THE boutique Franschhoek winery Paserene’s first release of Dark – a full-bodied and broody 2018 Syrah in its Elements range – is a fine ambassador of the winemaker’s pursuit for appealing and authentic expression.
Showing notes of spicy treacle, cherries, and antique leather, this Syrah was crafted from a combination of grapes grown in clay soils in Tulbagh, and sand in Franschhoek. These two renowned wine regions, together with vineyards in Elgin, are the palette from which third-generation winemaker and Paserene co-owner Martin Smith draws for his creations.
Elements echoes the spirit of freedom of the winery itself. The word paserene is derived from Latin and alludes to migrant birds, like the little swallow on its labels. The birds spend most of their lifetimes on the wing. “The freedom of these constant travellers inspires our own pursuit, unfettered, of ultimate expression. It’s what we want to share through our wines – this sense of freedom,” says Martin.
The packaging of Dark and indeed the complete range, communicates this endeavour. A child’s swing depicted on the label – work by accomplished artist Carmen Ziervogel – suggests a happy, innocent space. It is the wine’s invitation to the consumer, to embark on a journey inward and savour each moment in a sip.
“Our wines are super precious to us,” adds Martin. “With that comes a responsibility and a serious commitment to the wine-lover. For Elements, we pare the wine down to its core while having fun with it.”
The name of the range reflects not only the three wine territories – Tulbagh, Franschhoek and Elgin – but the fruit character each provides too.
With this DNA, Elements Dark 2018 emerged as a deep and bold wine that shows classic varietal traits. In addition to the previously mentioned aromas and flavours, there’s blackcurrant and cola on a backdrop of all-spice. Spice echoes on the palate too, along with rich notes of dried plums and liquorice. The finish is long and satisfying.
Having had the benefit of time to develop in bottle, the 2018 vintage certainly shows what may be expected of this lineage. It is an occasion wine, sumptuous on its own or served with well-made comfort food like rich stews and roasts. A perfect sip for winter wine indulgence.
It joins other members of the Elements range:
- Rosie, a pink and deliciously dry rosé
- Emerald, a zesty citrus-laden Sauvignon blanc
- Bright, an easy-sipping, tropical Chardonnay; and
- Midnight, an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon that scored 93 points and was placed in the Prescient Top 10 Cabernet Sauvignon Report for 2021.
Set in a tranquil, natural setting, the farm’s tasting lounge – The Paserene Nest – with its landmark design inspired by swallow nests, is open Mondays to Sundays, 10am to 5pm. Its sunny terrace overlooks an idyllic dam on the farm, a clever nod towards the swallow’s habit of swooping over water. Every welcome to the contemporary tasting lounge is enhanced by opulent wine tastings and sumptuous gourmet platters served up postcard-pretty vine and mountain views. Reservations can be made online via the website.
Paserene is less than 50 minutes from Cape Town, on the R45 at the entrance to Franschhoek.