The name just rolls off the tongue … Barbarossa. It’s also a delight when rolling down your throat.
The limited edition Authentic Barbarossa Frederick 2023 grown on the sandy soils of Brakkuil Farm, home of Gedeelte Wines near St Helena Bay, has the distinction of being a varietal grown on the only Barbarossa hectare in Southern Africa. To boot, it’s one of only four hectares in the world which was planted in 1978.
Barbarossa (meaning “red beard” in Italian, thought to reference either a Roman emperor or Turkish conqueror) is the fruit of passion. And there’s a lot to get passionate about in this approachable wine by winemaker John Bouwer.
Flavourful and clean, it’s crisp on the palate and velvety smooth on the finish. Shining medium ruby red in colour with spice, red berries and cranberry on the nose, the wine was sourced from old bush vines and then matured in French oak for 13 months.
Gedeelte’s Barbarossa Frederick pairs well with dishes that highlight its complexity while balancing the tannins and flavours. Think braised or roasted meats, venison, duck, both mushroom- and tomato-based dishes, as well as semi-hard cheeses.
Critics on winesearcher.com rated it 90/100, meaning Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style.
This is a tipple worth having again and again.
Gedeelte Wines’ tasting hours: Mon-Sunday, 10am–3pm. Bookings essential on https://gedeeltewines.co.za/
