GROOTE POST’S SALT OF THE EARTH FLAGSHIP RED BLEND - Pays Tribute to its Origin and the Groote Post Way of Life

 Groote Post - a historic West Coast family farm where the land is rustic, the pace is slow, the heritage is honoured, and the pleasures are honest - is home to a Darling Shiraz Cinsault red blend, aptly named Salt of the Earth.

 

‘Salt of the Earth’ is defined as being representative of the best or noblest elements of society. This wine, a blend of 67% Shiraz and 33% Cinsault, is just that, with grapes sourced from pockets of excellence throughout the Darling Hills. The 22-year-old trellised shiraz vines yield 6 tons per hectare, and the 46-year-old dryland bush vine cinsault yields only 4 tons per hectare. The Groot Post Salt of the Earth’s distinctive label creatively portrays the heart of the wine, thanks to the expertise of Anthony Lane Design Consultancy. The gorgeous red blend also reflects the very core of the spirit at this ‘salt of the earth’ family farm where the spirit is generous, and the people are real.

 

In The Cellar: The grapes of both cultivars were harvested on the same day and co-fermented in open top tank fermenters. The free run wine was then taken to 500 litre French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and then racked back into barrels for 14 months maturation - 60% new and 40% older 500-litre barrels.

 

Tasting Note: This full-flavoured wine is rich and dense yet not devoid of freshness. It abounds with dark cherries and plums, cedarwood and white pepper with savoury and violet notes, typical of Shiraz from Darling, integrated with fresh cherry and strawberry flavours from the Cinsault. The wine is well-structured and smooth with soft tannins, a subtle earthy mineral undertone and great length. It should age very well if properly cellared.

 

Food Pairing: The Groote Post Salt of the Earth will be a perfect accompaniment to lamb, duck or mushrooms.

 

Accolades: 4½ Stars in the 2022 Platter’s SA Wine Guide

 

Purchase: The Groote Post Salt of the Earth 2019 is available from the Groote Post cellar door, online at https://groote-post-wines.myshopify.com/collections/all and at select fine wine merchants around the country. Approximate retail price: R280