Floriography

South Africa & France

THE STORY The Floriography concept is inspired by one of the natural wonders of the world—the Cape Flowers, which bloom every year in a semi-desert region of South Africa called Namaqualand. This region stretches for over 600 miles on the west coast of southern Africa (including in Cederberg) and covers over 170,000 square miles. Over 3,900 seed species lie dormant in the soils of this region until the summer, when the area transforms into a floral wonderland.  Carpets of flowers, of all species and all colors, stretch for miles in all directions. The flowering that takes place each year in the region and paints the landscape in colors that defy even the most vivid imagination is one of the most spectacular phenomena a person will ever witness.

The term Floriography, or the “language of flowers,” was coined in the Victorian era and refers to the practice of communicating with others by sending secret messages coded in the arrangement of particular flowers. In this highly chaste and demure era of the western world—a time during which propriety and proper behavior were of the utmost importance—open expressions of ardor, passion and desire were taboo. Using flowers as symbols allowed individuals to express feelings that could not be spoken aloud.

THE FLOWERS Protea Cynaroides, or king protea, the flower that adorns our Blooming Red selection, is among the oldest families of flowers on earth, dating back 300 million years. The king protea is named after Proteus, the son of Poseidon, who had the power to know all things past, present and future. Proteus would change shape, transforming to hide from people seeking his insights.  It has been said that the protea flower was named after Proteus because it, too, presents itself in an astounding variety of shapes, sizes, hues and textures to make up more than 1,400 varieties. With its mythological associations to change and transformation, it’s not surprising that in “the language of flowers,” the protea symbolizes strength, diversity, resourcefulness, and daring courage.

Dimorphotheca Aurantiaca is more commonly known as the African daisy and is the flower that adorns our Blooming White selection. It is thought that the word “daisy” was derived from an Old English term meaning “Day’s Eye” because daisies open in the morning with the sun and close in the evening as dusk arrives. In “the language of flowers,” this beautiful archetypal bloom is the embodiment of purity and innocence, one that swears a loyalty to love and a commitment to a shared secrecy. 

Rosoideae is the subfamily of the rose and consists of over 850 subspecies. Roses are used to convey many emotions from love to forgiveness. The Coral Rose on the label was selected for its tremendous depth of color and intensity that is found in the skies of Provence. In the language of flowers the coral rose speaks of desire, enthusiasm and happiness. All these traits we know you will find in every bottle.

Blooming Red

South Africa

69% Shiraz, 17% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache

A fruit driven blend. Expect a wine filled with ripe plums, raspberry and hints of dark chocolate with smoky nuances leaving a sweet creamy texture. The juicy tannins make this wine approachable and ready to drink but will improve over the next 4 years. The perfect wine for any occasion.

Vinyards & Vinification:

Facing: South
Soil types: Glenrosa / Slate / Hutton
Age & origin of vines: 6 – 35 years
Yield per Ha: Harvest date: 6 – 8 t/Ha 20 March– 14 April 2017
Degree Balling at harvest: 25 – 26ºB
Fermentation days: Barrel aging: Period in wood: Wood:  60% 3rd fill / 40% 4th fill barrels French 14 months Medium toasted–Never & Allier
Maturation potential: Drink now or keep up to 4 years

Analysis:

TA 5.2g/
Alcohol 13.98% pH 3.5

Blooming White

South Africa

48% Bukettraube, 29% Muscat D’Alexandrie, 22% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Semillon

Blooming White is an explosion of aroma and flavor. It has prominent muscat flavors with apricot and floral notes on the nose. A well-balanced wine with a delicate sweetness and crisp acidity. Enjoyed as an aperitif; partner to spicy fusion foods – not hot; mild curries, or goose liver and Sushi.

Vineyards & Vinification:

Facing: Soil types: Origin of vines: Vineyard area: Yield per Ha: Trellised: Irrigated: Clone: Harvest date: South-west Glenrosa and Sandstone Western Cape 8 Ha 9 t/Ha Extended 6 wire Perold Supplementary BT5A (NIWW) on Ramsey 17 – 28 March 2018

Degree Balling at Harvest: Early morning hand harvested at 23–2    24.5ºB 

Vinification: Reductive style, cold crush 8 C

Skin contact for 8 hours, light
Fermentation: 49 days at 14 C with selected yeast strains; stops fermentation

Analysis:

TA 6.3g/  Alcohol 12.5% Vol pH 3.29

IGP Mediterranee

Rosé

France

50% Grenache – 5% Syrah – 20% Cinsault – 25%
Caladoc

Tasting Notes: Floriography displays a light salmon color in the glass. Watermelon, ripe peach aromas, and floral notes lead to a palate alive with wild strawberries and hints of mineral notes, with crisp acidity and a refreshing finish. The perfect wine for
every occasion.

Vineyards & Vinification

Facing: South
Soil types: Limestone and Clay
Age & origin of vines: 6 – 35 years
Yield per Ha: 6 – 8 t/Ha
Harvest date: August to September
Fermentation days: 10 to 15

Analysis:

Alcohol 12.5% Vol TA 5.7g/
pH 3.37