Wine Composition

64% Chenin (Stellenbosch), 30% Chardonnay (Elgin), 6% Cabernet Franc (Stellenbosch)

Winemakers Comments

Chenin driven Cremant de Loire blend. Green-tinged, pale lemon yellow in colour with fresh gooseberry and cantaloup on the nose. The palate shows finesse and intensity, with a fine, perfectly integrated mousse of lime, pear drop and delicate vanilla notes. Zesty and fresh with a harmonious finish

Awards

TA | 93 pts

Technical Analysis

Alcohol Percentage

12.5%

TA

9.4 g/l

pH

3.08

RS

6.7 g/l

Vinification

Whole bunch pressed Chenin Blanc & Chardonnay producing 450 litres per ton and the Cabernet Franc producing 150 litres per ton. Fermented over two weeks and blended. The second fermentation took place 7 months after blending and was aged for 18 months on the lees before degorgement

Winemaker

Morne Vrey

Winery

Delaire Graff Estate is situated in Stellenbosch in the heart of South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wine region. Founded by Simon van der Stel in 1679, Simon brought a sound knowledge of viticulture, the art of winemaking – fostering a tradition that has grown from strength to strength through the centuries. In 1982 John Platter, well-known wine writer, bought Delaire, then known as Avontuur. Looking at the magnificent view, he decided to rename the farm Delaire Estate, meaning "From the Sky”. Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds International acquired the estate in 2003 and vowed to transform it into South Africa’s most desirable art, hospitality and wine destination. Today, with two outstanding restaurants, a state-of-the-art winery, exclusive Lodges, a destination Spa and two luxury boutiques, the transformation of this piece of paradise is complete.
Delaire Graff Estate’s unique terroir on the crest of the panoramic Helshoogte Mountain Pass is noted for its high-altitude vineyards, excellent soils, and cooling sea breezes. Delaire Graff Estate aims for red wines that are big in structure with soft tannins and elegance, and white wines which capture the freshness of the harvest. With one of the most advanced cellars in the Southern Hemisphere, which became operational in 2008, in just three years the Estate can be comfortably rated as one of the top ten wine producers in South Africa. From the outset, wine quality has been superb and Delaire has achieved a stellar rise.