Name: Spier Frans K Smit 2015
Brand: Spier Wine Farm
Price: 79 EUR
Availability: InStock

Spier Frans K Smit 2015

The flagship of the Spier winery and one of the best wines in our portfolio. It is named after the long-time former cellar master who shot the winery to its current popularity and represents the pinnacle of his passion, craft and dedication to the local terroir. It comes from hand-picked grapes on the slopes of the Helderberg - arguably the best place in South Africa to grow Bordeaux-sourced varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon makes up more than half of the cuvée complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Aromas show traces of dark fruit and cigar box, while the palate has a layered, lingering finish with firm but rounded tannins.

Matous Forman 98

2015 / 0.75l / 14.5% / Stellenbosch - South Africa

About the winery

The Spier winery and farm was founded in 1692. In that time, the winery has come a long way and still strives to follow traditional winemaking practices, but also to keep up with current technology. Even though the winery produces hundreds of thousands of bottles a year, it stands by its regenerative approach to grape growing, i.e. the considerate care of the vines. During its time in the Stellenbosch appellation, it has twice been named the best winery in South Africa.

What we say about the best wineries is that there is no art to making great and expensive wines. The art of the winemaker is to have a balanced range and offer appropriate quality in each category. Whether you open something from the entry-level Signature range, our popular Seaward range or the impeccable Frans K. Smith flagship range dedicated to long-time winemaker and Spier employee, it will be worth it. Speaking for ourselves, we can definitely say that Spier is our heart's desire and we would recommend everyone to visit this winery one day and taste not only the wines but also the fantastic locally produced cuisine.

Terroir

Stellenbosch lies just 40 km east of Cape Town. The Simonsberg Mountains to the north separate it from Paarl, while the Hottentot Holland Mountains to the east separate it from Walker Bay. False Bay lies about 12 miles (20 km) to the south.

Granite and sandstone soils are found throughout Stellenbosch. Due to their high clay content, they have excellent water retention properties, although they are free draining. Sufficient winter rainfall allows growers to keep irrigation to a minimum. Much has been made of the suitability of the soils in Stellenbosch for growing particularly premium red wine grapes.

The climate in the area is relatively hot and dry, although the influence of the False Bay sea is evident in the south. In the afternoons, the vineyards are buffeted by a cool south-easterly wind, which refreshes the grapes after the hot morning sun. White wine varieties are often planted closer to the ocean where this effect is more pronounced.