CULTIVARS
100% Semillon

NOTES FROM THE WINEMAKER
After spontaneous fermentation and a minimalistic approach in the winery, this wine was aged in barrel for 10 months and shows a reserved citrus freshness of lemon and lime with a lingering and elegantly structured finish on the palate. This is a great food wine and would drink well for 5+ years to come.
The Barber Semillon 2015 was the best vintage thus far of this wine of ours. Subtle lime, apricot and beeswax opens up after a few seconds of life, 5 years on from making this wine. It definitely has the legs to hold up well for another 5 years I would say and makes for interesting food pairing possibilities especially.
Attie Lauw, winemaker.

PAIRS WELL WITH
Asian Sweet & Sour Pork I Seafood Paella

THE VINEYARD
Situated next to the Slanghoek River, this vineyard was planted in 1998. The alluvial soil, rich in minerals produces grapes that
are in balance and shows great complexity.

The Barber Verdelho 2022

CULTIVARS
100% Verdelho

NOTES FROM THE WINEMAKER
My love with this variety and this specific vineyard goes back to 2013 when I tasted a wine made from this vineyard, which is planted just outside Stellenbosch. When the opportunity to work with this vineyard came up in 2022 I jumped in and bought 5 tons. I wanted to work with the grapes in our cellar before investing by planting our own at Opstal. Needless to say I’m extremely pleased and excited by Verdelho and what it offers in terms of a natural higher acidity and the freshness that brings. I will continue to work with this vineyard until our own, planted this year on 1 of the best sites on our estate is ready, which won’t be before 2027.
This wine has an element of prettiness about it, but at the same time the palate is concentrated, intense and loaded with freshness. It was matured in a 2500L large oak cask called a Foudre, for 10 months. Spontaneous fermentation, no additives or filtration makes for a wine truly reflecting it’s varietal identity and terroir.

PAIRS WELL WITH
Lamb curry I Seafood I Rich & creamy pastas

THE STORY BEHIND THE BARBER
Attie Louw grew up on a sheep farm in the Karoo, just outside Brandvlei. In the early 1940’s he had to join the armed forces during the second World War, aged 19. When he returned he established himself in Worcester and opened up a barber shop where he worked for 7 years as a barber. He then married Ansie, who inherited Opstal from her father, Carl Everson. Attie then went on to become a very successful farmer and winemaker under the guidance of his father-in-law Carl Everson. Today we are very grateful for the work and effort he put into our family farm and that he in fact lay down his clipper and scissors to work with grapes and make wine.