2021 Wines of One Man Band

The stony, north facing slopes of the cool Elgin district provide both the warmth and the aridity to grow grapes authentically and sustainably. Brocha Vineyards is home to the 10a of vines that produce One Man Band and Solace, plus a 15ha conservation area of fynbos (fine bush scrub), and 5ha given over to pasture for a small herd of Nguni cattle. 

This division of land is in keeping with owner Rozy Gunn’s (wife of Andrew Gunn of Iona fame) philosophy that any farm should give due recognition to the critical relationship between formal agriculture, natural vegetation and its livestock in order to function as a healthy and independent entity.

Hand harvested, before being destemmed and sorted on a vibrating table, the grapes were destemmed and not crushed. Once wild fermentation had started the skin cap was softly punched down 2 times per a day to achieve desired extraction. Then extended maceration; the wines were tasted regularly in order to assess the extraction level and when to press-off. Once pressed off, the wines undergo spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel where they were aged for 16 to 18 months, in 500L French oak barrels, of which 20 to 25% is new oak.

Tasting Note: A red blend (Petit Verdot 43%, Syrah 35%,Nebbiolo 12%) that is reflective of the best of the red wines they produce. It reflects the ripe Syrah from Brocha vineyards lower down in the Elgin Valley, and other varietals from higher up overlooking the Atlantic. A cool climate peppery spice, grippy tannins, with layers of bramble and black cherry fruit.

Food match: A full bodied red wine to accompany rich red meat dishes.