THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF
FRANSCHHOEK / SWARTLAND • SOUTH AFRICA
"Intoxicating complexity: a bold blend where the opulence of black fruit meets cocoa and oriental spices."
The Legend of Swartland
The Chocolate Block is, without a doubt, one of South Africa's most iconic and sought-after labels. Created by the prestigious Boekenhoutskloof winery, this wine revolutionized the international perception of blends from the Swartland region. Each year, the exact proportion of its grapes subtly changes, aiming for the maximum expression of the season, but always maintaining that unmistakable voluptuous, spicy personality with those suggestive notes of dark chocolate that gave it its mystical name.
1. Technical Details
Winery: Boekenhoutskloof.
Origin: Swartland Region (Western Cape), South Africa.
Main Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier.
Aging: Between 12 and 16 months in French oak barrels and traditional foudres.
Alcohol: 14.5% vol.
SKU: RSA-CHOCOLATE-BLK-750
2. Luxury Tasting Notes
Appearance: Intense ruby red color with an opaque core of deep purple hues.
Nose: Captivating and complex perfume. Marked notes of blackberries, dried plum, clove, black pepper and, very subtly, rich layers of cocoa, roasted coffee, and blond tobacco.
Palate: Opulent and dense yet supremely balanced texture. Firm but velvety tannic structure, supported by refreshing acidity that balances its power. Long, persistent, and elegantly spicy finish.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Recommended Moments and Pairing
Exclusive Pairing: Its rich and intense structure demands foods with great flavor presence. It is the supreme pairing for aged grilled meat cuts, lamb ribs with rosemary crust, game stews, Oaxacan black mole, and dark chocolates with high cocoa percentages.
Suggested Moments:
- Special Celebration: Perfect for celebrating anniversaries or significant milestones with an iconic global bottle.
- Premium BBQ: Elevates the experience of cuts like Ribeye or Tomahawk by exquisitely interacting with fire and fat.
- Romantic Dinner: A seductive and complex red that encourages great conversations.
- Business: A highly prestigious international label that demonstrates knowledge and sophistication to partners or clients.
- Gift: A foolproof choice for any collector or wine lover due to its high global demand.
frequently asked questions (FAQs)
At what temperature should The Chocolate Block be served?
To correctly appreciate its aromatic complexity and the silkiness of its tannins without the alcohol being perceived as aggressive, it is strictly recommended to serve it between 16°C and 18°C.
Does it require prior decanting?
Yes. Being a wine with great concentration and body, it greatly benefits from decanting for at least 45 to 60 minutes before consumption to allow it to open up and express its secondary notes of cocoa and spices.
How long can this bottle be stored?
It has excellent aging potential. While delicious and voluptuous now, it will evolve extraordinarily if stored in optimal conditions for the next 5 to 8 years.
What does the small percentage of Viognier white grape contribute to the blend?
Viognier is traditionally co-fermented with the red grapes (in the style of the Northern Rhône in France) to stabilize the bright color of the wine and add a subtle and intriguing floral perfume that enhances the overall elegance of the nose.