A Vibrant Blend of Freshness, Fruit and Swartland Character
Named after Franco Lourens’ father, Howard John blends Grenache Noir, Cinsault and Syrah from dry-farmed Swartland vineyards. Red and black berries mingle with fennel, fynbos, pepper and black olive on the nose. Concentrated yet fresh, the palate is driven by lively acidity, fine tannins and a dry, saline finish marked by spice and savoury notes. A restrained winemaking approach and ten months in old oak preserve its energy and lift.
Based in Paarl in South Africa’s Western Cape, Lourens Family Wines is the project of Franco Lourens, founded in 2016. After working in South Africa and abroad, including Australia, California and Roussillon, Franco spent five years working alongside Chris Alheit before returning to Paarl in 2021.
His wines focus on expressing the character of their sites and grape varieties through a deliberately low-intervention approach in the cellar. Fermentations rely on native yeasts, with no added yeast, acid, enzymes or fining agents. Maturation takes place in older neutral oak, allowing the wines to retain their individuality, freshness and sense of place.
Lourens Family Wines Howard John 2023
Western Cape, South Africa (75 cL)
- Soil(s): Granitic
- Farming: Reasoned
- Grape variety(ies): Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah
- Alcohol: 13.5°
- Ageing: 10 months in old barrels
- Serving temperature: 16°C - 18°C
- Cellaring: Now until 2033
- Decanting: 45 minutes before serving
- Pairings: Roast lamb, fine charcuterie, herb-roasted poultry, grilled vegetables, Mediterranean cuisine.
