Spier 21 Gables Pinotage

AWARDS:
Top 100 SA Wines 2018 – Double Gold
Tim Atkin Annual South African Report 2018 – 93 points
Veritas Wine Awards 2018 – Gold

WINEMAKER:
Johan Jordaan

ORIGIN:
Stellenbosch

TERROIR / SOIL:
Soil: Decomposed granite
Temperature: winter 10° – 17°C; summer 14° – 28°C
Annual rainfall: ±450mm
Proximity to ocean: 7km

VINEYARD AND CLIMATE CONDITIONS:
Dryland vineyards overlooking False Bay on the southern side of Stellenbosch yielded the fruit for this unique wine. The decomposed granite soils assist with water retention as it contains a high proportion of clay.

WINEMAKING:
Grapes were harvested by hand (to minimise damage to the berries) and chilled before bunch sorting. After de-stemming, the berries were hand sorted to remove raisins, pink berries and large berries. Partial natural fermentation took place in stainless steel; the balance was inoculated with a particular yeast strain. Free-run wine was drained to a combination of first and second fill French, American and Hungarian oak barrels where it matured for 18 months. Barrel selections were conducted to ensure a balanced, cool-climate Pinotage with great complexity and ageing potential.

ANALYSIS:

APPEARANCE:
Dark red with a vibrant red hue.

TASTING NOTE:
Flavours of caramelised black cherries, hints of dark spice and dark chocolate. The full palate’s smooth entry is followed by rich fruit and velvety tannins.

SERVE WITH:
Serve with mature beef, venison, lamb and ostrich dishes with berry jus or strong cheese.