The Project Z Story
Nature knows no boundaries and wine, as one of the most revered of nature’s offerings, does not have limits either. With Project Z, the team of winemakers at Kleine Zalze had free reign to interact with nature, to search for the ultimate expression from a vineyard and to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in order to keep growing and evolving.
The “project” originated back in 2013 from discussion between owner, Kobus Basson and the winemaking team. From their discussions, the “project” grew and today the cornerstones of the Project Z wines are a selection of vineyards on extraordinary sites and an impressive collection of Italian amphorae that were steadily acquired since 2015. And of course, a dedicated, committed, and skillful team.
The first wine was bottled in 2017 and by 2020 a unique range of signature wines were ready for release. Dressing the bottles was the only missing component. With the packaging we wanted to follow through on the journey of discovery and allow the winemaking team to own the full process of creation.
With the guidance and expertise of Theo Paul Voster, renowned artist, each winemaker created a visual expression of hidden elements of nature that inspire them. The very first linocut print of each artwork was used to create the labels for the wine, completing the full circle of the creative process. The result is an eclectic collection of exceptional and individual wines.
The Project Z Range
Chenin Blanc 2018
Voluptuous & statuesque, stylish & flavourful. Superbly poised on an acid & mineral backbone. Pear, peach, apple plus some yeasty complexity on the nose. The palate shows impressive richness and bright acidity before a savoury finish.
R1,380.00 / Case of 3
R68.00
Chenin Blanc Skin Contact 2018
Peach, orange, potpourri and a hint of spice on the nose. Good fruit density, punch acidity and a particularly savoury, slightly grippy palate.
R1,380.00 / Case of 3
R75.00
Grenache 2016
Light-feeling, delicate even, though no shortage of body or fruit intensity. Long creamy-savoury conclusion to flavours of wild berry, earthy dried herbs & subtle cured meat.
R1,260.00 / Case
R75.00
Grenache 2017
The nose shows rose, red berries, dried herbs, a little spice and a hint of reduction. The palate shows pure fruit, zippy acidity and powdery tannins, the finish long and dry. With an alcohol of 13%, this is more New Wave in style than its counterpart.
R1,260.00 / Case
R75.00
Syrah 2017
Very expressive, archetypal aromatics of red and blackberries, rosemary, white pepper and spice while the palate is particularly vivid and energetic – lovely pure fruit to go with a great line of acidity and fine tannins.
R1,770.00 / Case
R87.00
Sweet Fortified
NV
The nose shows candied orange, dried apricot, caramel, some nuttiness and spice. The palate is very rich and smooth textured before a savoury finish.
R975.00 / Case
R87.00