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#413 Koelenbosch Sangiovese 2022

Video chapter index

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00:00 – Intro
00:20 – WINE HACK: how to find great Sangio outside of Italy.
01:21 – Intro to Koelenhof Wine Cellar
02:10 – The history of the Koelenbosch Sangiovese
02:57 – How was the wine made?
04:06 – Tasting Notes for the Koelenhof Sangiovese 2022
06:06 – Links to more videos on Sangiovese in South Africa

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Sangiovese in Stellenbosch: Where the hills tell a story

Today’s Wine of the Day is the Koelenbosch Sangiovese 2022, made by Nicholas Husselman with fruit grown high on the Bottelary Hills, in the northwestern corner of Stellenbosch.

Now let’s be honest: figuring out which Sangiovese to trust outside Italy is like trying to find decent sushi at a petrol station. It’s not impossible—but you’ll need some inside intel.

So here’s a shortcut:
Where Cabernet Sauvignon thrives, Sangiovese often does too.

That’s why places like Washington State, Mendoza, and yes—even Stellenbosch—can produce Sangiovese that sings. Especially in Helderberg, where estates like Morgenster and Idiom have already laid the groundwork.

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TASTING NOTES

👃🏼 You’ll get that classic maraschino cherry core, with a dusting of raspberry and some lifted black cherry fruit.

Then, there’s vanilla from the barrel and a touch of fennel herb—which, thanks to the oak, bends ever so slightly toward licorice.

👄 The first thing that lands is structure—this isn’t flabby, overripe Sangiovese.
You’ve got firm tannins, but they’re polished—not punishing.
The cherry and raspberry fruit carry through, alongside a savory blackcurrant mid-palate that nods to Cabernet.
There’s also that subtle illusion of sweetness from the oak—but make no mistake: this wine is dry.