Saltare new releases

Carla Pauw of Saltare (“to dance” in Latin) discovered that she “really loves to smell and taste” while working at parttime at Stellenbosch property Morgenhof in the mid-1990s, the then-winemaker Rianie Strydom inspiring her to pursue winemaking as a career. Her first formal role was at Anura in Paarl, where Eben Sadie, who was consultant there, further encouraged her and she launched her own label, with a particular but not exclusive focus on Cap Classique in the mid-2000s.

Brut Nature NV
Price: R340
54% Pinot Noir predominantly from Stellenbosch, 46% Chardonnay from Bonnievale. 10% oaked portion, 25% reserve wine, 24 months on the lees. Baked apple, a hint of strawberry and yeasty complexity on the nose while the palate is rich with well-integrated acidity and a creamy mousse, the finish dry. Alc: 11.77%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Brut Reserve NV
Price: R430
74% Chardonnay from Bonnievale, 26% Pinot Noir predominantly from Stellenbosch. 10% oaked portion, 25% reserve wine, 36 months on the lees. The nose shows some flinty reduction before citrus and raspberry. The palate is pure and incisive with a fine, persisten mousse and a long, dry finish. Poised and tightly wound. Alc: 11.31%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R375
From a 1971 Paardeberg vineyard, with 15% Grenache Blanc adding nuance. Matured for 10 months in old oak. Complex aromatics of quince, peach and yellow apple plus bee’s wax and wet wool. The palate has weight and texture yet retains verve – concentrated fruit, well integrated acidity and good length. Layered with a slight, appetising bitterness to the finish. Alc: 13.34%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Syrah 2022
Price: R435
From a vineyard outside Malmesbury, with 3% Carignan for extra spice. Destemmed but not crushed. Matured for 24 months in old oak. The nose is heady opening with a touch of reduction before black berries and pepper as well as hints of violet and fynbos. The palate is luscious – rich. smooth textured with moderate acidity, the finish gently savoury. Sure to have plenty of fans. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

The Brut Rosé 2024 is set to be disgorged soon.

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