RHANLEIGH PINOTAGE
Viticulture and winemaking:
The rocky, shale soils ensure low yields and good
concentration. The substantial lime deposits also present
leads to good retention of acidity in the grapes and low
pH values.
Robertson has one of the biggest variations in day/night
temperatures because of its continental setting and the
influence of a daily South-Easterly breeze in summer. The
days are hot, but the nights cool considerably. The cool
night temperatures promote excellent colour and phenolic
development in the skins of the grapes. The low annual
rainfall of about 260mm per year, makes it a dry climate
which is very beneficial for vineyard health. All these
factors combine to make Robertson an ideal growing area
for Pinotage, yielding wines with intense colour, bright
berry fruit flavours and fine, ripe tannins.
The grapes were hand harvested from mid-February when
phenolically ripe at a sugar of 26 Brix, then destemmed
and crushed into stainless steel fermentation tanks.
Fermentation was done with regular aerated pump overs
to ensure excellent extraction of colour, tannins, and
flavour. The grapes once pressed, and malolactic
fermentation was completed in tanks, before racking onto
French medium plus fire-toasted oak. The wine was aged
for 3 months in oak contact before racking, blending and
a light filtration before bottling.
Tasting notes:
Dark ruby red in the glass. Blackcurrant and prune aromas
are supported by smoky and violet notes. Finishing on a
soft mouth feel with elegant acidity
Technical Information
Alc: 13.5% RS: 4.3g/l pH: 3.60 TA: 5.2g/l
Winemaker
Henry Conradie