Great wines from a young winery!
Article by Victor Ledermann
After years as a writer for various wine magazines and as a copywriter for Swissair's wine list, he is now professionally engaged in other fields, but still a passionate wine enthusiast. Victor Ledermann is financially independent and clearly communicates the origin of the wines and information. He writes all texts and recommendations out of personal conviction and love for wine, without commercial intentions. This refreshingly different approach makes his blog particularly authentic.
Remarkable winery
Founded only in 2015, "Thistle and Weed" now produces great wines: fresh, lively, dense, and profound. This South African winery is one to remember! - says Victor Ledermann.
The name "Thistle and Weed" signifies that the vine is resilient and not deterred by weeds or thistles. According to Ledermann, the winery focuses on careful interaction with nature and, for example, produces its Cabernet Franc biodynamically. Weeds are not seen as adversaries here, which makes the name "Thistle and Weed" even more fitting.
The owners: Etienne Terblanche and Stephanie Wiid
Etienne is the winemaker, Stephanie is the oenologist, who is also responsible for winemaking at "Draaiboek" in Hemel & Aarde. Both partners have first-class educations, and Stephanie has wine in her blood, so to speak – her grandfather Niel Joubert became a wine legend in South Africa with the Spier winery and the establishment of the Stellenbosch Wine Route.
Chenin Blanc from Thistle and Weed
A previous tasting of various Chenin Blancs confirmed Victor Ledermann's suspicions from the "Duwweltjie" (devil's thorn): the "Springdooring" (prickly pear) and "Brandnetel" (this Afrikaans word is understandable in English too) are also magnificent and distinctive wines! Each wine carries its own signature, typical for Chenin Blanc, but each in its very own way. The unifying element in all wines is a wonderful freshness and great density.
Brilliant blends with unusual varieties
The blends are superb and stand out due to their unusual varieties. The white Khakibos (Tagetes minuta) consists of Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, Palomino, Alvarinho, and Fernão Pires. This Iberian-influenced combination creates a wonderful wine that ranks among the world's great white wines. The red Nastergal (black nightshade) primarily uses Iberian varieties: Tempranillo, Alicante Bouschet, Tinta Francisca, Touriga Nacional, and Souzao, complemented by a little Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is also magnificent and showcases Thistle and Weed's high art of blending.
Tasting notes by Victor Ledermann
Killer Deal >6 Bottles
THISTLE AND WEED
Khakibos White – 2021
CHF 19.90 instead of 29.90
Medium yellow; very complex citrus fruit, scent of jasmine and freshly cut grass, despite aging in used wood, a beautiful, subtle hint of new-looking wood; pronounced freshness on the palate, very dense, well-integrated acidity, very long, fruit-driven finish. A grand, touching wine that defies categorization, but if you imagine something between a very good Burgundy and a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you're not entirely wrong. 18 points.
Killer Deal >6 Bottles
THISTLE AND WEED
Springdoring – 2020
CHF 17.90 instead of 29.90
Pale yellow; very fine, complex fruit (including mirabelle plums, white currants), mineral note; minerality and freshness continue on the palate, very dense, beautiful acidity, seems to have some tannin; fresh and crisp, yet sophisticated wine. 17.5 points
Killer Deal >6 Bottles
THISTLE AND WEED
Brandnetel Chenin Blanc – 2020
CHF 19.90 instead of 29.90
Pale yellow; very fruity with orange melon and white peach, slightly peppery, some wood noticeable; on the palate dense and assertive, very fresh, beautiful acidity, minimal, nice bitter touch; powerful and elegant at the same time, the wood is also restrained and nicely noticeable on the palate. Great wine! 18 points.
Top Sale
THISTLE AND WEED
Nastergal Red – 2020
CHF 19.90 instead of 29.90
Medium purple; dark fruits (blackberries, jostaberries), spicy (including thyme and pepper), hint of leather; wonderful freshness, juicy-fruity, beautiful acidity, much very fine tannin, elegant with simultaneous, rather restrained power, long finish. Truly powerful! 17.5 points.
Thistle and Weed is a must
Since a trip to South Africa in 2002, Victor Ledermann has been a confessed fan of the country, even if some developments worry him. However, he is delighted by the progress in viticulture. Even back then, there were immensely good wines, and in the meantime, South Africa has grown into a truly great wine country in its breadth. Again and again, there are newcomers like Thistle and Weed who achieve great things. The winery has completely convinced him, and if he manages to return to South Africa, a visit to Thistle and Weed in Paarl will certainly be a must!
All prices in CHF incl. VAT. Daily price from 09.07.2024.
Offers valid while stocks last. Errors and price changes reserved.
