Interpunkt Shiraz 22

I'm thrilled to introduce two of the latest additions to our ever-growing South African wine selection - the outstanding Interpunkt Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. These wines are carefully crafted by Journey's End Wines in South Africa with this simple yet profound philosophy: harmonize with nature, produce exceptional wines, and fiercely protect our planet.

Their commitment to sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's a tangible action. They've revolutionized the wine bottle with their groundbreaking sustainable packaging. Imagine a bottle made entirely from recycled materials five times lighter than traditional glass bottles. This isn't just innovation; it's a leap towards a greener future, slashing carbon emissions by six times compared to the old-school glass bottles we're accustomed to.

Our good buddy South African wine importer Andy Woolgar poured these eco-friendly gems at our last Open House Tasting and they were a huge hit!

Join us in this sustainable journey with Interpunkt from Journey's End Wines and raise a glass to a greener planet.

Oh, and for the icing on the cake in the coolness department, they have a 42-foot tall, 12-ton trebuchet on the estate. Yes, it's fully working, and yes, they regularly throw stuff with it. That's got to be ridiculously fun.

Trebuchet and outstanding eco-friendly packaging aside, these wines are terrific. In your glass, Interpunkt Sauvignon Blanc opens with a crystal-clear pale lemon color with subtle green highlights. On the nose, you're greeted with a melange of tropical fruit, notably kiwi, gooseberry, and passionfruit. Layers of kiwi and tangy green apple lead on the palate with just the right amount of acidity, carrying freshness and length to the finish. Ready to drink now. It is an ideal match with any shellfish or white-fleshed fish and would be lovely with sushi.

In your glass, after a swirl or two, Interpunkt Shiraz offers tons of ripe cherry and dark berry on the nose with flavors of dark cherry and blackcurrant with hints of cinnamon baking spice lingering nicely through the finish. This is a medium-bodied Shiraz, so I find it's much more versatile in food pairing than the big-bruiser Shiraz from Australia. While this is the ultimate burger Shiraz, it's lifted enough to do very well with lighter chops and game birds; however, there's certainly enough oomph here to stand up to steaks and chops from the grill.

Asheville, it's time to get Punkt!