Compagniesdrift’s beloved Muscat-style dessert wine, Albertus NV, may soon return to the cellar’s premium range, thanks to a standout 2025 vintage of Hanepoot. Favourable weather conditions, careful winemaking, and a bench trial using French oak-aged components from previous vintages are all aligning for what could become an exceptional release.

A season of balance and ripeness

“This year’s growing season gave us exactly what we needed,” says Altus Treurnicht, the winemaker for Compagniesdrift. “Sufficient rainfall during the winter months coupled with moderate and dry conditions during the growing season enabled the Hanepoot vineyard to ripen the grapes sufficiently. Higher-than-average temperatures during March were critical to ensure that this ripeness level could be reached.”

Such conditions are particularly important for Muscat d’Alexandrie (Hanepoot), which needs both sugar and aromatic development to achieve its full potential.

Harvest and vinification

The grapes were harvested on 7 April 2025, and sorting began immediately to remove any inferior bunches. “After sorting, the grapes were crushed into a fermentation vessel,” Treurnicht explains. “They underwent fermentation for two days before being drained and pressed to tank. Fermentation will continue in tank until the desired sugar level is obtained.”

This slow and careful fermentation process is essential in crafting a dessert wine with freshness, balance, and depth of flavour.

The return of Albertus NV

As fermentation progresses, the winemaking team is already looking ahead. “A small bench trial with previous Hanepoot components aged in French oak barrels will be done to create a blend that could potentially be bottled as Albertus NV,” says Treurnicht. “Although we are not yet at this final phase, we stay optimistic that we would be able to bottle an Albertus once again.”

The final decision will depend on the success of the blending trials, but early signs are promising. If successful, the 2025 release would mark the return of a much-loved expression of Muscat at its most complex and rewarding.

Tasting Notes: A showcase of Hanepoot elegance

The previous vintage of Albertus NV demonstrated the beauty of this varietal when carefully aged in barrel. Distinct aromas of Turkish delight and rosewater immediately rise from the glass, joined by fresh ginger, apricot, citrus zest, and a touch of marmalade. These aromatic layers are the hallmark of well-ripened Muscat grapes and precise winemaking.

On the palate, the wine offers a harmonious interplay of sweetness and acidity. French oak maturation lends it a fine tannin structure, bringing elegance and balance. A slightly bitter grapefruit note on the finish adds a refreshing contrast, ensuring the wine lingers pleasantly after each sip.

Perfect pairing: Rose, ginger and orange panna cotta

To match this fragrant, flavourful wine, Compagniesdrift recommends pairing it with their Rose, Ginger and Orange Panna Cotta. This dessert mirrors the wine’s floral and citrus elements, while the subtle spice of ginger echoes the wine’s aromatic complexity. The combination creates a memorable sensory experience.

You can try the panna cotta recipe yourself, find it here.

Looking ahead

While the final blend of Albertus NV is yet to be confirmed, the 2025 Hanepoot vintage is already generating excitement. With Altus Treurnicht and the Compagniesdrift team carefully guiding the process from vineyard to bottle, the return of Albertus NV is closer than ever, and shaping up to be worth the wait.