variety : Cabernet Franc [ Cabernet Franc & Pinot Noir ]
winemaker : Danie de Wet
wine of origin : Robertson
analysis : alc : 13.16 % vol rs : 1.7 g/l pH : 3.29 ta : 5.9 g/l so2 : 36 mg/l fso2 : 104 mg/l
type : Rose style : Dry body : Light taste : Fruity
pack : Bottle size : 750ml closure : Screwcap
in the vineyard : Climate
The Robertson Valley is characterised by cold winters and sunny summers, with an average annual rainfall of 350 - 400mm. In summer a fresh southerly breeze has a cooling effect on the vineyards, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly and in perfect balance. Nights are chilly and during summer months a mist often shrouds the vineyards until late morning. The dry climate and bracing breeze keep pests to a minimum, resulting in sparse spraying programmes.
Irrigation
Controlled computerised irrigation systems including the monitoring of soil moisture content ensure the vines are given exactly the right amount of water at the right time to produce grapes of optimum ripeness and developed flavours.
Soils
An abundance of free limestone is complemented by a heavy clay component ensuring excellent water-retention and adding structure and fullness to this delicate wine. These soils have high free lime content on De Wetshof. This adds complexity and structure to the wines, allowing optimum varietal expression with classic Cabernet Franc flavours of soft floral, spicy red berry fruit.
Vineyard information
Age of the vines: 12 - 17 years
Vines per hectare: 4000 and some sections 4500
Rootstock: Richter 99 and Richter 110
Planting row: 2,4m x 1m and 1,83m x 1,2m
Soil PH: 7,2 - 8,2
Trellising style: 6 Wire fence system cordon with spur pruning
Yield: 6 - 8 tons per hectare
in the cellar : Once de-stemming, and a gentle pressing and overnight settling without skin contact are complete, the juice is racked off the sediment and pumped into stainless steel tanks for alcohol fermentation.