This white blend, the first wine he ever crafted, is dedicated to Lindi Carien, his wife. We hope she enjoys many bottles, savoring each one as a reminder of Franco’s love and dedication.

Lindi Carien, named after Franco’s wife, is a blend of 66% Chenin Blanc from Swartland and Piekenierskloof, 23% Verdelho from Stellenbosch, and 11% Colombar(Skin contact for 7 days) from Swartland. Grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed and fermented with no added yeast or enzymes. The wine was fermented and matured for 10 months in older, neutral 300L and 500L barrels. The Colombar component underwent 7 days of skin contact, contributing to the mid-palate, flavor, and concentration of the final wine. It was bottled un-fined and with only coarse filtration.

Tasting Notes: Exotic aromatics of pear, peach, and orange blossom greet the nose. You will find pineapple, spice, and potpourri notes in the background. The palate is rich and boasts terrific flavor. It shows excellent texture due to a light skin maceration on a portion of the wine. Tangy, energetic acidity keeps the profile clean and focused. The savory finish offers a lightly grippy texture. Franco Lourens is renowned for his skills as a master blender. This wine is complex, food-friendly, and promises a great evolution in the cellar.

Food Pairing: With exotic fruit aromas, tangy acidity, and a slightly grippy, savoury finish. It pairs beautifully with flavorful seafood, roasted poultry, creamy pasta, and light pork dishes. Seafood: Grilled line fish (such as yellowtail or hake), pan-seared scallops, or buttery garlic prawns. Poultry: Roast chicken with lemon and herbs, or creamy chicken and mushroom tagliatelle. Pork & Veal: Pan-seared pork chops with a fruit-based compote, or lightly spiced pork belly.

The final wine has a pithy and granitic note to it, more mature and realised than previous vintages.
“66% Chenin Blanc, 23% Verdelho, 11% Colombar (seven days skin contact). Grapes sourced from across the Western Cape; Colombar replaces Grenache Blanc in this vintage. Exotic aromatics of pear, peach, orange, pineapple with potpourri and spice in the background. The palate is rich and flavourful with tangy acidity and finish that is savoury and lightly grippy. Alc: 13.27%. 94/100” – Christian Eedes