Pinotage is certainly one of the cultivars that requires a gentle touch and literally needs nurturing from the vine and throughout the cellar, with little interference. And it seems that our winemaking team know just how best to treat this uniquely South African cultivar!
The Durbanville Hills Collectors Reserve Pinotage 2017 has been awarded as one of the Top 10 at the 2020 ABSA Pinotage Competition. More than 149 entries were received for the competition, now it its 24th year.
Cellar Master, Martin Moore, says it is an incredible achievement for the team and a testament to the unique cool climate terroir of the Durbanville area.
“Our Pinotage blocks literally have the best views facing the West Coast with panormaci views of the ocean. The cool ocean breezes and early morning mists bath the slopes and drench them in cool air and in the afternoon, they benefit from the afternoon sun – conditions most suited to Pinotage. This coupled with our hand-selected choice of wood to soften tannins and integrate flavours, have resulted in quite a remarkable wine.”
The grapes for the wine were selected from an 19-year-old vineyard and hand-picked in small bunches. In the cellar the grapes were handled with minimum intervention and de-stemmed over a sorting table into 15-ton fermenters. The must was left overnight before 10-15% of the juice was drained to concentrate the body, flavour and aroma compounds of the final product. After fermentation and continuous timer-regular pump-over cycles, in combination with compressed air, the wine was matured in a combination of new and second fill, tight grained medium toasted French oak barrels for 14 months.
It’s a well-integrated wine with ripe notes of strawberry, raspberry, plum, dark chocolate and Christmas fruit cake on the nose. The mouth-feel is elegant with silky tannins, concentrated sweet fruit and hints of cinnamon that lingers on the after-taste.
The Collectors Reserve range is unlike anything Durbanville Hills has ever produced. Inspired by Cape Town and the radiant energy and creativity of her people, Durbanville Hills commissioned Capetonian artist Theo Vorster to pair each wine with a prominent Cape Town landmark, most of which are visible from the winery. Theo is known for creating unique pieces of art in his hand-printed and hand-coloured linocuts, transporting the viewer into an energised, playful dimension.
The Collectors Reserve Pinotage features the Sea Point Promenade which offers breath-taking views of Table Mountain and of the Atlantic Ocean, similar to those experience from the cellar and vineyard.
Add this magnificent Top 10 Pinotage to your collection by visit http://www.durbanvillehills.co.za or http://www.vinoteque.co.za
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Categories: Durbanville Hills, Pinotage
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