The Drift Moveable Feast Estate Blend
REGION:Overberg, Western Cape
VINEYARD:Blend of 8 small vineyards, most smaller than half a hectare
VARIETY:51% Syrah, 19% Tannat, 12% Pinot Noir, 9% Malbec, 6 % Barbera & 3% Touriga Nacional
VINTAGE:2016
Viticulture
This is an estate blend using only grapes grown on this unique Overberg Highland’s farm. As such it reflects the different aspects and soils on this remarkable farm. Each variety has been paired with a specific soil type and slope. All vineyards lie between 390m and 550m above sea level. Because the vineyards face in various directions, with various row directions, we have been able to embrace the complexity of our farm, and so transfer that soul into the wine.
Vinification
Each variety is treated differently. Most are fermented apart, but as pioneers of co-fermentation in South Africa we do have a few secret combinations. Fermented wild in open top fermentors with between 15% and 100% whole bunches. Hand plunged 6 times a day. Pressed into 225 lt barrels, mostly old, for between 18 months and 24 months ageing.
Tasting Notes
On the nose the wine shows typical Drift farm ripe, black berry fruit and herbaciousness, with white pepper and a touch of cigar box. On the palate the dominant ripe fruit shows a more elegant red spectrum with cherry, raspberries and plum standing above an under-layer of enticing dark chocolate and darker black fruits like mulberry.
Food Pairing
Try braaied Kudu venison with a wild mushroom source, or oven-baked aubergine, garlic and parsnip medley.
Certification
IPW, WIETA, SAWIS
Wine Making Methods
Has the wine been oak aged: Yes
Time spent in oak: 18 months
Type of oak: 225 litre barrels – mixture of oak, mostly old French
% of wine that was oaked: 100%
% new oak used: 10%
Has the wine been cold stabilised: No
Has the wine been fined: No
Final level of filtration used: Unfiltered
Months spent in bottle before release: 6 months to 1 year, depending on vintage
Cellaring/aging potential: 30 years
Average annual case production: 650 cases