Indwe is the Xhosa name for the Blue Crane, also called the Stanley Crane or Paradise Crane. It is South Africa's national bird and is almost exclusively endemic to South Africa (an estimated 20-25 birds are found in Namibia).
The Indwe is highly revered culturally – its feathers and regalia can only be worn by the Zulu king and royalty.
The Blue Crane has a vulnerable status on the global red list; its population today is only half of what it was in the 1970’s. The species faces threats from climate change, as well as illegal trade, domestication and habitat loss. Kysela has partnered with the International Crane Foundation and Endangered Wildlife Trust, donating proceeds from the sale of each bottle of Indwe Pinotage to help support their conservation efforts.
Indwe Pinotage offers an array of red cherry and bright plum flavors that follow though on an elegant palate with smooth tannins and a juicy finish.
"Every now and then, a wine can put a smile on your face and ignite a party with the first sip. For me, those aren’t usually pinotage, South Africa’s red grape, but here’s one that caught my attention. It’s affordable, too, another bonus."
"This delightful red wine is bright in flavor and light in body, almost airborne like the blue crane — South Africa’s endangered national bird — it is named for. Let this chill half an hour in the fridge and then you can chill with your friends and some casual summer grilled foods. Proceeds benefit blue crane conservation efforts of the International Crane Foundation and the Endangered Wildlife Trust. - Dave McIntyre"
- The Washington Post (July 2021)
"There's a subtle warming lift to the nose of this wine, presented largely through waves of minty rooibos, crushed violet and a touch of licorice root. Those herbal tones are supported by a plush core of ripe cherry and berry fruits, supporting the bouquet at first but then taking more prominence on the medium-bodied palate. Medium acidity lends a nice freshness throughout, while fine yet supporting tannins offer moderate length to the close. - LAUREN BUZZEO"
- Wine Enthusiast (February/March 2022), 89 pts
"Dark violet color. Aromas of black plum, black raspberry, leather, rooibos tea, black olive, fruit leather, and vanilla with a satiny, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long olive, beets, clove, and thyme finish with well-integrated, fine, chewy tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A bright, food friendly wine with complex savory and fruit flavors; try with otherwise hard to pair game dishes."
- Beverage Testing Institute (April 2021)
"A disclaimer: I have never cared much for Pinotage, the indigenous South African grape variety, but this 2013 Pinotage from Indwe, named after the country's national bird, the blue crane, comes across like a light Pinot Noir. Subtle notes of cherries, spice and forest floor are followed by a round, light to medium-bodied, pure, seductive, well-crafted wine that should drink well for a year or so. - Robert Parker"
- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (November 2014), 87 pts
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