SOLD OUT

Arabella Viognier 2010

Subtle flavours of lemon and peaches linger on a complex palate. Full bodied elegance makes this a wine of substance.


variety : Viognier [ 100% Viognier ]
winery : Arabella
winemaker : Stephen de Wet
wine of origin : Robertson
analysis : alc : 14.50 % vol  rs : 2.3 g/l  pH : 3.16  ta : 6.8 g/l  va : 0.32 g/l  so2 : 125 mg/l  fso2 : 37 mg/l  
type : White  
pack : Bottle  closure : Cork  

in the vineyard : Soil Types
The vineyards are planted on the floor of what was, many millions of years ago, a great inland lake. Evidence of this lake can be seen in the massive water washed boulders. As the rainfall declined the lake dried up leaving a deposit of calcareous silt many meters thick. The drying of the soil and the effect of the elements cured the top layer of this calcareous silt into rock hard calcium carbonate. At first it was thought that these soils were only suitable for pastures as the roots of orchards and vineyards could not penetrate the calcium carbonate. The era of the big machine, which could rip through the hard calcium carbonate to a depth of 1.5 meters to access the calcareous silt underneath, changed this perception. Vineyards now flourish and produce wonderful wine where there once was arid veldt. A near perfect viticultural terroir has been created where man can manipulate conditions as he sees fit.

Clonal / Rootstock Selection
Two rootstocks are used, 101-14 and Richter 110. Some of the older vines were planted with 101-14, but it has become apparent that our soils are more suited to Richter 110. The problem with 101-14 is that it has a shallow root structure and is more prone to suffer from water stress at the critical ripening periods. Conversely, Richter 110 has a stronger root structure which enables us to better control deficit water management in the period before veraison.

Growing Season Growing Data (October – April)
Rainfall: 333.7mm
Mean Maximum Temperatures: 24.95°C
Mean Minimum Temperatures: 10.27°C
Vine Age: 4 years
Pruning Regime: Cordon/Spur Pruned, Vertical Shoot Positioning

about the harvest: Harvest Date: 15 February
Yield Per Vine: (weighted average) 2.7 kg
Yield Per HA: (weighted average) 8 tonnes
Maturity Analysis at Harvest (weighted averages): Brix: 25°

Viognier is picked mid February and in the very early morning (at first light) by hand so as to keep the berries whole and thus reducing the chances of oxidation on route to the winery.

in the cellar : Once crushed the wine is cooled though mash cooler and then pumped into an airbag press with a central inflatable membrane. The entire outer cylinder of the press has drainage holes to speed up the process of pressing, increase the amount of juice extracted and reduce oxidation. Once pressed the juice is again put though a plate cooler.

find our wines in :

OTHER VINTAGES

Viognier
Viognier
Viognier
Viognier