Toast International Port Wine Day With Muratie's Ben Prins Cape Vintage 2017

Muratie invite you to celebrate #PortWineDay exploring the many delights of their Ben Prins Cape Vintage 2017

Muratie Cape Vintage barrels

It’s International Port Wine Day on 10th September, a designated day to celebrate one of the wine world’s oldest and most interesting pleasures.

Made famous in Portugal, Port is now produced around the world, however, under the European Union Protected Designation of Origin guidelines, only wines from Portugal are allowed to be labelled "Port". Since 2012 all “Port”-styled wines produced in South Africa, previously called Cape Port, are bottled under the prefix Cape followed by the appropriate style.

MURATIE CAPE VINTAGE 2017

Muratie’s ‘Port’, which became synonymous with the popular family estate, was first produced by George Paul Canitz in the 1940’s, more than 80 years ago. Winemaker Ben Prins arrived at Muratie in 1957, just before GP Canitz died, and the Muratie Port tradition continued during the 30 years while Ben was at Muratie, and still continues today.

Ben Prins in the Muratie cellar bottling Port in 1964

At Muratie every wine tells a story, honouring the estate’s rich heritage and the intriguing characters from the farm’s colourful past. Muratie’s popular Cape Vintage pays homage to the legendary Ben Prins. Affectionately known as Barefoot Ben, his trademark was his bare feet. According to his wife, Gienie, he hardly ever wore shoes apart from going to church on a Sunday. As unique as the wines he produced, he believed that any ‘unnecessary novelties’ like shoes were ‘verboten’. A hard-working, no-nonsense kind of a man - quiet, contemplative and exceptionally particular - he was both a perfectionist and a traditionalist. It was said of perfectionist Ben that he knew wine like the back of his hand ... or indeed, his foot!

Muratie Ben Prins Cape Vintage

IN THE VINEYARD: Muratie Cape Vintage Port is produced from a vineyard planted way back in 1973. The traditional Portuguese varietals (Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roritz, Tinta Francesca and Souzao) are all planted in the same block. This block is harvested together so this “field blend” is unique to the Muratie Cape Vintage.

IN THE CELLAR: The hand harvested (field blend) grapes are crushed, destalked and pumped into a classic open concrete fermenter. Manual punch downs and pump overs are done at regular intervals. Fortification with grape spirits is done at the critical time to ensure the classic Muratie styled Vintage Port. The port wine is matured in old 225l French Oak barrels for a minimum of two years prior to being bottled.

TASTING NOTES: On the nose, floral notes of violets and roses entice along with Christmas spice and plum pudding. Each sip is deeply rich, with flavours ranging from Kirsch-macerated black cherries to dark chocolate-enrobed hazelnuts. There are also savoury undertones – truffles and tobacco – with brisk acidity and warming alcohol in harmony with the lithely powerful structure. Seamlessly integrated after two years in old 225l French oak barrels, this world-class wine should reward contemplation for at least another two decades.

FOOD PAIRING: Pairs well with fine game dishes or well-matured artisanal cheeses.

PURCHASE: Muratie Ben Prins Cape Vintage 2017 is available at the estate, online at www.muratie.co.za/wine/buy-wine/ and at select fine wine merchants around the country.

APPROXIMATE RETAIL PRICE: R295