Bouchard Finlayson is the result of the collaboration between Paul Bouchard and Peter Finlayson, a South-African who worked for the Bouchard et Fils house in Beaune. After several viticultural experiences in South Africa and Europe, Peter Finlayson moved to the aptly-named Hemel-en-Arde valley (Paradise on earth in Dutch). He was the first person to plant Pinot Noir in South Africa. On the 160 hectares of the domain, 19 are planted with vines, the rest are devoted to a botanic garden. The vines are planted on clay slopes which retain their freshness, and whose mountainous terrain culminates at 1000m above sea level.

This cuvée is a blend of 6 French and Italian grape varieties: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Mourvèdre with a majority of Sangiovese. The wine has a ruby red colour. On the palate, it is light and silky but delicious. With hints of smoke and toasted aromas, the finish develops notes of stewed fruits and prunes. As a lover of history, Peter Finaylson wanted to sum up Europe and Africa in one word: the cuvée in fact takes its name from Hannibal, the Carthaginian war chief who is famous for having wanted to invade Ancient Rome 2,000 years ago, and whose army travelled through the Alps on the back of African elephants.