Cape Blend Top 5: Asara's Vineyard Collection Cape Fusion 2016

Wednesday, 4 September, 2019
Asara Wine Estate and Hotel
Asara was delighted to have the Vineyard Collection Cape Fusion 2016 selected as one of South Africa’s top five Cape blends in the 2019 Perold Absa Cape Blend competition from a selection of 44 of South African’s top Cape blends.

Cape Fusion has been a consistent award winner with the 2015 vintage achieving a Double Platinum Award / Top 100 status at the 2018 National Wine Challenge / Top 100 SA Wines, and receiving gold medals at the Frankfurt International Wine Trophy, the AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge, the Vitis Vinifera Awards, the Mundus Vini International Wine Awards and the Michelangelo International Wine Awards.

The recently released 2016 vintage was awarded a gold medal pre-release at last year’s Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition. Cape Fusion is a blend of Pinotage, Shiraz and Malbec. The style of Pinotage sought for the blend is fresh and elegant, thus the vines are grown at the highest altitude on the estate. Pinotage’s special affinity to French oak produces signature mocha tones in the blend but with the fruit remaining at the fore.

The Shiraz vines are stressed during ripening to reduce the fruit size slightly and contributes roundness and spiciness to the blend. The inclusion of Malbec makes Cape Fusion an unusual take on the Cape blend and contributes depth and structure. Each component is matured separately in French oak before blending. The result is a harmonious blend with a full, round mouthfeel, luscious blackberry, dark chocolate and sweet violet flavours and a dry yet fruity finish.

Asara Estate Manager Pete Gottgens says: “Cape Fusion consistently offers award-winning quality and punches well above its weight in terms of value for money. We are extremely proud of our unique Cape blend and honoured to receive this accolade which is specifically focused on South Africa’s unique varietal, Pinotage. The award reflects a fantastic team effort - from the expertise of our vineyard team to the artistry in the cellar.”​