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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
R975.00 / Case of 3
R77.00
Syrah Du Plateau 2022
Light bodied, fruit-driven red wine that is meant to be enjoyed while young and slightly chilled.
R555.00 / Case of 3
R77.00
R77.00
The Project Z Range – First Release
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
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