Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West, known for its commitment to quality and innovation, has unveiled its first limited-edition pear eau de vie.
Eau de vie, meaning “water of life,” is a clear fruit brandy made through the process of fermentation and distillation. This exceptional spirit from Vergelegen is crafted from the naturally sweet and crisp Clapp’s pears, which have been grown in the estate’s orchard for over 30 years. Contractor Rijk Louw, who has cared for the orchards since their inception, handpicked the pears for this unique eau de vie.
Vergelegen winemaker Luke O’Cuinneagain shares that the fruit mash was first fermented in the estate’s hilltop cellar for ten days before being distilled and bottled by the renowned Dalla Cia family in Stellenbosch, experts in the art of distilling.
“Our eau de vie is an experimental, artisanal project created to capture the pure essence and fruity character of our estate’s pears. It’s been an enjoyable and rewarding journey, and we look forward to the response from our Vergelegen customers, which will guide our future endeavors.”
Vergelegen has produced only 1,000 bottles, priced at R650 per 500ml bottle. The elegant design of the label and presentation box features golden pears and green leaves.
Smooth and silky on the palate, the Vergelegen pear eau de vie can be enjoyed neat over crushed ice or mixed into a cocktail.
The eau de vie is available from the estate’s wine tasting centre, and online shop.