2017 Benguela Cove Pinot Noir

Varieties

Pinot Noir

Vintage

2017

Country

South Africa

Region

Walker Bay

Alcohol

12.67%

Bottle size

750 mL

Description

Cherry, raspberry sweets and oral aromas form the backbone of the 2017 vintage, whilst hints of perfume, spice and tobacco leaf can be detected. The palate is neatly framed by polished tannins, with light layers of plum and dark chocolate following through on the finish. Our style of Pinot Noir is a red fruit, with a soft and elegant style of Pinot Noir.

Winemaking Notes

Grapes were handpicked in the vineyards and only individually selected grapes were harvested at maximum flavour. After bunch and berry sorting at the winery, the partial whole bunch (15%) and whole berry cuvee was left for a 4 days cold
soak to allow for maximum fruit and colour extraction. After inoculation with the onset of a fermentation, a very gentle punch down was done twice a day. Alcoholic fermentation lasted approximately six days. It was pressed, then settled and transferred to the barrel for malolactic fermentation. The wine was then racked once during its 10 months aging in 30% new french oak barrels.

Growing Conditions

Walker Bay, a region known for producing cool climate wines, is rapidly becoming synonymous with outstanding South African Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With Benguela Cove’s close proximity to the ocean, the vineyard enjoys cool daytime temperatures that are even lower at night, especially during the growing season. This is ideal for the development of delicate fruit notes, fine
tannin structure and lively acidity. The Benguela Cove Pinot Noir 2017 is made from 2 clones (PN115 & PN777) planted on south east and south west facing vineyards on the shores of the lagoon which runs down to the cold Atlantic Ocean. The soil is predominantly weathered shale and iron laterites which is also high in calcium content, some of the highest in the region.

Food Pairing

Serve the Pinot Noir with lamb, Coq Au Vin, game and rabbit.