Catherine Marshall ‘The Oreads’ Amatra Merlot 2021

What began as a festive three barrel foot stomp event attended by a handful of friends on a South Peninsula beach in 1996, produced a very palatable Syrah, and saw the founding in 1997 of the first true micro-winery in the Western Cape with Pinot Noir the main focus. The aptly named Barefoot Winery trading as Catherine Marshall Wines has long outgrown its humble origins to become a legendary institution which exports to a number of markets world- wide.

Catherine’s 1991 graduation from Elsenburg Agricultural College in 1991 (where she was one of only two female students) was followed by apprenticeships at various local cellars interspersed with international experiences in France, USA, and Australia. Resident winemaking positions at four wineries in Stellenbosch and Paarl led to a solo career in 2007 establishing and running the wine business. Catherine was also instrumental in formalizing the Garagiste Movement of South Africa. This includes a diverse range of passionate winemakers who have a small wine output but who do not compromise on quality resulting in some superb hand-crafted wines. She has collected many local and international awards for her wines and her total commitment to detail and hands-on approach in vineyards and wine production are evident in the unique character of her range.

‘When we started on our wine journey… our intention was to produce a range of unique wines of excellence and, above all, to have fun doing it. As custodians of such an ancient craft, a balanced, holistic, creative, and respectful approach reflects harmony and character in our wines,’ says Catherine.

Old single trellised Merlot vines from the Polkadraai area in Stellenbosch exude bright, fresh black plums. Generous purple fruit flavours are supported by a vibrant thread of lead pencil shavings from elevated vineyards in Stellenbosch. The wine is harmoniously balanced with opulently textured mid- core palate weight.