
The Franschhoek Valley is located in the cape of South Africa. Franschhoek is a small wine region that is just east of the Stellenbosch wine region. Vineyards cover the mountainous slopes with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Merlot, and Pinot Noir being the most popular varieties produced in the region.
The French Huegenots settled the area over 300 years ago, and brought their knowledge of viticulture to the Franschhoek region. After Protestantism was outlawed, Huguenots came to the Cape of Good Hope after fleeing France.
Thirty-seven wine growers collaborated in 1945 and formed the Franschhoek Co-Operative Cellar growing to 95 producers and peaking in 1984. Over the years, some vineyards have been replaced by citrus and fruit trees.
The warm climate is influenced by the sheltering affects of the coastal mountains, which help keep the vines cool and dormant during the cold winter. The vineyards that lie above the snow line can become frozen during the coldest months. Franschhoek enjoys heavy precipitation during the rainy season giving the region alluvial soil.
The Franschhoek Valley is a small wine industry known for estate and boutique wine farms. The growers are specialists and understand the particular needs of each wine.
La Motte Merlot is made from 100 percent Merlot.
La Motte Merlot offers a bouquet of red currants, cherries and spicy oakiness. It is an elegant, well-balanced and juicy wine with an underlying, refreshing quality.
Excellent with lamb, roasts or casseroles.
Review:
"Medium garnet color. Aromas and flavors of smoked meat, toast, leather, grilled plum, baked cherry tart, cracked black pepper, and myrrh with a round, lively, dry medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long finish with notes of chocolate-covered pecans with well-integrated, fine, firm tannins and light oak flavor. A savory and juicy Merlot with a strong sense of place; try with most meat dishes."
- Beverage Testing Institute (April 2021), 90 pts
After working with the fruit for over a decade, Turkey is proud to present the first single-vineyard bottling for Turley from the Del Barba Vineyard. Contra Costa is a delta where the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers meet, and these head-trained vines are planted in deep dehli blow sand, made up of decomposed granite coming down from the Sierra Mountains. The resulting wine embodies the best the delta has to offer: silken textures, ultra fine tannin, and dark saline fruits.
Review:
"The 2023 Zinfandel del Barba is ripe, boisterous and super-expressive. Floral overtones and bright acids run through a core of red/purplish fruit. Sandy soils confer lovely aromatic presence to this pure Zinfandel. This is an especially accessible offering from Turley."
-Vinous 91-93 Points
Ossian Capitel Verdejo is made from 100% Verdejo.
Ossian Capital represents a particular expression of very old Verdejo vines, taking its potential far finesse, elegance and longevity. It is made in selected years with a selection of extraordinary grapes.
Color: Old golden yellow color with greenish reflections.
Aromas: Surprisingly nuanced and profound.
Flavors: Fresh, full and very light.
Review:
This is very old-vine Verdejo – some approaching 200 years – from Nieva, a cool region south of Valladolid in the province of Segovia. Here, the signature sandy soils take centre stage, resulting in a precise and chiselled white wine that shows off the freshness of the area. Typical varietal bitterness (hemp and grapefruit pith) combines with subtle oak to create a mouthwatering and textured white that will certainly develop further over the coming years. Organic.
-Decanter 96 Points
"Smoky and complex, this centenary Verdejo from Nieva balances grapefruit pith and mango with a subtle leesy texture. The oak is understated, allowing Segovia’s hallmark acidity and sandy grip to shine through. Layered, bitter-edged, and mouthwatering, it’s a serious, terroir driven wine with remarkable freshness and a long, mineral finish. 2025-28"
- Tim ATKIN (Discover Spain 2025), 96 pts