Delheim Wine Estate has released a Cape Blend to honour the life of the late Spatz Sperling, whose uncle and aunt, Hans and Del Hoheisen bought Delheim in 1939, making it coincide with the wine farm’s 80th birthday. Spatz passed away in October 2017 at the age of 87 and was a man who challenged conventional beliefs and became an icon in the South African wine industry.
The wine, Iconoclast, so named from the Greek eikon, meaning image, and klastes, meaning breaker, encapsulates Spatz’s individualism and boldness. It is a blend of four cultivars – South African pinotage is the lead variety, with Spatz’s favourite, shiraz, as well as cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot.
The wine made has a dark ruby colour with an intense core. Its aroma ranges from dark cherries, cassis, blue berries, dry herbs, spice and tobacco to undertones of perfume. There’s a firm tannin structure, supported by dark fruit flavours and spice, that makes this wine an exceptional blend.
Spatz arrived at the Cape in 1951 as a 20-year-old from Germany to join his uncle and aunt Delheim, and grew the farm on the Simonsberg into one of the most popular and successful wine destinations.
“So many years were spent – almost wasted – just learning the expectations of local customers and skills so easily picked up by his peers who had been born into this world,” recalls Vera Sperling. “Languages, habits, political participations – all were denied to him as he had no ancestry here and I often felt as though he did not really fit in. No wonder he was known the difficult German. Much later, one realises that the art of success is to sieve out the minor points for the sake of issues of importance.”
Spatz will be remembered for his unstoppable energy, larger-than-life character and cheeky sense of humour. He was a ready, generous and excellent friend to many and from all walks of life.
Only 2100 bottles have been made and the price is R1000 per bottle. This wine scored 94/100 points in the 2019 South Africa Special Report. Get yours today!
Directions to Delheim Wine Estate
Knorhoek road
Stellenbosch
021 888 4600
