The Blind tasting 2018 Red Blend
Winemaker: Unknown, KWV Wines
Easy drinking with a unique label and concept
I recently found a remarkably interesting bottle at the Mooiberge Padstal. The bottle is called The Blind Tasting and has the tagline/slogan “Close your eyes and open your mind”
The following is quote from wine.co.za:
Imagine having a glass of wine with no idea what wine it is because you’re visually impaired? A whole new meaning to a blind wine tasting. Innovation for the Blind’s ‘The Blind Tasting’ wine encourages wine lovers to close their eyes and open their minds to experience it as the blind would.
They want you to test your senses – taste, smell and what you think you know about wine, in support of the blind. Their theory is that by removing one of your senses, sight, which is your most active sense, you might just experience the world in a different way. This is an unique concept in partnership with Kaleidoscope, KWV and Bravo Design.
All funds generated through this project will be channelled towards the care and support of visually and additionally impaired adults cared for by Innovation for the Blind. In 2018 alone 2250 bottles were sold and the funds donated.
The label is a beautiful black design with gold embossed words and filigree. The result is eye catching, bold, and looks good on display.
Then in Braille embossed on the label are the words Sight, Hearing, Touch, Smell, Taste, and below the name Red Blend. (Took me a little while to translate this using Brailletranslator.net)
It really is a stunning label which was designed by Bravo Design which is a medium size Design company based in Cape Town, South Africa with over 14 years’ experience in packaging design, quite a few fancy and impressive designs in their portfolio.
But I digress…
The wine itself is an intensely deep ruby color as expected from a blend of Shiraz and Cabernet and looks very appetizing. The tears form and run down quickly on the sides of the glass. Overall, very appealing to the eye.
The flavor you get when pouring a glass and letting it rest for a minute or two, is heavy wooded oak. Then comes through a lovely berry or black fruit aroma. More specifically a hint of cherry. There is a layered level with a touch of cinnamon but exceptionally light and complimentary.
A complex but accented palette that is quite cheeky but very enjoyable.
The structure is a bit on the acidic side but not overwhelming. Alcohol is at 14%. Tannins are at an enjoyable level and the wine is not too bitter and should go well with a nice ribeye steak or a karoo lamb tjoppie.
The finish of the wine is a lingering content aftertaste that leaves you happy and relaxed.
I will give this one 3.5 barrels. It is a good sharing wine around the braaivleis vuurtjie on an informal evening with friends or new acquaintances. People you don’t want to waste you favourite wine on but still want to impress maybe a little bit…
I cannot find the wine on sale anywhere on the internet but if you are interested in acquiring a bottle or 6 you can send an email to blindtastingred@kaleidoscope.org (No commission or payment earned for this referral. Just connecting people with good wine and great vibes)