Characteristics:
Elegant, cool climate Pinotage planted in the highly regarded maritime ward of Upper-Hemel-and-Aarde-Valley on northerly slopes at 210m above sea level, 5km from the cool South Atlantic Ocean. The wine is named after the Batrachella Capensis, an endangered frog species living on the estate. Part of the wine underwent spontaneous fermentation with native yeast strains. Aged on French 228L oak for 12 months, 10% new. 2022 is the maiden vintage of this wine, but the vineyards were planted in 1998. Well structured, balanced with lovely fruit aromas and flavours. Dry with tannins firmly controlled.

Platter’s Guide: 4,5*
Tim Atkin MW: 91 points

Food pairing:
Baked or grilled red meat, chateaubriand or coq au vin. Partners with ground game.

About this winery:
Céline Haspeslagh and Frederik Herten have been the young dynamic Belgian owners of Hasher Family Estate in the beautiful Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in South Africa since 2021. The winery on the banks of the Onrus river is 180 hectares in size and the focus lies on premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, for which the region has an excellent reputation. Their mission: terroir driven & elegant cuvées, with respect for the rich biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom -recently rewarded with a WWF/World Wildlife Fund membership. Hasher can already be considered one of the valley’s leading sources of the best the country has to offer.