2023 Sons of Sugarland Barbera

Barbera’s a bit of a curveball in South Africa, but that’s exactly what makes this wine so interesting. Franco Lourens isn’t chasing trends - he’s more about making stuff he actually wants to drink. And this one really hits that mark.

The fruit comes from a single site, picked nice and early to keep things fresh. It’s fermented wild and aged in older oak, so there’s no flashy wood or heavy-handed winemaking. Just clean, bright Barbera with a bit of edge. The acidity’s up there — as it should be - but the fruit carries it, and there’s enough grip to keep it feeling proper, not flimsy.

It’s not trying to be big or impressive. It’s just tasty, honest, well-made red that’s a little different from the usual lineup. Chill it down a touch, pour a glass, and you’ll get what it’s about pretty quickly. Not loud, not complicated - just good.