The Foundry Grenache Noir

VITICULTURE

Sourced from a 1 hectare vineyard at Fijndraai in Stellenbosch on heavily de-composed granite soils and just 4 km from False Bay. The vineyard is North-West facing and managed by Chris Williams. Planted in 2007, the Foundry Grenache Noir 2015 is the second vintage. The vineyard is starting to come into its own in terms of quality and site expression. The vines are trellised which allow us to precisely manage the canopy to enhance fruit, complexity and balance. A small crop was ripened under the good perfect conditions of 2015 and harvested at modest sugar levels but at full flavour ripeness to ensure lower alcohol but brighter acidity and freshness and fruit expression.

VINIFICATION

Hand harvested and cooled overnight, the grapes were partially de-stemmed and crushed with some whole berries and bunches remaining. About 15 % of stalks were used. The first stage of fermentation was un-innoculated with a neutral Rhone strain inoculated later to complete fermentation. Only 40% of the free run was barrel aged in seasoned tight grain French oak, with 60% remaining in cement tank for MLF. The blend was assembled after 8 months and given another 5 months to harmonize in neutral concrete tanks before bottling. No fining or Filtration.

FOOD PAIRING

Seared Tuna with sesame dressing or Daube de Provence