As part of a community project for the local Children's home, the Herberg Kinderhuis, Thunderchild is grown on the land neighbouring the orphanage, in the actual town of Robertson. This 5ha of land was donated to the Herberg many years ago, and until 2003 was the site of an apricot orchard. Looking for a fundraising initiative, the community of Robertson came together to plant the vines for this special wine, with the noble varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc finding their new home in Van Zyl street.
We at Springfield tend the vines and make the wine as if it was one of our own. Whole grapes are cold macerated for one week - the same process used for our Whole Berry Cabernet Sauvignon - before being fermented using only natural yeasts, found on the skins of the grapes. The wine is then simply racked off - not pressed - in to barrels where it spends one year before being bottled - unfiltered and unfined.
100% of the profits from the sale of Thunderchild goes towards the Herberg in the form of an educational trust. To date the project has helped fund five students through university (including accommodation and pocket money), a full time tutor, extra Master Maths classes for all ages and driving lessons for every child of age. We even have a licensed lorry driver as one of our alumni!
The new vintage of Thunderchild is ready for release and it is the perfect red for any occasion, a deliciously dark juicy blend of 48% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Franc and 19% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark red and black fruit such as cassis and cherries are balanced by notes of white pepper and herbs, with velvety smooth tannins.
Never has donating to charity tasted this good.
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