The wine Viognier from the Alvi’s Drift winery
The Viognier from Alvi’s Drift Winery represents a perfect balance between aromatic intensity and elegant structure. Located in the heart of an ideal Mediterranean microclimate, the vineyard benefits from a rich diversity of soils and the vital waters of the Breede River. These elements contribute to producing wines of unique and complex character. The Van Der Merwe family tradition, started by Albertus Viljoen “Oupa Alvi” Van Der Merwe, is passionately continued today by winemaker Alvi Van Der Merwe, who continues to produce award-winning wines appreciated worldwide and affirms: “Think ‘great’, for the price of good!”
The Winemaking
The winemaking process for Viognier begins in the vineyards, where grapes are grown with natural compost produced on-site. Hand harvesting takes place in the cool morning hours to ensure only the healthiest and ripest bunches are used. In the cellar, the focus is on preserving the fruit-driven expression of the grapes. Only high-quality free-run juice is used to create this unwooded wine. The clarified juice is cold fermented and left on the lees for several months, developing complexity and depth before fining and stabilization.
Tasting the wine
This Viognier stands out with its intense aromas of blossom, apricot, and spices. On the palate, it offers a well-balanced structure, where fruity flavors follow harmoniously, almost dancing on the palate. This wine can be enjoyed immediately or aged for at least three years, promising a refined evolution.
Food Pairings
Alvi’s Drift Viognier is extremely versatile and pairs perfectly with spicy dishes. It is ideal with chicken or fish dishes and also with the classic quiche Lorraine. Its ability to enhance the flavors of complex dishes makes it an excellent choice for elegant and sophisticated dinners.
THE AWARDS
This Viognier has received prestigious recognitions, including Gold at the 2023 Lumo Awards and Double Gold at the 2023 Gold Wine Awards, confirming its excellence in the international wine scene.
THE WINERY
The distinctive character and complexity of Alvi’s Drift wines are the result of an exceptional combination of climate, soil, and topography, complemented by an abundance of water supplied by the Breede River. The wines elegantly express the extraordinary terroir of the vineyards. Each bottle infuses an authentic sense of place and the passion of those who contributed to their creation.
The winery processes over 5.6 million liters of wine each harvest, making large-scale production possible without compromising quality. Chief winemaker Alvi van der Merwe and his team live their passion for the art of winemaking, creating award-winning and internationally acclaimed white, red, rosé, Cap Classique, and sparkling wines.
Each wine from Alvi’s Drift embarks on a unique journey within the winery. Different winemaking techniques are employed to ferment and mature the varietals in the blends of red wines. Each wine is vinified separately, highlighting the distinctive character of each grape variety. This approach allows the winery to offer wines that not only satisfy but also tell a story of passion, dedication, and respect for the land.
| Denomination | |
|---|---|
| Brand | |
| Grape Variety | |
| Aging | |
| Wine Year | |
| Aging Potential | |
| Alcoholic content | |
| Service Temperature | |
| Bottle size | |
| Food pairing | fish, shellfish, vegetable risotto, vegetable frittata, white meat |
You may also like…
