Badenhorst Caperitif Kaapse Dief, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa
Regular price $35.00
Unit price per
Base: Chenin Blanc
Cousins Hein and Adi Badenhorst are third generation farmers who have restored a 1930’s farming and winery operation in part of the Paardeberg Mountain. Kalmoesfontein Farm has 180 hectares of bush vines, ideally hearty in this terrain, and a focus on natural, traditional winemaking using a blend of conventional and organic farming methods to produce the best environment possible for their grapes. Most of the vines were planted in the 1950’s and 60’s in granite and shale and yield Chenin Blanc, Cinsault and Grenache. The cousins use a light hand in the winemaking process, used casks and concrete for fermenting, long maceration times, low sulfur addition and large foudres for aging.
Referenced several times in the Savoy Cocktail Book is a ‘cape aperitif’ and the production of the Badenhorst fortified wonder is a nod to that important ingredient and a labor of love. Infused with 35 seasonal botanicals, making it vary just a tad from batch to batch. Primarily, you will find grapefruit, Konfettibos, Rooibos, chinchona bark and Wilde Als as the main additions.
On the nose and palate: Sweet and bitter, this is a complex combination of lively citrus, warm roots and earth, with a touch of tea.
How to enjoy: We’ve included a classic Tonic water as well as a Lime and Yuzu from Fever tree to mix up for refreshing spritzes! Try experimenting with the garnishes to pull out the flavors from the Capertif - citrus twists or wedges, olive or pink peppercorns - the sky is the limit! You can also try it as a substitute for any vermouth in cocktail recipes, pairing it with your favorite gin, vodka or sparkling wine.