Ntsiki, raised in the rural village of Mahlabathini in KwaZulu-Natal, earned her high school diploma in 1996. After a year as a domestic worker, she received a scholarship to pursue winemaking at Stellenbosch University in 1999. Graduating in 2003 with a BSc in Agriculture (Viticulture and Oenology), she soon became a winemaker at boutique winery Stellekaya. Her journey to create her own wines was ignited during a collaboration with Californian winemaker Helen Kiplinger, facilitated by the Wine for the World initiative. Named in honour of her grandmother, Aslina, Ntsiki's brand embodies her deep connection with nature and her KwaZulu-Natal upbringing. She also crafted a wine for The Winemakers' Collection in France and is a director for the Pinotage Youth Development Academy. Ntsiki earned accolades including Woman Winemaker of the Year in 2009 and recognition among Fortune's Food & Wine most Innovative Women in Food and Drink in 2017.
This is a beautifully crafted traditional method sparkling wine, made from 100% Chardonnay and aged for an impressive five years on the lees. Born from a happy accident and perfected through patience, this is a sparkling wine that combines precision, generosity and real depth of flavour.
Hand-picked in February 2016 from Franschhoek, the wine was bottled and left to mature far beyond the minimum lees-ageing requirements, developing layers of savoury complexity while retaining its bright, fresh core. Aromas of green apple and lime lead into notes of brioche, almond and butterscotch, all framed by a fine, persistent mousse.
On the palate it is rich and vibrant, broad and creamy in texture with a lifted, citrus-driven freshness that keeps everything beautifully balanced. The extended lees ageing brings real elegance and depth, making this as compelling at the table as it is on its own.
Ideal with oysters, smoked salmon, roast chicken, or simply enjoyed as a celebratory aperitif.