Kleine Zalze, Project Z Grenache 750ml 2017

The grapes for Project Z Grenache 2017 were sourced from an old bush-vine vineyard in the cool-climate region of Darling on the Cape West Coast. Growing untamed and unbridled in sandy soils and subjected to the maritime airflow off the Atlantic Ocean, the vineyard was selected for its ability to grow grapes offering a superior expression of the site’s unique geography.

Tasting notes:
'Very stylish, brings great complexity to a light-textured & -bodied (12.9% alcohol) wine that fermented wholebunch in clay pots, first under carbonic maceration, then with light pump-overs. Aged 12 months in a single 500L amphora. Result is melt-in-the-mouth savoury notes of Iberian ham mingling with earthy blackberry & cherry in 2017.' – Platter's Guide, 5* (96/100)

'From a 1981 vineyard in Darling. Whole-bunch fermented in amphorae. The nose shows rose, red berries, dried herbs, a little spice and a hint of reduction. The palate shows pure fruit, zippy acidity and powdery tannins, the finish long and dry. With an alcohol of 13%, this is more New Wave in style than its counterpart above. Total production: 551 bottles.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100

About Project Z:
With Project Z, the team of winemakers at Kleine Zalze has free rein to interact with nature, to search for the ultimate expression from a vineyard and to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in order to keep growing and evolving.

The 'project' originated back in 2014 from discussion between owner, Kobus Basson and the winemaking team. From the debates, the 'project' grew and today the cornerstones of the Project Z wines are a selection of vineyards on extraordinary sites and an impressive collection of Italian amphorae that were steadily acquired since 2015. And of course, a dedicated, committed, and skillful team.

The first wine was bottled in 2017 and by 2020 a unique range of signature wines were ready for release. Dressing the bottles was the only missing component. The packaging follows through on the journey of discovery and allows the winemaking team to own the full process of the creation of the first wines to be released in this range.