The name "Different Box of Frogs" is a playful nod to the British idiom "like a different box of frogs," meaning something or someone completely unconventional, quirky, or unpredictable. Carignan definetly fits that profile.

The fruit comes from Môrelig, Andrew Wightman's organically farmed property off Aprilskloof Road in the Malmesbury district, at the foot of the Paardeberg. The Carignan vines were planted in 2002 as dryland bush vines on decomposed granite, and yields are kept low at around 3 to 4 tons per hectare. The grapes are hand harvested and fully destemmed, then semi-carbonically macerated for around ten days in stainless steel, which is what gives the wine its perfumed, fruit-forward character. The wine is basket pressed and matured in oak for nine months before bottling. There is no yeast inoculation and no additives apart from a small amount of SO2, and the wine is lightly filtered. Production is tiny, with only a few hundred bottles made each vintage. 655 Bottles

Tasting Notes: A bright, juicy, lighter-framed Carignan that shows how fresh and approachable the variety can be when it is grown on old granite and handled with a light touch. The nose is all red fruit: sour cherry, pomegranate, cranberry and wild strawberry, with a lift of dried herbs, fynbos and a little white pepper. On the palate it is crunchy and vibrant, with lively natural acidity and fine, gently grippy tannins that give shape without weight. The finish is clean, savoury and refreshing, with a spicy edge that keeps drawing you back to the glass. Drink it young and slightly cool, or give it a few years to deepen.

Food Pairing: This is a versatile, food-friendly red that loves a slight chill. Serve it with a charcuterie board, Karoo lamb chops with rosemary, or a classic braai of boerewors and grilled chicken. It also works well with tomato-based pasta, roast mushrooms, herb-roasted chicken and mild, creamy cheeses. The bright acidity cuts through richer, fattier dishes without overpowering them.

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.00% | TA 5.8g/L | pH 3.7 | RS 2.6g/L