Kleine Zalze Project Z

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 – Third Release

Project Z Chenin Blanc 2018

Chenin Blanc 2021

A poised, elegant expression of Chenin blanc. Lemon verbena, white peach, and yeasty complexity on the nose. The palate shows impressive crystalline purity, yet it is highly textured and structured, with bright acidity and ending on a distinctive saline note.

R1,380.00 / Case of 3

R77.00

Chenin Blanc Skin Contact 2021

Stone fruit and citrus pith with a hint of green cardamom and potpourri on the nose. Good fruit density, with the skin-contact providing texture and complexity. Ending on an intriguing maritime salinity, the zippy acidity provides potential for excellent ageing.

R1,380.00 / Case of 3

R77.00

Project Z Chenin Blanc 2018

Riesling 2021

Chiselled and taut, with upfront aromas of lime and green apple, the low pH provides potential for this wine to age exceptionally well. The acidity will mellow over time to reveal a generous palate laden with typical Riesling aromas of honeysuckle, pear, and beeswax

R840.00 / Case of 3

R77.00

Cinsault 2021

Rose petal and red berries on the nose with hints of fynbos and white pepper. The palate shows pure fruit and a crisp acidity with a grip of fine tannins, a hint of salinity on the finish rounds out the wine. Do not be fooled by the low alcohol, this is a serious wine with wonderful focus and clarity on the palate.  

R1,260.00 / Case of 3

R77.00

Project Z Chenin Blanc 2018

Syrah 2021

Very expressive, archetypal aromatics of violets and blackberries, black olives, 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 of 3

R77.00

The Project Z Range – Second Release

Project Z Chenin Blanc 2018

Chenin Blanc 2019

Voluptuous, statuesque, stylish, with ripe stone fruit richness superbly poised on an acid and mineral backbone. Pear, peach, apple plus some yeasty complexity on the nose. The palate shows impressive purity yet richness and bright acidity with a slightly savoury finish.

R1,380.00 / Case of 3

R77.00

Chenin Blanc Skin Contact 2019

Peach, orange, lemon peel and a hint of spice on the nose. Good fruit density, with the skin-contact providing linearity, steely complexity, and an intriguing maritime salinity.

R1,380.00 / Case of 3

R77.00

Project Z Chenin Blanc 2018

Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Unusual intense blackcurrant and fynbos undertones on the nose. Clean and flinty on the initial palate followed by generous texture and mineral length.

R930.00 / Case of 3

R77.00

Out of stock

Riesling Verdelho 2020

Chiselled and taut, the low pH provides potential for this wine to age exceptionally well. The acidity will mellow over time to reveal a generous palate laden with typical Riesling aromas of honeysuckle, pear sand lime zest.

R840.00 / Case of 3

R77.00

Project Z Chenin Blanc 2018

Grenache 2020

Rose petal, lavender, and raspberries on the nose with hints of spice. The palate shows pure fruit and a velvety texture balanced by zippy acidity, and a spicy dry grip of tannins on the long finish.

R1,260.00 / Case of 3

R77.00

Out of stock

Sweet Fortified NV

The nose shows candied orange, dried apricot, caramel, some nuttiness, and spice. The palate is very rich and smooth textured with a clean non-cloying finish.

R325.00 each

R77.00

Project Z Chenin Blanc 2018

Syrah Du Plateau 2022

Light bodied, fruit-driven red wine that is meant to be enjoyed while young and slightly chilled.

R630.00 / Case of 3

R77.00

R77.00

The Project Z Range – First Release

Project Z Chenin Blanc 2018

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

R77.00

Out of stock

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

R77.00

Out of stock

Kleine Zalze Project Z Grenache 2016

 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

R77.00

Out of stock

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

R77.00

Out of stock

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

R89.00

Out of stock

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

R89.00