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Spice Route, Chakalaka, Swartland

€26.99 €29.99

This is a deliciously rich, smooth and full-bodied wine that shows black berry, redcurrant and an endless array of spices, both sweet and savoury, that linger long on the finish. 

This is a gorgeous blend of the classic southern Rhône's Grenache, Syrah, Carignane and Mourvedre, augmented by Petite Sirah, or Durif, (most often seen in California) and Tannat (which normally comes from Madiran in France). The vines are grown in the up and coming region of Swartland, a region that Charles Back, the founder of Spice Route, was instrumental in establishing. The region has desert-like dryness but the vines re never irrigated, forcing the vines to dig deep for nutrients, which is just what happens here on the easy to get through shale and water retaining clay soils.

The grapes are hand harvested and then fermented in separate lots in concrete vats before being aged in American and French barrels. After 12 months the wines are blended before being returned to the barrels again for settling, then bottling.

Spice Route make wines that reflect the wonderfully rich tapestry of South African history - this in particular the trade in spices and the use of mixed spices - or "Chakalaka" in Zulu dialect - in many  South African dishes.

Country: South Africa

Grape(s): Tannat, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Carignan

Style: Svelte, Structured, Smooth, Silky, Iconic, Full, Complex, Broad

Best food matches: Venison, Steak, Red Meats, Pork, Mature Cheeses, Hard Cheeses, Grills, Game, Fine Dining, Beef

Alcohol: 14%

Why buy from us?

When you buy wine from The Allotment Wine Co. you're helping a small Irish company that in turn supports small, sustainable wine producers who grow the grapes and make amazing wines. We only work with partners who share a deep respect and connection with the land and its traditions, witnessed in a firm commitment to quality and sustainability. All of which makes for better wines.

Delivery & Returns

You'll get free delivery when you buy 12 x 75cl bottles of wine online from The Allotment, saving you €7.99.

We charge €7.99 per delivery for quantities less than that.

Our hours for processing orders are between 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday.

We pack your online wine order along the following timelines:

Wine orders for delivery in Dublin, received before 12pm on weekdays are prepared so that delivery should be expected the next working day.

Wine orders for nationwide delivery, received by 12pm on weekdays are prepared so that delivery should be expected two working days later.

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Hi, I'm Chris Gifford.

And you're very welcome to The Allotment Wine Co.

When you wine from me, you're supporting a small Irish business which in turn supports small, sustainable wine producers, as well as other small, dedicated Irish wine importers.

When selecting wines, I look for partners who share a deep respect and connection with the land and its traditions, witnessed in a firm commitment to quality and sustainability. All of which makes for better wines.