In the Bosman family’s historic260-year-old cellar, their approach is nothing short of progressive and innovative. They embrace new, clean plant material and varietals, ensuring a continuous supply of healthy rootstock and vines.
Among their many traditions steeped in winemaking heritage,one stands out – that of orange wines
Although a rarity today, orange wines have been made for 6000 years, originating in Georgie and Northern Italy. Yet the process is still the same: white grapes are fermented on their skins giving the wine a golden/orange colour and a complex texture, tannin and flavour. Cellar master Corlea Fourie describes these wines as showing “the next level in fruit maturation”.
Being an adventurous winemaker with an enquiring mind, Fourie was eager to try out this technique. So every harvest, she would set aside some Chenin Blanc grapes and ferment them naturally and on the skins. But sadly, it never worked. One year, she decided to give it one last go, but this time used Grenache Blanc grapes instead. The result was a delicious amber wine with complex aromatics including ginger biscuit, tangerine peel, bruised fruit, and complex savory notes.
The Bosman orange wine, Fides, derives its name from the Bosman family motto: ‘Fides, Spes et Amor,’ which translates to ‘Faith, Hope, and Love.’ Fides serves as a reminder of the trust that exists between people and nature, collaborating to craft something truly remarkable.
Article from Opimian Cellar 311 – South Africa and Tuscany