This wine opens with aromas of morello cherry, plum, dried roses, coffee and light earth. It is medium weight with flavors of red cherries and raspberries mixing with hints of cinnamon, dried porcini mushroom and cranberry tea -- a good balance of fruit and savory notes. This has perky acidity and fine tannins. It would be a good match with roasted chicken, salmon, ahi tuna or pork loin, and vegetarian dishes such as spinach pie, sautéed mushrooms, ratatouille or pesto pizza.

A juicy, accessible red, featuring blackberry and boysenberry fruit, with dried herb, toast and licorice snap accents. Lightly chewy and balanced. Drink now. – Wine Spectator, 88 Points.

WINE INFORMATION

There are fewer than 6,000 painted wolves, or African wild dogs, left in the world today. They form intimate packs and hunt as a team. Painted Wolf Vineyards is dedicated to the production of South African wines and to the conservation of African wild dogs and their natural habitat. The painted wolf is known for a few characteristics but most unique is that they only have 4 toes while other canines have 5.

Grapes for this wine were harvested from farms in Paarl, the Swartland and Breedekloof over four weeks, beginning in late January. Once in the cellar the grapes were destemmed and fermented in tanks with a combination of French and American oak staves. There is a small barrel component which is hand plunged in small fermentation tanks and then pressed off in a basket press, before being run directly into barrel.

This wine is dry farmed, vegan, biodynamic, organic and sustainably farmed. Painted Wolf supports the conservation of the African wild dog through its donations to the EWT (www.ewt.org.za) and Tusk (www.tusk.org).

The winery was established in 2006 by husband and wife team Emma and Jeremy Borg. They do not own vineyards, must mostly work with growers that adhere to their environmental and social standards. Jenny Metelerkamp, who lived with the Borgs in the bush in Botswana, produced the fine painted wolf ink drawing for the label.

The Den line of wines was created to produce social wines to be enjoyed with friends and family, named for the den, the heart of all African wild dog communities. Flavor-packed, soft and juicy comfort wines for every day drinking.

Charcuterie, Cheese, Chicken/Turkey, Grilled preparations, Lamb, Mushrooms, Pizza, Roasted Root Vegetables, Sausage, Tomato Sauce