Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West, renowned for its dedication to quality and innovation, has just released its first, limited edition pear eau de vie.
Eau de vie – meaning “water of life” – is a clear fruit brandy, created by fermentation and distillation.
This delicious Vergelegen spirit has been crafted from crisp, naturally sweet Clapp’s pears, harvested from an orchard that has thrived at the estate for over 30 years. Contractor Rijk Louw, who has nurtured the orchards since their establishment, personally selected the pears for the eau de vie.
Vergelegen winemaker Luke O’Cuinneagain says the fruit mash was first fermented in the estate’s hilltop cellar for ten days, then distilled and bottled by the Dalla Cia family in Stellenbosch, renowned for their distilling expertise.
“Our eau de vie is an experimental, artisanal project designed to showcase the essence and pure, fruity characteristics of the estate pears. it’s certainly been an enjoyable and rewarding journey. We look forward to the reception from our Vergelegen customers, which will guide our next steps.”
Vergelegen has produced only 1000 units, retailing at R650 per 500 ml bottle. The design of both the distinctive label, and presentation box, incorporates golden pears and green leaves .
Smooth and silky on the palate, the Vergelegen eau de vie can be savoured neat over crushed ice, or mixed in a cocktail.
The eau de vie is available from the estate’s wine tasting centre, and online shop.