Wine Composition

100% Petite Sirah

Winemakers Comments

This is a big meaty wine, made for dark winters nights and romantic fireplaces. Often used in blends to give more color and depth. For people who like big bold wines with plenty of body and oomph.

Awards

Tim Atkin | 91 points (2018)

Technical Analysis

Alcohol Percentage

14.37%

TA

6.1 g/l

pH

3.37

RS

2.4 g/l

Vinification

All fruit is handpicked and chilled in a cold room overnight. The following day they are destemmed and transferred to 500kg fermentation bins or barrels for fermentation. They do not crush the berries, and 30% whole bunches are added to each ferment. 30mg/l SO2 is added at this stage, and no other chemical additions (acid, enzymes or tannins) are made. The grape must be allowed to macerate for 3-4days before fermentation starts spontaneously. Fermentation lasts for 7-12days at a maximum of 28°C. To extract color, flavor and tannin from the grape skins, the must is mixed by hand 2-3 times daily according to extract and tannin development. A short post-ferment maceration is allowed to soften and focus tannins. At this stage, the wine is drained and the skins are pressed using a old basket press and transferred directly to the barrel for malolactic fermentation and maturation. After completion of malolactic fermentation, the wine receives a racking to remove solids and an SO2 addition before being laid down for a 24 months maturation period. At 18 months,s the final blend was assembled and allowed to mature for a further six months before bottling. The wine received no fining and a light filtration before bottling; decanting is recommended within the first 3-5 years.

Winemaker

Name - Jacques Wentzel

Winery

Surrounded by majestic mountains, you will discover the quaint village of Franschhoek. Founded by the French Huguenots in 1687, this beautiful area is home to some of South Africa’s most sought-after wine and dine experiences. It hosts a wide variety of festivals, such as the Bastille festival, the Champagne festival and various others. With unrivaled natural beauty, Franschhoek remains a must see and a place to experience. The splendor and tastes of old, meet the new and modern, in a vibrant dance of color, culture, taste and hospitality. Our wines represent our sincerest endeavors to bring the Franschhoek experience to all wine lovers for the sole purpose of enjoyment and as an expression of our appreciation for our good life.