2019 Black Pearl Oro
2019 Black Pearl Oro; Red Blend from Paarl,South Africa
Black Pearl Oro is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Shiraz and has an aromatic strawberry, redcurrant and sage bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, plush red fruit, and a distinctive fynbos character. Still young, this classy wine shows promise of development over the years to come. 4 ½ Stars 2021 Platter’s South African Wine Guide
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins.
Paarl is one of South Africa‘s most famous wine-producing areas. Located 60 kilometers (37 miles) inland from Cape Town and just north of Stellenbosch, it is home to some of the Western Cape’s best-known wineries. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay are all important grape varieties in the region. Paarl’s huge variation of terroir gives wine farms opportunities to experiment with many different grape varieties and blends. The red wines are rich and robust, with a great intensity of fruit. The white wines are fruit driven and tropical.
Black Pearl Wines is a winery owned and operated by the Nash family, who relocated from New Hampshire in 1995. We now find ourselves fervently making wine. The vineyard is on the western slope of Paarl Mountain, which is part of the Cape Floral kingdom. Above stretches renosterveld, of which only 2% remains in the country and which the family is conserving in this World Heritage area.