Alvi’s Drift Reserve Drift Fusion 2020 is a Cape Blend from Worcester, led by Pinotage and supported by Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Durif, Petit Verdot, and Grenache. The wine comes from the Alvi’s Drift Reserve Range, the label of which depicts the historic low-water bridge across the Breede River. That bridge, built in 1930 by Albertus Viljoen “Oupa Alvi” van der Merwe, is symbolic of the name and the family story behind the estate.
This red blend comes from Worcester, in the Breede River Valley.
Location / Origin: Alvi’s Drift’s vineyards are located in Worcester, where the Mediterranean microclimate, soil diversity, and the water of the Breede River ensure grapes with ripeness, character, and complexity.
Estate-grown grapes: The wine is made from grapes grown on the estate’s own vineyards. This gives Alvi’s Drift control over the selection, ripeness, and style of the final blend.
Climate & Influences: The warm South African climate produces ripe black fruit, while the Breede River and local soil variation contribute to balance and freshness.
Origin story: The name Alvi’s Drift refers to the historic crossing over the Breede River. The labels of the Reserve Range feature an illustration of this bridge as a reference to the origins of the family business.
Drift Fusion is created as a combination of different grape varieties and various winemaking techniques.
Vinification by variety: Each grape variety is vinified separately. This allows every variety to maintain its own character before the final blend is assembled.
Fermentation: Following skin contact, each variety follows its own path through the cellar. Some components undergo pump-overs and open-tank fermentation, while others ferment partially in tank and complete their fermentation in barrels.
Maturation / Oak treatment: The wine matures for 12 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, of which approximately 33% is new. This adds structure, spice, cedarwood, and extra depth to the ripe fruit.
Selection: After maturation, the best individual barrels are selected for the final blend. This keeps the wine layered, yet beautifully balanced.
Alcohol content: At 13.5% alcohol, this red blend has power but remains elegant and well-suited for the table.
This Cape Blend consists of six grape varieties, with Pinotage as the most important component.
36.5% Pinotage – Worcester: Pinotage gives the wine its South African signature, ripe dark fruit, juiciness, and soft spice.
33% Cabernet Sauvignon – Worcester: Cabernet Sauvignon brings blackcurrant, structure, depth, and extra length to the blend.
15% Shiraz – Worcester: Shiraz adds dark berries, peppery spice, and rounded power.
7% Durif – Worcester: Durif provides color, concentration, and extra firmness.
5% Petit Verdot and 3.5% Grenache – Worcester: Petit Verdot gives floral depth and grip, while Grenache adds red fruit and suppleness.
