Wine Composition
45% Chardonnay, 31% Chenin, 19% Viognier & 5% Roussanne
Winemakers Comments
Ripe and exotic, a distinctive, spicy wine that is rich and subtly oaked, with a slight aroma of roasted almonds. The Chardonnay gives superb lime-citrus flavors; the Viognier lends a delicate perfume of dried peaches and apricots while the Roussanne and Chenin act like salt and pepper, spicing things up!!
Technical Analysis
Alcohol Percentage
13.5%
TA
5.4 g/l
pH
3.38
RS
1.8 g/l
Vineyards /Vintage
Four different vineyards from the Stellenbosch region were used to make this wine. The Chardonnay & Roussanne grapes were hand harvested from two South Westerly facing vineyards on Zevenwacht (Polkadraai Hills). The Viognier and Chenin were hand harvested from two North-facing vineyards on Zevenrivieren (The Banhoek valley). All these vineyards are lying at altitudes that range from 300-500 meters above sea level; these higher elevated slopes tend to give the blending partners a beautiful natural acidity, resulting in a pleasant pungency. The richness and full-bodied fruit in the wine has been accentuated by the open canopies of the vineyards during ripening. All these flavours are backed with a flinty minerality from the decomposed granite soils of the Polkadraai hills.
Cellar Techniques
The Chardonnay grapes were harvested at 24,5ºBrix and lightly crushed. After pressing the juice was settled and racked to first and second fill 500l barrels. The Viognier, Chenin & Roussanne were whole-bunch pressed and racked to first, second and third fill French 500l barrels, where it fermented and matured for 8 months. 10% Chenin grapes were pressed, settled and the clear juice was racked to stainless steel tanks. Cool tank fermentation has allowed outstanding expression of the pungent yellow fruit characters of this component. Extended post fermentation lees contact lends a mid-palate weight and a creamy texture without obscuring the articulation of the aromatic potential.
Winemaker
Name - Jacques Viljoen
Winery
Situated on the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Zevenwacht has viticultural roots which penetrate deep into the historic past of South Africa. While literally meaning Seven Expectations, the name Zevenwacht exemplifies the abundant delights which await visitors to the Farm. A leader in wine tourism, Zevenwacht was one of the first Wine Estates to establish a restaurant, hotel and conference facility, Cheesery and Spa on the Estate.
The wines of Zevenwacht are distinguished by their classic style and finely crafted elegance. Winemaker Jacques Viljoen honours century-old wine-making traditions, yet is boldly innovative, welcoming the contribution that modern technology makes to the vinification of premier wines. Covering 120 hectares of the 450 hectare property, the vineyards are ideally situated for the growing of quality grapes. Zevenwacht is characterized by good quality, varied soils and the vineyards have been selectively planted with red and white noble varietals.
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