Chocoholic is a 100% Pinotage. A portion of the grapes is left on the vines for a longer period. The berries become sweeter and drier. Wine made in an Appassimento style is then blended with the normal Pinotage and with some exposure to wood this results in a seductively smooth, sensually soft, subtly sweeter Pinotage.
When Massel created the IWSC, his aim - as it remains to this day - was to reward excellence in drinks worldwide, ensuring recognition for the very best wines and spirits. The IWSC is proud to set the international benchmark for quality, standing out in the crowded world of drinks awards with hundreds of global experts - including buyers, producers, distillers, sommeliers, distributors and influencers - judging wines and spirits throughout the year. Darling Cellars is proud to be rewarded for excellence!
The taste of the Chocoholic is described as old berry fruits that shine against a backdrop of earthy dried herbs. Abundant ripe, juicy blackberries fill the mouth in velvety opulence dusted by vanilla glow. A bruised apple finish is like a deep breath of dusky autumn air. Just divine and a good reason to get hold of a bottle or even a case…
Other wines that also received accolades at IWSC are:
With the team still celebrating, we got the good news that the Darling Cellars Reserve Black Granite Shiraz 2018 was awarded a Platinum medal at the Michelangelo Awards. To receive a Michelangelo Platinum medal, the wine needs to score at least 96 points! Only 24 outstanding wines (the top 1% of all entries) were honoured with this award.
Michelangelo is one of South Africa’s leading drinks competitions and this year attracted 1 565 entries. The usual feature of this competition, namely the international judging panels, had to fall away due to Covid-19 restrictions on inter-continental travel. Instead, the entries were adjudicated by panels comprising local drinks experts, including a large component of Cape Wine Masters.
The grapes for the Black Granite shiraz are harvested from dryland farmed vineyards in Darling, where the vines are not trellised and planted as bush vines. Sites are strategically selected to make the best of the warm sunny days and cooling effect of the Atlantic Ocean with deep soils from decomposed granite, clay rich and good drainage.
This wine displays flavours of cherries, strawberries, red mulberries, pomegranate, liquorice, vanilla, red pepper and white pepper. A very big structured wine with good fruit concentration on the palate. Enjoy with mild curry dishes or a nice slow cooked brisket.
These award winning wines are available at the cellar or online at www.shop.darlingcellars.co.za. | For more information visit our website www.darlingcellars.co.za