Friarwood

VRIESENHOF, STELLENBOSCH
Jan Boland Coetzee is a latter-day pioneer in South African wine history. A former Springbok rugby legend, he graduated in oenology and viticulture at the University of Stellenbosch starting his winemaking career in 1967. Soon after his acquisition of Vriesenhof, Jan renovated the existing underground wood maturation cellar and added a modern fermentation cellar. Jan’s winemaking philosophy has its roots in his belief that wine is a reflection of its environment. “The vineyard is the core,” he says. “One’s footsteps must be in the soil, you must understand the soil, the plant and the climate.”

Melelo comes from the African word "mpumelelo" which means success or good luck. This sweet wine is made from Muscat Alexandrie (red Hanepoot grapes) from 50 year old vines. Its nose, which bursts with candied raspberry and strawberry jam aromas, is followed by a thick, jellied, red fruit-filled personality that is lush, oily-textured, and medium-bodied.

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