The team at Normandie Est. 1693 (one of only 29 original French Huguenot-settled farms in the famous Franschhoek valley of the Cape Winelands) has introduced an innovative new collection of wines: Clarington – a collection that uniquely marries the art of winemaking with the love of art.

With over 20 years experience, winemaker Johan Viljoen is regarded as one of the leading viticulturists in South Africa and indeed the world, having worked in some of the top wine regions globally, including France, Italy, Spain, Australia and California.

Viljoen’s exceptional expertise in viticulture and winemaking has been applied to the Clarington collection, which has been a journey of more than eight years – it’s a story of unique natural attributes, of thoughtful consideration, of exceptional craft and most importantly, of passion and commitment.  Everything, in fact, that makes a great wine stand out from a good wine. The range consists of six varietals – Merlot, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Blend, a Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and a Rosé. Each varietal is carefully crafted to display its inimitable character, to seduce with a rich and pleasing nose … to captivate with a first taste … to enslave with memorable follow-through.  No need to wait, these wines can be enjoyed now and from now on. These are wines that linger, consistent in their experience, every time.

With grapes being sourced from the finest terriors of the region, Clarington joins Normandie Est. 1693’s well-established offering of Eisen & Viljoen (a deeply complex Bordeaux style red blend) and karen. (a sophisticated, dry Merlot rosé) – both established wines that feature proudly on the shelves of discerning collectors and on the wine lists of top restaurants around the world.

Inspired by the natural relationship between art and wine, the Clarington bottle was perfected over several years, and specifically conceptualized to honour the art of winemaking, by internationally celebrated creative director and designer, Mark Eisen.

The high gloss, organic ink coating, influenced by traditional colour-blocking, is a global patented design and a world first, with each bottle undergoing an intricate five-step process to deliver a vessel that is beautifully designed and visually impactful. Deceptively simple, carefully considered and beautifully crafted. Every careful detail designed to underline the rich sensory experience of a fine wine.

This quality execution of the design means that, whilst the wine should be enjoyed today, the beauty of each bottle can be appreciated for years to come, making Clarington as much a work of art on the outside as it is on the inside.

Viljoen and Eisen, together with partners viticulturist and farm manager Bennie Booysen and marketer Jacques Burger, have translated their commitment to world class wines, uncompromised quality, true craft and impeccable design, into the estate’s iconic wines and Clarington is no exception.

The Clarington range retails for everyday enjoyment at under R100 per bottle.

To explore the Clarington range, visit www.claringtonwines.com and to learn about the estate, visit www.normandie1693.com