Bright, tangy, textural with a gently fleshy thing, Fernao Pires was planted in ZA decades ago for production as brandy. Strange Bru (the weird brother in Afrikaans) celebrates the charms of a Portuguese cultivar finding its feet in a foreign field.
Production
Of the last blocks of Fernao left in the Cape this is the oldest at 30-something years old. Originally grown for yield and brandy this Portuguese immigrant certainly found its feet but fell out of favour. Which is where we all come in.. Before we lose ‘em let’s use ‘em. All the rock-stars are sniffing around this block now which is good for its future but here is an accessibly-priced expression of the loveliness of the Found before it gets Lost. In Portugal the variety is also known as Maria Gomes, which is strangely sexy in itself. Best drunk in its youth this wine is not for later, it’s definitely Fernao.
Strange Bru Fernao Pires, Western Cape 2024 (6 bottles case)
Vivino ratings
Tasting notes
A mineral nose of crushed granite, peach kernel and petrichor. On the palate the sandy seam underpins ripe, juicy stonefruit flesh. The wine finishes tight and bright with a clean, lightly floral finish.
Food match
Coconut infused curry, fish with a mango salad, pan roasted chicken.
Info
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ABV
13%
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CASE/BOTTLE SIZE
6 x 75cl
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REGION/COUNTRY
WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
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GRAPE
FERNAO PIRES 100%
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FEATURES
VEGETARIAN, VEGAN
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CLOSURE
SCREWCAP
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WINEMAKER
RYNO BOOYSEN & JD ROSSOUW
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APPELLATION
WO WORCESTER
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ALLERGEN INFO
CONTAINS SULPHITES AND NO OTHER ALLERGENS
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Meet the producer
What’s this then? SKU is a casual band of happy ferments. A circus tent of the Cape’s stranger grapes and blends.
We will champion the unfashionable, experiment with the known and express the found before it gets lost. Mistakes are likely, fun certain.
Welcome to Strange Kompanjie, a Kultivar Club for the Underdog.