Blank Bottle Kortpad Kaaptoe 2024

Blank Bottle Kortpad Kaaptoe 2024 is a striking and characterful white wine from the Swartland region of South Africa, made from 100% Fernão Pires (also known as Maria Gomes). What makes this wine truly special is not only the expression of the grape, but also the story behind its name, which perfectly captures the adventurous spirit of winemaker Pieter Walser. During one of his wine expeditions in the area, Walser needed to travel quickly from a farm between Darling and Hopefield to Cape Town. A local farmer explained in Afrikaans the “kortpad kaaptoe” – literally the short path to Cape Town – an unpaved route that unexpectedly took him past an old vineyard with unknown, old Fernao Pires vines. This chance discovery inspired him to make a wine that captures the character of this unique vineyard and its surroundings, giving birth to the name Kortpad Kaaptoe.

The grapes for this wine come from old, unirrigated bush vines and are harvested in four different stages to capture a range of ripeness. Fermentation occurs spontaneously, without the addition of commercial yeast, and the wine is aged for around ten months on the lees in a combination of oak barrels, concrete tanks, and amphorae. This process gives the wine a natural texture, a fine integration of fruit and minerality, and an authentic expression of the Swartland terroir.

In the glass, Kortpad Kaaptoe 2024 displays a rich straw-gold color with a slight sheen. Its aromatic profile is inviting and complex, with fresh citrus notes like lime and grapefruit, complemented by ripe peach, tropical fruits, and delicate floral hints, layered with subtle herbs and a light almond nuance.

On the palate, the wine is lively and energetic, with a juicy structure that accentuates the fruit. Bright acidity provides tension, while the mineral undertone adds precision and elegance. The texture is round and smooth, yet maintains a pleasant vibrancy thanks to the contrast between the fruity character and the clear mineral notes.

Blank Bottle Kortpad Kaaptoe 2024 is more than a wine; it is a story of adventure and curiosity, a liquid expression of a remarkable discovery that captures the essence of the Swartland and Pieter Walser’s unconventional vision in a single bottle.