - a humble spectacle often overlooked in the rush to dismiss it as a mere weed.
Yet, there's more to Knapsekêrel than meets the eye. In many parts of the world, it's valued not as a pest, but as a source of food and alternative medicine. This duality of Bidens pilosa - a stubborn weed to some, a useful herb to others - resonates deeply with our winemaking philosophy. Like our Knapsekêrel Cabernet Franc, it reminds us to look beyond the obvious, to find beauty and value in the unexpected. In both the weed and our wine, we champion resilience, adaptability, and the surprising depths that careful attention can reveal.
Behind The Vineyard
Just a stone’s throw away from False Bay in the Polkadraai Hills, situated on a south-facing slope, the Oudeberg vineyard benefits from a cool maritime climate and coarse granite soils – perfect for cultivating Cabernet Franc. Only seven rows of farmed Cab Franc make up this small but mighty parcel. With the trusted waddle of ducks and cover crop mixes maintaining soil health, this vineyard is as lively and resilient as the weed it’s named after.
Behind The Wine
With a light hand in the cellar, we ferment these handpicked grapes naturally in open-top vessels. We also add a twist by including 15% whole bunches. This technique using whole grape bunches includes stems and all, which are then used in the winemaking process and can boost a wine's flavour and structure. This method adds extra taste and textures, making the wine more complex and aromatic. Although it's a lot of work, this traditional technique is popular because it helps create high-quality wines.
After fermentation, we basket press the wine – a gentle extraction that respects the fruit's integrity. Then, as winter sets in outside, our Knapsekêrel rests peacefully in older oak barrels for eight months. This process allows the site to speak for itself, preserving the freshness and purity of the fruit.
Tasting Profile
This wine offers a pleasant aroma of cranberries and dried thyme. When you taste it, you'll notice flavours of plum and blackberries, complemented by a balanced presence of mild tannins. If you’re the patient kind, this wine has major ageing potential. But who could blame you for wanting to enjoy it now as the wind howls outside and you sink deeper into your favourite armchair?
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Come visit our tasting room to experience Thistle & Weed’s warmth 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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