The Wine Fox ~ there’s nothing better than a place that sets your mind at ease, evokes inner peace and indulges your wine demons. let us take a journey to the serene Paserene.
New to the Franschhoek wine route is Paserene, a family owned business owned by Ndabe Mareda and innovative rebel winemaker Martin Smith. The name Paserene comes from the Latin word Passeriformes, the order of "travelling and free" birds containing swifts and swallows.
When I arrived at Paserene I immediately feel a great sense of peace, their tasting room is perfectly harmonized with nature, made out of glass, wood and tones of greys and greens. Paserene opened its doors in December 2017 with the vision of interactively sharing the poetry of their outstanding wines with us fallow wine explorers.
Paserene is not bound to their homesteads terroirs but focus their attention on Tulbach, Franschhoek and Elgin. I like that the winemakers are becoming way more playful with the different terroirs they use to create their wine bottled dreams. Paserene makes three deliciously addictive sultry wines... seriously winemaker Martin Smith’s is a true wine artist!
PASERENE CHARDONNAY 2016
100% Chardonnay
Elgin region
Shows a light golden colour with a beautiful green hue that is a tell-tale sign of Elgin fruit.
The aromas combine great richness and elegance with abundant aromas of lemon zest, white peach, oatmeal and citrus blossoms. Gentle oak integration at 30% new super tight grain Burgundian barrels enhance and round out the palate. The mouth-feel is broad and luxurious with incredible length and a vibrant yet polished acidity that suggest the wine will benefit from two more years of bottle age.
The girl on the front label represents the beauty of Mother Nature, and the area where the wine is from.
PASERENE UNION 2016
44% Syrah, 34% Carignan and 22% Mourvèdre
Tulbagh region
Colour is dark and inky.
Predominantly Syrah, this wine has got ample complex aromas of blue berries, charcoal, violets and bacon fat. Exotic, smoky and thick with elegance as well as excellent definition. Extraordinary balance between primary fruit aromas and deep charry mineral components gives the wine an inviting natural warmth and broodiness.
The label scene is set in Tulbagh and it carries the message of unification. The two entities on the other labels, the girl (Mother Nature) and the swift (the Winemaker) finally found a place to be together. The tree in the background takes the role of stability and calmness that anchors them.
PASERENE MARATHON 2016
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Petit Verdot and 5% Carménère
The wine exhibits a deep ruby to purple colour.
On the nose it shows an appealing bouquet of dark preserved fruits like black currants and black cherry paste with camphor, cedar and crème de cassis. Definitely a more layered wine than singular. This transcends into a mineral whiff of crushed rocks, liquorice and espresso roasts. The wine boasts a very unique and authentic aroma profile that is young and exciting. The palate is dense and rich with sweet tannins that are well integrated.
The swallow on the front label represents the winemaker's relentless pursuit of acquiring knowledge in South Africa and California to produce his style of wines. It further relates to the warm, agile personality of the wine.
I was truly impressed by the stunning tasting room, wines and had a fabulous time with Sommelier Billet. I learnt so much, Can’t wait to come back!
<---Sommerlier Billet in action, such a cool cat!
Wine Tastings
R150 pp
Paserene does a beautiful luxury cheese plate for R250 to accompany the wines and relaxing atmosphere.
Follow them on Instagram www.instagram.com/paserene
Cheers Wine Warriors ...till next time!
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