{wine} De Krans Wines delights with a basket press Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Even though the De Krans Wines Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is simply splendid to drink on its own, it inspired me to make a warming ostrich tray bake to ward off the cold on these late wintery days we’re having this year.

Introduction

My relationship with Cabernet Sauvignon has always been a thing of cautious optimism.  When I started on my wine journey a few years ago, I didn’t quite understand its complex profile, and I often found it parched, dry and woody. Being the world’s most widely recognised wine, I persevered by tasting my way through many more bottles before we finally came to an agreement.

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the different hats worn by a good bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. I’ve learnt that it is a great food wine and the perfect bottle for the classic red-wine-red-meat pairing.

I was incredibly excited to receive a Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 from De Krans wines, and this one was basket pressed. Always eager to learn and experience something new, I couldn’t wait to see if I could pick up on the softer tannin structure and the fruit-driven palate foregrounded by the basket pressing.

Background

De Krans Wines is situated in Calitzdorp in the Klein Karoo region on the scenic Route 62 and nestled between Ladismith and Oudtshoorn. For many, De Krans is still synonymous with their quality port-style wines, which they are traditionally known for.

However, over the years they have successfully expanded their repertoire and now also produce unique and award-winning dry, red wines made of Portuguese grape varieties. This includes the Touriga Nacional and Tritonia Red (Calitzdorp blend). They are also pioneers of the popular Premium Moscato Perlé range, which includes their recently released Alcohol-Free Muscat Nectar (press release).

To read my review on De Krans’ range of Moscato wines, please click here! 

De Krans Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

What makes this Cabernet Sauvignon so unique is the use of an old basket press, which enables a softer pressing action.

The De Krans Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon completes the De Krans Classic Varietal Range, a wine collection that focuses on unique, boutique style of winemaking that embraces well-known and loved cultivars and position them within an affordable price range. The Classic Varietal Range also includes the Free-Run Chenin Blanc, Wild Ferment Chardonnay and Pinotage Rosé.

Tasting notes:  wonderful flavours of ripe berries and cassis with underlying hints of fresh prunes and cedar spice. Soft elegant dark fruit of plum, mulberries and dark cherries. Finished by supple tannins and notes of cherry cigar.
In the vineyard:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon 
In the cellar:  aged in concrete tanks with French Oak staves for 12 months before being bottled. 
Awards and accolades (previous vintages):
Gold Vitis Vinifera Awards 2015
SKJWS. Champion Cab Sauv 2015
RECM Best Value 2014
Gold Wine Awards 2016, 2018
Cellar door price:       approx. R76 per bottle

One tray ostrich sausage bake

It only seemed fitting to pair a Calitzdorp wine with ostrich.  I’ve personalised and refined this one tray sausage bake recipe, drawing inspiration with my eyes as my aunt prepared a similar dish for a family meal. I decided to use a good quality ostrich sausage for this pairing, as I adore the rich taste of this proudly South African product.

Very low in fat and a great sources of iron, zinc and B-vitamins, it’s fragrant, juicy and not as “gamey” as other types of venison.

Add a few pantry staples like rice, butter beans and tinned tomatoes, and you have a meal that looks every bit as delicious as it tastes. You can use a regular thin boerewors instead of the ostrich sausage.

With a taste similar to prime beef, this ostrich sausage tray bake was the perfect match for De Krans Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon. Filled with rich and creamy textures of brown rice and beans, with lashings of piquant tomato, it warms the soul right through. The silky smooth wine with its rich, bruised dark berry aromas harmonised beautifully with the acidity of the sun-ripened tomatoes, and bolstered the robustness of the ostrich sausage. I followed my meal with yet another glass of this delectable red, and I was in my happiest of places. What an absolute delight from the baskets of De Krans.

In conclusion

Thank you, De Krans, for sharing your luscious Cabernet Sauvignon with me – it’s indeed one that I have added to my favourites list, and one that I will pick time and time again to pair with a scrumptious meal.

Disclaimer: I was given this product(s) as part of a press drop in exchange for my honest and truthful opinion and review thereof. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are solely those of The Little Hedonist, given in good faith and in no way influenced by the company or its affiliates. All images, unless otherwise stated / credited, are also my own.

The Little Hedonist endorses responsible drinking.
Don’t drink and drive. Not for persons under 18.