The wine has a punchy but well-defined bouquet of blackberry, floral and clove aromas. The nicely structured palate is medium-plus bodied, with supple, fine-grained tannins. Fruit flavors range from red cherry to blackberry with touches of licorice and mulling spice.

WINE INFORMATION

After 12 years at Boschendal Winery, Thinus Krüger owner of Fram Wines decided to take his experience and direct his passions into another venture. Krüger grows his grapes from a farm northwest of Clanwilliam and is embarking on an exciting journey with FRAM, as its founder, winemaker and sole employee. He makes a promise to “always sail into unchartered waters, to boldly search for whatever grapes lie behind the next hill, over the next horizon.”

He crafts wines from 3 different regions in the Western Cape. His Chardonnay comes from the alluvial soils of Robertson, the Shiraz from the dry-lands of the Swartland just north of Malmesbury which is known for its sandy granite soil, and the Flagship FRAM Pinotage from the remote Skurfberg vineyard (Citrusdal Mountain) planted on sandstone.  For this Shiraz, 5% Grenache and Mourvedre are added to the final blend. The Shiraz grapes come from three vineyards on different soil types, matured 80% in used oak and the rest in stainless steel.

“The Swartland” translated means “the black land” and the area takes its name from the now endangered indigenous renosterbos (rhino bush) which once turned the landscape a dark color at certain times of the year. The constant Atlantic Ocean breezes adequately support the region's microclimates, offering numerous benefits to its vineyards, such as air drainage and disease control. The district was traditionally a source of robust, full-bodied red wines and high quality, fortified wines.

Charcuterie, Duck, East Asian (Chinese/Japanese/Korean), Ham, Hearty stew, Lamb, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce, Wild Game