Nicolas
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 5–10 years from vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted lamb, grilled ribeye steak, venison stew
✨ Technical Specifications
Boschendal's 'Nicolas' is a distinguished red blend named in honor of Nicolas de Lanoy, an influential early pioneer who, alongside his wife Sara de Villiers, helped lay the foundations of the historic estate in the late 17th century. This wine is crafted to showcase the synergy between classic noble varieties, combining the spicy intrigue of Shiraz with the structured elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties. Sourced from prime vineyards across the Western Cape, the grapes are meticulously selected and aged in French oak barrels to develop complexity, resulting in a wine characterized by rich red forest fruit, savory spice, and polished, age-worthy tannins.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1685 by Huguenot settler Jean le Long and developed by the De Villiers family, Boschendal is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa. Anchored in the Groot Drakenstein Valley between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, the estate's vineyards span granite, sandstone, and alluvial terraces sheltered by the Simonsberg and Drakenstein mountain ranges. This dramatic topographical setting yields a Mediterranean macroclimate defined by cool mountain breezes, dry summers, and generous winter rainfall, delivering vibrant natural acidity. Viticulture adheres to rigorous environmental stewardship as a WWF Conservation Champion and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) practitioner. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes purity, site transparency, and textural balance across both stainless steel and French oak regimes. Boschendal is celebrated for its benchmark Cap Classique sparkling wines, including the Jean Le Long Prestige Cuvée, as well as exceptional still whites like the 1685 Chenin Blanc, Appellation Series Chardonnay, Suzanne white blend, and botrytised Vin D'Or Noble Late Harvest.
🍇 Grapes
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
🍷 ABV
14-14.5%