Production is handled by Orange River Valley, a renowned wine estate that traces its roots to Orange River Cellars, founded in 1965. As a leading producer and supplier to the South African wine industry, Orange River Cellars plays a vital role in delivering wines of exceptional quality. What truly sets Orange River Cellars apart is the unique source of their grapes. They source their grapes from no fewer than 580 expert grape growers spread across a vast region known as the Green Kalahari.
The finest Shiraz grapes are harvested by hand. This careful selection ensures that only the finest grapes are used to make the wine. After harvesting, the grapes are taken to the winery, where they are destemmed and carefully pressed. The juice and skins are then transferred to fermentation tanks. During fermentation, the skins are regularly immersed in the juice to extract color, tannins, and aromas. After fermentation, The Hedgehog Shiraz is aged in French and American barrels for four months, allowing the wine to mature slowly and develop complexity and structure.
The Hedgehog Shiraz is a deep red wine that immediately stands out in the glass. Its intense purple color hints at the rich and powerful flavors this wine has to offer. Upon smelling the wine, enticing aromas of violets, ripe plums, and vanilla are immediately noticeable. The Hedgehog Shiraz reveals its true character from the first sip. The palate is complex, with a distinctly fruity profile supported by spicy and white pepper aromas. The ripe plums on the nose are beautifully presented on the palate, accompanied by a hint of vanilla that adds a subtle sweetness.
