Grenache

This is a very fragrant and delicate wine but with amazing concentration and depth of flavour. A bouquet of fresh strawberries, dried rose petal and dried herbs gives way to a dancing palate with zippy acidity and flavours of wild bramble with hints of all-spice that are perfectly balanced with a fine and supple tannin structure. A delicious wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of foods, for the adventurous serve lightly chilled with salmon or simply enjoy with a variety of charcuterie.

The grapes for this wine were sourced from an old vineyard in Darling in the Swartland area, as well as from Piekenierskloof, both areas exceptionally well-suited for the growing of premium quality Grenache. The run-up to the season was characterized by a warm and dry winter and spring, resulting in drier than usual soil conditions at the onset of the growing season. This resulted in earlier bud-break and flowering, and as such also promising an earlier than usual harvest. Grapes were harvested by hand in the early morning and arrived at the winery looking healthy and promising.

When vinifying Grenache, a light touch is imperative. The grapes were destemmed, and the whole berries were added on top of a bed of whole bunches. This 20% whole bunch contributes to the generous red berry aromas in the wine. Fermentation took place over 2 weeks with only 2 pump overs per day to achieve the perfect balance of the delicate flavours and soft tannin structure of Grenache. Only the “free-run” wine was transferred to a combination of 3rd fill French oak barrels and terracotta Amphorae for 8 month’s maturation on the lees.