What an up and down roller-coaster ride we’ve had these past few weeks! But we continue to live in Hope. The Hope of something to look forward to. The Hope of things going back to normal and enjoy the beauty of our country has to offer.
Set in the valley of the beautiful Franschhoek is where you would find Paserene. The name Paserene derives from the Latin word Passeriformes, the order of “traveling and free” birds containing swifts and swallows.
Paserene is a small, family operated winery owned by Martin Smith and Ndabe Mareda, the sole purpose of which is to produce high-end, luxury wines. Great care was given to ensure that the wines produced, and artwork on the labels, are truly authentic to its “sense of place and people” and will guarantee a lasting legacy.
Art and birds are a theme running through all of Paserene. The tasting lounge is modern and contemporary. The design is cylindrical in shape and is a striking architectural masterpiece with the natural materials creating a “martin’s nest” of twigs and mud.
The interior merges with the exterior as the dam and the mountain view create a beautiful backdrop through the wooden “staves” of the nest.
Paserene offers a Small Plate Menu allowing guests to create their own platters, which is the perfect accompaniment to all of their wines. Anything from cured organic olives, homemade paté and bacon jam to charcuterie selection and Fynbos honey comb.
As for the wine tasting option you can choose between the Elements Range Tasting that includes Carignan-based Rosie, lightly wooded Bright Chardonnay, fresh and fruity Emerald Sauvignon Blanc. Two red wines, Dark and Midnight, an inky Syrah and robust Cabernet Sauvignon. Or the Paserene Signature Tasting served in Riedel varietal specific glassware.
SHINER WHITE
It’s a white blend that consists of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon Gris. Vibrant colour with a greenish tint. Intense tropical aromas with pineapple, melon and ripe sautéed banana. The palate of the wine is floral with a racy acidity that leads to a beautiful finish.
PASERENE CHARDONNAY 2017
It is light lemon in colour with a beautiful green hue and the grapes are sourced from Elgin. Pronounced aromas of lemon zest, white and citrus blossoms. The mouth-feel is broad and luxurious with incredible length and a vibrant yet polished acidity that suggest the wine will benefit from 2 more years of bottle age. Beautifully integrated oak brings roundness and a supple mouth-feel that is complemented by great acidity and long finish.
PASERENE UNION 2016
Grown entirely in the Tulbagh region. Predominantly Syrah, this wine has ample complex aromas of blue berries, charcoal and violets. Exotic, smoky and thick with elegance as well as excellent definition. Extraordinary balance between primary fruit aromas and deep charry mineral components gives the wine an inviting natural warmth. Big supple tannins with a reigned in acidity will make this wine a pleasure to drink for the next 20 – 30 years.
PASERENE MARATHON 2018
The wine exhibits a deep ruby in colour. On the nose it shows an appealing bouquet of dark preserved fruits like black currants and black cherries. This transcends into a mineral whiff of crushed rocks, liquorice and espresso roasts. The wine boasts a very unique and authentic aroma profile that is young and exciting. The palate is dense and rich with sweet tannins that are well integrated.
A winery that ticks all the boxes with an informative wine tasting and most importantly their outstanding wines – that makes booking a visit to Paserene a must next time you visit Franschhoek.
For more information visit www.paserene.co.za or engage with us on Instagram @Paserene or Facebook at facebook.com/Paserene.
Categories: Paserene Winery
