De Toren, Patronus 2020

Description

Named in homage to De Toren’s commitment to sustainability and the preservation of nature, The Patronus, Latin for ‘patron,’ is an unmatched Malbec with exquisite depth and character. Harvested from decades-old vines, this exceptional Malbec is the patrimony of De Toren’s continuous quest for perfection

The Story of an Ultra-Luxurious Malbec…
De Toren Patronus was born from a desire to craft one of the finest ultrapremium Malbec wines in the world. Harvested from decades-old vines, this Malbec is the patrimony of a continuous quest for perfection.

With years of experience in crafting some of South Africa’s finest red blends and harnessing the classic five varietals of Bordeaux to achieve this, comes another remarkable wine born from a passion for craftsmanship. This fine wine pays tribute to one of the original, noble varieties of Bordeaux, being Malbec, which remains one of De Toren’s most valued cultivars in its world-renowned red blends.

Crafting this luxuriant, single-varietal wine was thus a natural evolution towards innovative winemaking. The maiden vintage of 2020 of this 100% Malbec showcases an expression of meticulous methods and diligent viticulture, revealing a full-bodied, yet elegant and vibrant wine that transpires into a sensational experience like no other. A quintessential addition to any connoisseur’s cellar.

The wine’s name commemorates De Toren’s fervent culture of sustainability, an ethos of patronage for the conservation of nature in its ancient and living states. It is through this commitment to sustainable farming that De Toren is able to produce the finest of wines, reflecting the superior quality of organically certified grapes grown across 15 varieties of historic soils found on the estate, and paired with De Toren’s exceptional nurture and care, to form the cornerstones of our philosophy.

Unyielding to its principles of conservation, a new family member, weighing more than two tons, was placed under the guardianship of De Toren during 2022. Kimba, one of the last of the endangered rhinoceros-species, will forever remain another expression of utmost respect for forms of life that have existed for millennia. With this wine, we wish to pay honour to this magnificent species.

About the De Toren Patronus Wine
With De Toren Patronus, the original virtues of making wine by hand are enlisted, applying intense attention to detail to each phase. This approach is combined with the latest viticulture and viniculture research and technology. The perfect balance between old-world traditions and new-world innovation.

To identify vines of the highest quality, keen observation through years of experience compliments the use of infra-red aerial imaging. Observation of the vines on this level of attentiveness is the finest of determiners in identifying grapes at optimal ripeness, which could change within a spectrum of 24 hours. On the day that optimal ripeness is identified, each bunch is hand-harvested by the gentle hands of female harvesters. To ensure there is no bruising of the fruit caused, harvesters take care not to pile the bunches on top of one other. These bunches are then gently destemmed by a select team of skilled harvesters wearing surgical gloves, only selecting the finest quality berries.

As part of a quest for perfection, De Toren wine estate is known for employing women to tend the vineyards and has done so since its inception. In line with the estate’s philosophy of exceptional care and craftsmanship, our winemaking team believes that women have softer, smaller hands and a more delicate touch when working with the grape bunches.

For the De Toren Patronas wine, whole berries are fermented in three distinct vessels and techniques and then predominantly matured in new French Oak barrels for a total of 18 months. At the culmination of the winemaking process, each precious bottle is individually labelled and numbered by hand. This spectacular wine is presented in an exclusively handcrafted and sealed wooden display frame, accompanied by an iconic key to ensure the safekeeping of this collector’s item and the last modicum of labour before ultimate pleasure is unlocked. With correct cellaring, De Toren Patronus has an ageing potential of two decades plus, and it promises reward whether enjoyed upon purchase or stored for future enjoyment.

The bespoke packaging, like this exquisite wine, is crafted by hand. The rhinoceros, illustrated by a renowned international artist, Steven Noble, using an ancient engraving technique to carve out visual elements, sharing the greater story about ancient ecosystems, unique terroir and the specially selected, sustainably farmed vines this wine is crafted from. A tale of masterful alchemy of only the finest fruit through passion, patience and devotion. Ultimately, it reveals the greater story behind De Toren Patronus – a story as powerful as this remarkable Malbec.

The exquisite climate conditions endured during the 2020 season have ultimately added true depth and concentration to the De Toren Patronus maiden vintage. The winter was characterized by cold, wet conditions, with very little heat spikes during a mild spring and summer. These favourable conditions lead to balanced growth in the vines and, ultimately, to phenolic complex bunches and berries. Expressive wines with significant aromatic potential embody the 2020 harvest which formed a magnificent platform for what we wanted to achieve with this Malbec. Complimentary to the nose, flavours of plum, ripe cherries and berries primarily entice the tastebuds with gentle notes of coconut and a carefully judged, oaky frame. A sensation of tart currant leads the wine into a long, fragrant finish with fresh acidity and gentle tannins.

A fine addition to our bespoke collection, crafted from a labour of love.

VARIETIES
100% Malbec

BARREL MATURATION
Aged in a climatized barrel/ maturation room (14 degrees Celsius at 80% humidity) for 18 months in predominantly in French Oak barrels.

TASTING NOTES
The maiden vintage of De Toren Patronus, a single-varietal Malbec, delivered grapes of the highest quality revealing a full-bodied, yet elegant and vibrant wine that transpires into a sensational experience like no other.

The 2020 harvest embodied balanced growth and favourable environmental conditions that ultimately lead to phenolic complex berries and expressive wines with significant aromatic potential. Complimentary to the nose, flavours of red-plum and black cherries primarily entice the tastebuds with gentle notes of coconut and a
carefully judged frame with hints of oak. A sensation of tart currant leads the wine into a long, fragrant finish with fresh acidity, gentle tannins and a hint of sweet tobacco.

DECANTING
For optimum enjoyment, decant at least one hour before consumption. It is recommended to serve this wine at optimal temperature (15 – 18 degrees Celcius).

AGEING POTENTIAL
This wine has a phenomenal ageing potential. If stored and cellared in optimal conditions, this wine have the potential to be matured for up to 40 years.

FOOD PAIRING
This exquisite wine with its bold and powerful flavours are best served with a succulent and tenderly grilled steak.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 14.83 %/Vol
RS: 2.9 g/l
Acidity: 5.4 g/l
pH: 3.60

Additional information

This exquisite wine with its bold and powerful flavours are best served with a succulent and tenderly grilled steak.