Tinta Barocca and the other Portuguese varietals planted in the Boplaas vineyards thrive in the Klein Karoo terroir, producing wines and fine Cape fortifieds that are both complex, age worthy and food-friendly. The Tinta Chocolat 2011 crafted from hand-harvested fruit, fermented in open fermenters with manual pigeage and then barrel maturation in a combination of new and 2nd fill barrels to accentuate the ripe plum, black cherry, piquant spice and dark cocoa undertones of this varietal. The Tinta Chocolat with its buxom fruit flavours and creamy oak notes, is an ideal accompaniment to char-grilled red meats, charcuterie, tomato based pasta dishes, dark chocolate desserts and equally as enjoyable as an aperitif. The more traditional Boplaas Tinta Barocca 2009 crafted from hand-harvested fruit and fermented in traditional "kuipe" with manual punch-downs, matured in 3rd fill French barrels and with a moderate alcohol of 13.5% offers the ripe red berry, plum, fynbos, subtle cocoa and smooth tannins. An ideal partner to traditional South African fare – bobotie, waterblommetjie stew, lamb sosaties and springbok pie; charcuterie, biltong and hearty vegetarian fare. At this year's inaugural wine category of the Cape Port Producers' Association (CAPPA) "Challenge 2012", Boplaas triumphed with not only three wines in the "Top 10", but also producing the top scoring wine with the Boplaas Tinta Chocolat 2011. The stalwart of Boplaas's Portuguese varietal stable, the Boplaas Tinta Barocca 2009 came in a very respectable third, while the Woolworth's Boplaas Portuguese Connection 2011 – a blend Tinta Barocca, Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon – rounded out the "Top 10". The CAPPA "Challenge" was open to all Portuguese varietal and blended wines with a minimum Portuguese varietal(s) component of 30%. The Boplaas Tinta Chocolat, Boplaas Tinta Barocca, as well as the Boplaas Touriga Nacional and Family Reserve Ring of Rocks (a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Touriga Nacional blend) are available from our cellar door in Calitzdorp and retailers. For more information about these Portuguese varietal wines and our range, visit www.boplaas.co.za, give us a call on 044 213 3326, send us a mail at marketing@boplaas.co.za or info@boplaas.co.za or follow us on Twitter @Boplaas1880 for the freshest farm news. Boplaas Family Vineyards, Calitzdorp – Tending vines and Crafting wines, Since 1880©