variety : Semillon [ 54% Semillon, 46% Chardonnay ]
winemaker : Andries Jordaan
wine of origin : Tulbagh
analysis : alc : 13.16 % vol rs : 3.9 g/l pH : 3.26 ta : 6.3 g/l
type : White style : Dry taste : Fruity
pack : Bottle size : 750ml closure : Screwcap
in the vineyard : Theuniskraal comprises 350 ha with 130 ha under vine, mostly Cape Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Chenin blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The soils are predominantly gravel and sandy loam. Clay and sandy loam soils are found along the river.
The Semillon grapes, which dominate the blend, were grown in trellised and irrigated vineyards at an altitude of 200 m above sea level with an east-west row direction. All the vines, planted in 1998 and 2004, are cultivated in loamy clay soils, which keep roots cool in the summer months and preserve the varietal flavours.
The south-facing Chardonnay vineyards are also planted at an altitude of 200 m above sea level, in stony, loamy soils as well as deeper loamy soils. The trellised vines, established in 2000 and 2002, receive supplementary drip irrigation.
about the harvest: Both the Sémillon and Chardonnay were harvested by hand mostly from pre-dawn to early morning. The Sémillon was picked in late February at 21.5° Balling, while the Chardonnay was picked at 23.5° Balling in early and mid-February.
in the cellar : Both varietals were vinified individually and received skin contact for three hours. After cold fermentation at 13° to 15° C for 14 to 21 days, the wines remained in stainless steel tanks without any oak maturation until blending.