Kleine Zalze Project Z Riesling Verdelho 2021

Chiselled and taut, with upfront aromas of lime and green apple, the low pH provides potential for this wine to age exceptionally well. The acidity will mellow over time to reveal a generous palate laden with typical Riesling aromas of honeysuckle, pear, and beeswax.


variety : Riesling [ Riesling, Verdelho ]
winemaker : RJ Botha
wine of origin : Elgin
analysis : alc : 12.5 % vol  rs : 7.3 g/l  pH : 3.05  ta : 8.7 g/l  
type : White  style : Off Dry  body : Full  
pack : Bottle  size : 750ml  closure : Cork  

AWARDS
2023 Tim Atkin SA Special Report - 93 Points
 

Nature knows no boundaries and wine, as one of the most revered of nature’s offerings, does not have limits either. With Project Z, the team of winemakers at Kleine Zalze had free reign to interact with nature, to search for the ultimate expression from a vineyard and to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in order to keep growing and evolving.

The “project” originated back in 2013 from discussion between owner, Kobus Basson and the winemaking team. From their discussions, the “project” grew and today the cornerstones of the Project Z wines are a selection of vineyards on extraordinary sites and an impressive collection of Italian amphorae that were steadily acquired since 2015. And of course, a dedicated, committed, and skillful team.

The first wine was bottled in 2017 and by 2020 a unique range of signature wines were ready for release. Dressing the bottles was the only missing component. With the packaging we wanted to follow through on the journey of discovery and allow the winemaking team to own the full process of creation.

With the guidance and expertise of Theo Paul Voster, renowned artist, each winemaker created a visual expression of hidden elements of nature that inspire them. The very first linocut print of each artwork was used to create the labels for the wine, completing the full circle of the creative process. The result is an eclectic collection of exceptional and individual wines.

in the vineyard : The grapes for this wine were sourced from a block in Elgin. Being one of the coldest wine growing regions in South Africa, Elgin is exceptionally well suited to produce high quality Riesling. Situated on a particularly shale-rich hill with excellent drainage, this vineyard is well positioned to produce wine of outstanding quality.

in the cellar : The Riesling was harvested early morning and whole bunch pressed to retain purity and freshness in the juice. After settling overnight, it was transferred to Italian terracotta amphorae for alcoholic fermentation to take place. After completion of fermentation, the wine was left to mature in the amphora for a further six months before bottling.

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