VINEYARD

The 6ha vines were planted in 2000 on (101-14) rootstock with 2.5m spacing. The vines are drip-irrigated to ensure optimal ripening and trained on the 5-wire Perold trellis system. Planted on soils consisting of weathered granite on clay, the vines are situated on northwest facing slopes. The nearby Atlantic Ocean (False Bay) has a cooling effect on the vineyards during the ripening season.

GROWING SEASON

In retrospect the season was very similar to 2015 with even less rain and drier conditions. Hot weather from mid-October through to end January restricted growth which in turn resulted in lighter bunches and concentrated berries with an average 15% decrease in yield. These conditions also led to healthier vineyards and disease free grapes with promising wines.

VINIFICATION

The grapes were picked at 25° balling early February when the pips were brown and the skins had no more unripe tannins. The berries were crushed and cold-soaked for about 48hrs at 15°C, and then inoculated with suitable yeast that would bring out the best of the varietal. The must was fermented in stainless steel tanks with aeration every 4 hrs- this was done to extract all the colour and flavours from the must. Fermentation takes about 5 days

FOOD PAIRING

Pair with spicy Lamb masala curry, served with chutney, assorted sambals and freshly baked naan bread.