Bouchard Finlayson Hannibal 2020

Bouchard Finlayson is recognised as one of South Africa's leading producers of Burgundy-inspired wines. Located in Hermanus, in the cool Walker Bay valley about 120 km east of Cape Town, the winery has been steeped in Burgundy traditions since its founding in 1989.

Bouchard Finlayson Hannibal is named after the legendary Carthaginian general Hannibal. The name honors his famous march across the Alps with an army and elephants during the Second Punic War against Rome.

The wine represents a bold and transgressive approach with an unusual blend of grapes rarely seen in South Africa. Hannibal wine unites Italian varieties such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Barbera with French grapes such as Pinot Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre, creating a harmonious fusion of different cultures and styles – just as Hannibal was known for combining strategies and resources from many regions.

The winery was founded through a collaboration between renowned French winemaker Paul Bouchard and renowned South African winemaker Peter Finlayson. They carefully selected the fields, improved the soil and planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They also built cellars that today produce some of South Africa’s most outstanding wines. From the beginning, the goal has been to unite the classic wine traditions of Europe with South African innovation and creativity.

The property covers 125 hectares, of which only 22 hectares are planted with vines. The rest is covered by the area’s famous wild flora. Production still focuses primarily on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but the range has expanded to include Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Riesling and Sangiovese. More recently, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Mourvèdre have also been planted – rare varieties in South Africa, but with great success in this unique terroir.

Walker Bay , located in the Cape South Coast region east of Cape Town, is known for more than just wine. The area attracts tourists with the opportunity to see whales (in the winter and spring months), penguins and sea lions. The cool climate, influenced by the proximity of the ocean, and the clayey soil, reminiscent of the Côte d'Or in Burgundy, also make it an excellent wine region.

Wineries in the area, particularly in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, have taken advantage of the unique conditions to grow non-traditional varieties for South Africa, such as Pinot Noir and Riesling, but also classic grapes such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The Hermanus Wine Route offers wine lovers the opportunity to visit some of these renowned estates.