Rosé of Pinotage 2020 (Previous vintage: 2017)
Pinotage is the classic South African red grape varietal. A crossing
of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, both renowned Old World rosé varietals,
which are brought together in the New World to create a modern and
refreshing expression of rosé.
The family who have owned the estate where our Single Farm Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon hails from have been stewards of their land since 1916. The vineyards are located in the Simonsberg-Paarl Ward, a sub-appellation of the Paarl district, along the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains, mid-way between Paarl and Stellenbosch and approximately 40 minutes from Cape Town.
They understand the potential of their vineyard and are committed to not interfere with the process of turning the high-quality grapes the land produces into quality wines.
The quality emanating from this ward has not gone unnoticed: over the past few years, Ch. Mouton-Rothchild from Bordeaux as well as Californians Zelma Long and The Hess Collection have purchased vineyards nearby.
The Vineyard and the Wine
The grapes for this select wine originate from a single farm that is certified both for Sustainability and Integrity and made in a Carbon Neutral certified cellar. The vineyards are planted in Oakleaf & Tukulu soils, also called ancient soils, and the weathered pieces of granite are visible as you walk in the vineyard. These soils allow the wines to ripen fully with flavorful grapes.
The vineyards are trellised in the Lyre system with a double set of arms that makes the vineyard look like it is worshiping the sun and the grapes are exposed to sun and wind - creating healthy fruit with a tropical flavor spectrum. Lyre trellising also has more vines per acre, less movement of vehicles & people and reduced carbon footprint.
On the day of harvest, grapes are cold soaked to lock-in flavor, crushed and then fermented. At bottling, the wine is naturally filtered with diatomatious earth & sterile candles.
Technical details: ALC - 12.5 %vol ; PH - 3.54; RS - 5g/l; TA - 5.3
g/l.
Lynne Safriel's thoughts: "I loved the passion and love that went into this wonderful Rosé. Pinotage is the perfect grape for Rosé, bringing Burgundy and Rhone, Old world and New. This wine fits in perfectly with the long beaches, super-fine sand, sun and beautiful people of the barrier island beach community I call home."
