Pinotage

An elegant expression of SA’s national grape, with aromas of raspberry, dark chocolate and hints of violets on the nose. The pallet is well structured but refined with integrated, tasty tannins. The grapes from bush vine trained Pinotage were handpicked at phenolic ripeness and stored at 10 °C to ensure the finest flavor and freshness. Upon crushing, a temperature of 10 °C was maintained and both skins and juice were left in contact to cold macerate in French oak tanks for 6 days. This approach provides improved color and flavor stability. Upon fermentation, flavour and color is allowed to develop for a period of 4 weeks before the wine is transferred to 100% French oak 225l barrels for 16-18 months. The use of predominantly older French oak allows the wine to retain fruit flavors and extract tannin from the oak, resulting in a balance of fruit and spice aromas, together with a well structured mid pallet.