02 June 2008

From Goat to Wolf

Painted Wolf Wines is a brand new venture from Jeremy and Emma Borg. I first met Jeremy many years ago when he was with Fairview Winery for whom created the fantastically successful Goats do Roam brand. Since then Jeremy has been involved in several campaigns but now he is putting his considerable marketing expertise behind wines he himself is making.

Painted Wolf takes its name and inspiration from the ‘African Painted Wolf’, or Hunting Dog. “With their unique “painted” coats they are remarkably beautiful animals and Africa’s most successful hunters due to their extraordinary team work, focus, energy and persistence, and the care and nurturing they provide each other - individuals working in harmony for the success of all,” says Jeremy, who intends that the brand will aid conservation of these endangered predators.

It was good to renew acquaintances with the ever cheerful Jeremy at the London International Wine Fair and taste the first two Painted Wolf wines - Pinotage and a Cape Blend .




Painted Wolf 2007
Cape Blend 14.5%
WO Coastal
A blend of Shiraz 42%, Pinotage 40%, Merlot 12% and Mourvèdre 4%. “I used small open fermenters. Hand punchdowns and a basket press. Malolactic fermentation was in barrel and we bottled this straight from the barrel after 11 months,” Jeremy told me. There are bold fruit flavours, it’s a lively wine with an acidic finish and, being bottled in January, I think it needs more time. UK Retail price is £7.95 from SA Winesonline

Painted Wolf 2007
Pinotage 15%
WO Coastal
“The fruit’s mostly from Swartland, we used small fermenters and the pressing was light,” says Jeremy, who blended in 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, “It adds some gravitas,” Jeremy told me, “the Pinotage was too ripe and too soft, the Cabernet added some tannins.” I found the Pinotage more immediately approachable than the Cape Blend. It is very juicy with ripe sweet berry flavours, pepper and lick of acid on the finish. It is a galumphing big wine. UK Retail price is £9.95 from SA Winesonline. This wine won a Silver medal at the 2008 Swiss Air International Awards



Jeremy Borg and friend

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