Fram Wines, situated in the esteemed Piekenierskloof area, was founded as a personal passion project of Thinus Krüger. He wanted to make wines highlighting personality and originality, making wines from a variety of terroirs that showcase the Western Cape.

"After 12 long years of making really good wines, for really nice people, I decided that it is time to make some even better wines for myself. And obviously for you too. And for a whole lot of other deserving people on this planet. So, if you are keen on good wines, wines that oozes personality and want to keep ahead of the Jones's, this is the right place to be." Thinus Krüger.

Perched on the dramatic plateau of Piket-Bo-Berg at the far northern reaches of the Swartland, FRAM’s Carmelina White Blend captures the pioneering spirit of this emerging ward. Sitting at elevations approaching 900 metres above sea level, Piket-Bo-Berg enjoys a long, dry ripening season, remarkably low disease pressure, and a pronounced diurnal temperature range - conditions that combine to produce wines of clarity, tension and character.

This wine comes from an extraordinary 60-year-old interplanted vineyard of predominantly Palomino, with small proportions of Chenel and Hanepoot. Fermentation occurs naturally in a mix of stainless steel, small French oak, and large Austrian oak vessels.

Technical Details :
Alcohol: 12.0% | TA: 5.1 g/L | pH: 3.49 | RS: 2.4 g/L

An expressive, textural white that reflects both the extreme terroir and the bold, exploratory ethos driving Piket-Bo-Berg’s ascent as South Africa’s new winemaking frontier.

"Grapes from an old Citrusdal Mountain from a mixed vineyard consisting predominantly of Palomino but also Chenin Blanc, Hanepoot and Chenel. Previously labelled as Dry White, this now known as Carmelina after a character in the Neil Young song “Saddle Up the Palomino”. 20% from the 2021 vintage, 30% from 2022 and 50% from 2023. Pear, peach, citrus, floral perfume and a hint of reduction on the nose. The palate is lean and fresh, the finish lightly grippy and intensely savoury. Not mainstream but not entirely inaccessible either."
91 points.
Christian Eedes, winemag.co.za (October 2024)