Iconic wines – De Toren 2.0
Article by Karin Wild
Dear customers, after a few days back from sunny South Africa, I am delighted to be able to share my new wine experiences and stories with you.
The return of De Toren: Wine love 2.0
Together with Andy Zimmermann, I had the pleasure of once again meeting many exciting winemakers, tasting first-class wines and discovering the fascinating stories behind the wines and their producers. My trip was also a culinary and accommodation delight – I will be reporting on all of this in the coming weeks.
Today we start our wine journey 2.0 with a special highlight!
Relaunch of De Toren – back at KapWeine!
Today we start our wine journey 2.0 with a real highlight: the relaunch of De Toren!
Yes, you read that right – De Toren is back at KapWeine! Simply fantastic! I am sure that there are many De Toren fans among you who, like me, have sorely missed the wines of this flagship winery in recent years. So it’s all the better to be able to announce that De Toren is back with us – back in the Home of South African Wines. But let us tell you the story from the beginning…
The story behind De Toren
It all began in 1994 with a breathtaking view of the Polkadraai Hills, stretching from the Helderberg across False Bay to Table Mountain. Emil and Sonette Den Dulk recognised the untapped potential of this unique location and decided to buy the 25-hectare vineyard and found the boutique winery De Toren.
The name De Toren means ‘the tower’ in Dutch and refers to the winery’s cellar structure, which is based on gravity pressing. As a great perfectionist, Emil left nothing to chance and initiated a comprehensive soil analysis in close co-operation with scientists from Stellenbosch University. Twelve soil samples were taken from each hectare of the farm – three times the usual practice in the wine industry. Fifteen different soil types were identified and 25 clones of the five classic Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot) were planted.
The return to KapWeine
The philosophy ‘The truth is in the vine’ was coined by De Toren and made the winery one of the most respected premium wine producers in South Africa. Andy Zimmermann, who recognised the great potential of this winery early on, began importing De Toren’s wines from the first vintage in 1999. This long, successful collaboration ended in 2019 when the winery was sold to Swiss investors.
After this period, we are now all the more pleased to announce that the story of De Toren continues with KapWeine. After visiting the modernised winery and having an inspiring tasting with the current owners Cédric Schweri and Albi Koch, it was clear: the journey together continues. The wines from De Toren are now even better and more precise than ever before.
Fusion V – Icon in a glass
Have you ever tasted the Fusion V, this iconic Bordeaux wine in the ‘left-bank’ style? If so, you will certainly be familiar with the incredible complexity and complexity that make this wine a true masterpiece. If not, it’s high time you got to know this exceptional wine.
Together with Albi Koch and head winemaker Charles Williams, we had the privilege of tasting the outstanding 2020 vintage. This is now available en primeur and will be available again at KapWeine from January 2025. Dark fruit flavours hit the nose from the very first whiff. The first sip reveals not only these fruity flavours, but also the striking minerality, the hint of graphite and the elegance of a great wine. The powerful body of the wine is never perceived as heavy or broad thanks to its lively freshness and fruity tannins. Quite the opposite: an elegant wine that you simply have to love.
If you put it in the cellar, it will certainly give you pleasure even after 20 years.
To celebrate, you have the unique opportunity to order this exceptional wine en primeur at a special price from KapWeine. And the best thing is: if you buy 12 bottles, you will receive a magnum bottle for free!
Don’t hesitate and get De Toren back in your wine cellar.
Edition Z – the elegant companion
The ‘sister wine’ of Fusion V bears the name Edition Z. The grapes come from a vineyard planted at a later date and combine around 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Despite the lower proportion, the Cabernet Franc makes a strong statement with its clear aroma of red berries and herbs. The high proportion of Merlot gives the wine a velvety elegance and freshness.
Edition Z is a versatile companion that goes perfectly with spicy dishes, rib-eye or rump steak. To develop its full flavour potential, we recommend decanting the wine and serving it at 18 degrees Celsius.
Edition Z will also be available again from KapWeine from the end of January 2025 – a pleasure that you should not miss out on.
Exclusive premium wines
Last but not least, I would like to introduce you to the three outstanding, limited edition top wines from De Toren, which will be available again at KapWeine at a later date.
BOOK XVII 2022 – The masterpiece
The extremely complex and perfectly balanced BOOK XVII vintage 2022 is a true masterpiece. Only 1700 bottles of this exceptional Bordeaux-style wine were produced. It consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec and 20% Cabernet Franc – a combination that challenges even highly acclaimed Bordeaux wines. The nose reveals distinctive notes of bear droppings and blueberries. A wine like Christmas – intense, complex and unique.
The Black Lion 2022 – A top-class Shiraz
Another highlight is The Black Lion 2022, a 100% Shiraz whose grapes come from the Helderberg. This wine surprises with flavours of dark chocolate and coffee, which do not come from the oak barrel but from the special terroir. The interplay of flavours is complemented by dark plum notes and the pepper typical of Shiraz. This dark, velvety wine will remain unforgettable once you have tasted it.
Patronus 2022 – Seductive freshness
The Patronus 2022, a 100% Malbec of which only 1200 bottles were produced, is a new addition to the range of limited top wines. Its seductive perfume, combined with the structure of red plums, sweet fruit and tobacco notes, makes it an exceptional wine with remarkable freshness.
If you want to treat yourself to something very special or make a loved one happy, these wines are the perfect choice. Exclusivity and enjoyment at the highest level – secure yourself one of these limited edition masterpieces as soon as they are available again at KapWeine.
Event highlight: Tasting on 30 November 2024
Have you become curious? Taste the new ‘Fusion V 2020’ vintage at our event in Wädenswil. I look forward to presenting the wines to you in person and infecting you with my passion for De Toren.
Cheers and best regards,
Your Karin
