[vc_row][vc_column][trx_section align=”center” section_style=”section_style_underline” title=”Almenkerk wine estate” subtitle=”more about our brands” description=”Nestled in the Elgin Valley surrounded by apple orchards, Almenkerk Wine Estate produces some of the most unique expressions of traditional varietals. The Van Almenkerk family immigrated to South Africa from Belgium in 2002 and have since firmly established themselves as a leading wine producer in South Africa.

The philosophy of Almenkerk is to let the fruit do the talking and the result is that 90% of the effort happens in the soil. The aim is to nurture healthy, natural soils and vines which result in unique flavour expressions that show in the wines. The oaking of their wines is done very subtly in order to best express the unique flavour characteristics of their fruit. This results in elegant, well balanced wines that have a minerality distinctive of the cool climate Elgin Valley.”][/trx_section][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”estate range” color=”chino”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”1054″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”sauvignon blanc 2019″ shape=”square” hover_background_color=”chino”]13% ABV

The grapes used to make this wine are from a single vineyard – the Sunlight block, situated at 300m above sea-level. This gravelly, wind-exposed block stresses the vine to produce ripe, concentrated flavours in the grape.

The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc shows upfront fruity aromas of elderflower, gooseberry, white peach and capsicum, underbuilt by fresh granny smith apples, cut grass and flinty river pebbles. Built on natural acidity and a core of minerality, this wine has a rounded mouthfeel & lingering finish due to the extended lees contact. Will drink youthfully for the next 2-3 years and will develop complexity over the next 5-8 years.

Awards & Accolades
• CVC (Cape Vintners Classification) Accolade GOLD – Single Vineyard Site Specific Wine
• Michelangelo Wine Awards 2020: GOLD Medal
• Platter 2020: 4.5 Stars
• Decanter World Wine Awards: 90 points
• Prescient Christian Eedes Sauvignon Blanc Report 2020: 90 Points[/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”1053″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”merlot 2017″ shape=”square” hover_background_color=”chino”]14% ABV

All the reds get extended hang-time in this cool climate, resulting in fully ripe fruit flavours without getting overripe flavours or extravagant alcohol levels. The rows are north-south facing to achieve optimal solar interception while allowing for the prevailing strong winds to blow them without damaging the vines.

The 2017 Merlot is upfront fruity, dominated by mulberry and fresh cherry, while supported by a subtle wooding. With a subtle hint of tomato leaf, this wine has an unmistakable elegance & poise which follows through on the palate. The lingering puckering tannin structure and distinct minerality makes this a prime example of what cool-climate Merlots can be like. Will drink youthfully for the next 2-3 years and can be cellared comfortably for up to 10 years.

Awards & Accolades
• CVC (Cape Vintners Classification) Accolade – Single Vineyard Site Specific Wine
• National Wine Competition 2021: Double Gold.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”1049″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”chardonnay 2018″ shape=”square” hover_background_color=”chino”]13% ABV

The grapes used to make this wine are all from the same block, called Annabelle after the winemaker’s eldest daughter. This sandy loam block is located on the coldest site of the farm; ensuring winter frost every winter and thus providing the Chardonnay vines with the required cold units to bud uniformly year after year.

The complex nose leads with pomelo, lemon-tree flower, pineapple, oatmeal, fresh coconut and vanilla pods underbuilt by a floral tone that underscores its minerality. Judiciously but unapologetically wooded, the blond toast characters complement the fruit. The zesty palate is softened by the lees contact, leading to a lingering finish, giving a typical Elgin cool-climate elegance. Will drink youthfully for the next 2-5 years and can be cellared up to 10 years.

Awards & Accolades
• Prescient Christian Eedes Chardonnay Report 2019 – 92 Points
• National Wine Competition: Top 100 & Double Platinum award
• CVC (Cape Vintners Classification) Accolade GOLD – Single Vineyard Site Specific Wine[/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”1616″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”petit verdot 2014″ shape=”square” hover_background_color=”chino”]14% ABV

The grapes for this wine come from our small experimental block. There are only 180 vines of Petit Verdot on the Estate, which make 2 barrels worth of wine. This grape variety fell out of favour in its original region of Bordeaux in France because it ripens too late. In the warmer areas of South Africa, Petit Verdot develops prune-like overripe flavours. The cool climate of Elgin, however, seems to be very suitable to this varietal.

Typical of Petit Verdot, the layered fruit is what this wine is built on. The gently wooding supports the wine and its full-bodied structure. Its cool-climate pedigree gives firm natural acidity which ensures its ageing potential. The long hanging time gives the wine depth, great tannin structure, and dark, dense colour. Think lively fruit of blackberry and black cherry, offset by earthy, leathery notes.

ONLY AVAILABLE IN MAGNUMS[/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”lace range” color=”chino”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”1052″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”sauvignon blanc 2020″ shape=”square” hover_background_color=”chino”]13.5% ABV

The main component comes from the Estate’s Yvonne block (named after the winemaker’s mother): a cold, south-facing, slow-ripening block with deep soils. It ripens slowly and produces fruity, exuberant fruit. This block stresses the vine to produce the more mineral, flinty flavours. The vines are not irrigated throughout the ripening season, forcing them to dig their roots deeper in search of water.

The 2020 Lace Sauvignon Blanc is an expression of the riper, more opulent fruit, underbuilt by greener, floral notes. On the nose it releases aromas of white peach and fresh apples. The palate the wine shows well-balanced fruit and acidity with a broad, lingering finish due to the lees contact and concrete eggs. Will drink youthfully for the next 2-3 years and can be cellared up to 8 years.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”1051″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”rosé 2020″ shape=”square” hover_background_color=”chino”]13% ABV

The section of the Cabernet Sauvignon block (named Joep after the Pater Familias) that yields the grapes for this rosé is cordoned off and treated entirely differently to the red wine grapes from the same block. The viticulturist leaves longer bearers to give a higher leaf density. This allows the rosé bunches to ripen in the shade, leading to more strawberry & red berry aromas (compared to the full blackcurrant of the exposed bunches). Rather than picking the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes at full ripeness, they are harvested slightly earlier to get the freshness of the natural acidity and lower alcohols in the wine.

Aromas of ripe strawberries & watermelon follow through on the palate. This rosé is dry & has a savoury finish which makes it a great partner to salads, lightly spicy dishes and herb-spice based cheeses. This is meant to be a serious rosé, one that shows the proper respect to the category. It is also a
throwback to the rosés the Estate owners used to drink growing up – the south-of-France style, if you will. Rather than being overly fruity or sweet, this wine is more about texture & food pairing.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”1050″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”vineyard selection red” shape=”square” hover_background_color=”chino”]13.5% ABV

This blend is a true vineyard blend in the sense that it reflects the reds planted on the Estate according to its hectares. A blend of mostly Syrah (53%) and Merlot (30%), these are complimented with Malbec (6%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%) and smaller quantities of Mourvedre (2%), Petit Verdot (1%) and Cabernet franc (1%).

Attractive dark cherries & red fruit on the nose with spicy, perfumed notes in the background typify the two main grape cultivars in this wine. Cabernet Sauvignon imparts some bigger tannins that form the backbone of the wine, while the Malbec enhances the colour and introduces hints of sweet plum.
On the palate the wine enters fruity & voluptuous with a surprising freshness due to its cool climate pedigree. The supportive wooding complements this fruit-forward wine and lends a sérieux to the wine. It finishes off with a lingering finish, balancing mouth-puckering tannins with fruit purity. Drinking well now but will age beautifully over the next 3-5 years.[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][trx_button align=”center” link=”https://www.liquidity.co.za/portfolio/”]back to our portfolio[/trx_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]