
The Paarl Valley is a South African wine-producing region that is known for its viticulture, lush landscapes, and beautiful orchards. The wine region is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and has a lovely warm climate and nice cool breezes in the autumn. The town of Paarl is one of the oldest European towns of South Africa, but its name is pronounced differently by the Africans. This region is home to many wineries and is a popular destination for wine-tasting and touring. The Paarl Valley mostly features white wine grapes, but the location is prime for reds as well. Since the luxurious climate of the region is typically warmer compared with regions such as Stellenbosch, red wine grape varieties tend to grow quite well there. These varieties tend to grow well typically in high elevation. The wine region is known for varieties of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Chenin Blanc , Chardonnay and Semillon varieties that grow in the region.
The city of Paarl is known for Nelson Mandela’s exit from the now Drakenstein Correctional Center after almost 30 years in prison. The region is also known for the beautiful Pearl Mountain or Paaral Rock, which is a large rock that has been compared to the many wonders around the world.
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Avennia Sestina Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc.
The story of this wine - The Sestina is an ancient form of poetry from Medieval France. Just as a modern poet can fill this form with new expressions, Avennia uses the traditional Bordeaux blend to express Washington. Sestina is their vision for an old vine, complex blend where all of the components complement each other. This wine is designed for the cellar, so the emphasis is on structure, balance, and complexity.
Winemaker Tasting Notes - “Good deep ruby/garnet color, with aromas of black cherry, fresh black currant, dark mocha, cigar box, and graphite. The palate is lively and dense with mountain berries, mocha, vanilla honey, damp earth, and wildflowers. The finish shows a distinct chalky minerality and beautiful tension. This is a classically balanced and ageworthy Sestina. Drink 2025-2040.” - Chris Peterson, Winemaker
Review:
"The Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated release from Peterson, the 2017 Sestina comes from the Red Willow, Bacchus, and Dionysus vineyards. Rocking levels of crème de cassis, sappy herbs, violets, and cedar pencil all flow to a full-bodied, incredibly pure, polished 2017 that offers flawless balance, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. It's more approachable than normal yet is still going to evolve for 15 to 20 years. The blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, all raised 20 months in 50% new French oak."
- Jeb Dunnuck (April 2020), 95 pts