In every glass of Paserene wine, there’s a story of contrast—elegance and intensity, earth and air, heritage and innovation. Two wines that exemplify this duality are Paserene Union & Emerald: one red, one white, both extraordinary. Together, they form a poetic dialogue that reflects the landscape, legacy, and artisan vision behind each bottle.
Union: The Art of Red Balance
Union is part of the flagship Paserene Range—a bold, expressive blend crafted from Syrah and Carignan grown in Tulbagh. This region’s unique combination of heat, rugged soils, and elevation allows grapes to develop profound flavour while maintaining natural freshness. Union is named not only for the blend of cultivars, but for the harmonious partnership between vineyard, vintage, and winemaker.
In the glass, Union reveals a deep garnet hue with flashes of violet. The nose is instantly generous—black cherry, ripe plum, crushed herbs, and a whisper of violets. Hints of white pepper and cured meat give a nod to its Syrah roots, while the Carignan adds lift and savoury charm.
On the palate, Union is velvety yet structured. Its tannins are fine-grained, supporting layers of dark fruit, cocoa, and spice. This is a wine that builds slowly, revealing new dimensions with each sip. It lingers—long, textural, contemplative.
Perfect with: rosemary-crusted lamb, truffle polenta, or slow-roasted aubergine with tahini and dukkah. For a local touch, pair it with venison or kudu loin drizzled in a red wine jus.
Emerald: Sauvignon Blanc in Spring Light
Where Union is deep and earthy, Emerald is luminous and mineral. A proud member of the Elements Range, Emerald is sourced from cool-climate vineyards in Elgin—an area known for producing some of South Africa’s most elegant white wines. This wine captures the first light of spring, evoking clarity, precision, and purity.
The nose is bright with green apple, lime blossom, and wet stone. Subtle notes of lemongrass, cucumber, and white pepper emerge as it opens. On the palate, Emerald is brisk and linear, with a saline edge that enhances its freshness. Its finish is clean, chalky, and quietly complex.
Perfect with: grilled Franschhoek trout, crisp asparagus with lemon zest, or herbed goat cheese on toasted sourdough. It also elevates Vietnamese rice paper rolls or avocado and grapefruit salad with microgreens.
Two Wines, One Experience
What makes Union and Emerald such a compelling pair isn’t just their contrast—it’s their conversation. Tasted side-by-side, they showcase two facets of the Paserene philosophy: restraint and power, light and depth, tradition and reinvention. One invites you in gently; the other keeps you lingering long after the glass is empty.
This pairing is perfect for a multi-course meal or a curated tasting flight at home. Start with Emerald as an aperitif or with your first course, then transition to Union for the main event. Together, they create a sensory arc—fresh to bold, floral to smoky, elegant to profound.
The Tasting Lounge: A Space of Stillness
Both wines can be experienced at the Paserene tasting lounge in Franschhoek—a space unlike any other. Inspired by the mud-and-stick nests of migratory swallows, the architecture echoes the balance between nature and design. With its glass walls, sculpted curves, and views across the dam to the Wemmershoek mountains, this is a setting where wines are not just tasted but felt.
Visitors can book a curated tasting that includes Union and Emerald, presented with storytelling that connects each wine to the land and the people behind it. Pair it with our signature charcuterie or cheese board, featuring local delights like Dalewood Camembert, Franschhoek biltong, and fig preserves.
“The Union and Emerald tasting was my favourite moment in the Cape Winelands. One bold, one refreshing, both unforgettable.” — Visitor Review
FAQs: Paserene Union & Emerald
Can I taste Union and Emerald in one visit?
Yes. We offer curated tastings that feature both wines—ideal for discovering contrast and craftsmanship in one sitting.
Are these wines available online?
Absolutely. Visit our online shop to purchase individually or as a duo set, with national delivery and international shipping on request.
Can I cellar them?
Union has great ageing potential—up to 7 years or more. Emerald is best enjoyed young but will gain richness over 2–3 years.
What food pairings do you recommend?
Union suits bold, savoury dishes; Emerald complements freshness, herbs, and seafood. Try them as a progressive pairing for a long-table spring lunch.
Experience Balance in Every Sip
Whether you're discovering Paserene for the first time or deepening your journey into South African boutique wines, Union & Emerald offer a gateway to sensory richness and stylistic harmony. They are distinct in tone, but united by craft.
Order your duo now, book a tasting at our Franschhoek lounge, or subscribe to our newsletter for pairing ideas, seasonal insights, and stories from the vineyard.