Description
TASTING NOTES: Our Old Vines Colombard, from the Vredendal-area on the West Coast of South Africa, was grown on a vine that was planted in 1983. The farm lays about 35km from the ocean, resulting in an amazing Kelpy seaspray finish. We were amazed at how classic this cultivar can present itself, beginning with a gorgeous white crisp peach and pear on the nose, finishing with that saline salty freshness.
Certifications
Alcohol
11.0%
Analytical data
dry
Vineyard
CLIMATE / SEASON The 2021 harvest was picked roughly two weeks earlier than the 2020-vintage (which was picked a week later than “normal”) due to sudden a heat wave. Typical days in that area are hot to very hot, with evenings cooling down dramatically. As there is no mountains or hills in that area, a salty air blows in from the ocean - roughly 35km away – during the evening. This creates a fogginess that lingers during the night and when the sun rises the next morning, a Kelpy seaspray gets left behind and eventually gets dried by the hot sun on the vines.
Soil Type
Clay with some sand.
Vinification
Picked in small crates, from the truck and straight into whole-bunch pressing. Natural fermentation started after about 3 days. Thereafter wine was kept on the lees for as long as possible, because that is where the “magic” happens as complex flavours and texture develops. Because nature has already done the work, the winemaking process is kept as natural as possible with minimal interference.
