variety : Pinotage [ 100% Pinotage ]
winemaker : The Winemaking Team
wine of origin : Stellenbosch
analysis : alc : 14.5 % vol rs : 3.17 g/l pH : 3.53 ta : 5.81 g/l
type : Red body : Full wooded
pack : Bottle size : 0 closure : Cork
in the vineyard : Vineyards
Simonsberg and Bottelary.
Treatment in The Vineyard
Pinotage is a tough varietal, the tougher the conditions, the more concentrated the fruit. The specially selected bush vine vineyards that delivered the grapes are farmed dry land. Bush vine Pinotage that is farmed dry land, is known to deliver top quality grapes, as is the case with these vineyards.
Vintage Conditions
The 2010 harvest will be remembered for its erratic weather changes, which posed a challenge for winemakers and viticulturist alike. A cold, but late, winter preceded the growing season providing much needed rest to the vineyards. Budding was earlier than expected, which introduced an early start for the 2010 harvest. The season was characterized by mild weather until the end of February that was favourable for slow ripening and the development of berry flavours. Above average rainfall was recorded during the growing season, resulting in increased disease pressure and lower vineyard yields. Quality in general was very good, promising a range of excellent wines from the KWV Mentors.
in the cellar : Winemaking
A three step selection processes ensured that only the best quality fruit was selected for fermentation. The process of selective picking in the vineyard followed by both bunch and berry selection on the sorting table in the Mentor Cellar is strictly followed. The cuvee was inoculated after three days of cold soaking. Fermentation at 26oC took place over 4 days. The wine was pressed before alcoholic fermentation was completed, to prevent the extraction of hard and dry tannins. The wine matured in barrel for 16 months.
Maturation
16 Months in a combination of 300 litre barrels. 70% first fill barrels were used of which 85% is French Oak and 15% American Oak barrels.
Total Production: 5 000 bottles
Bottling Date: August 2011