Technical Specifications
Alcohol 12.85%
Residual Sugar 2.6 g/L
pH 3.48
Total Acidity 6.8 g/L
Calories (estimated) 110 kcal / glass
150ml glass110 kcal
750ml bottle550 kcal
Grape Varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc66%
Semillon18%
Chardonnay16%
Region Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Soil Table mountain sandstone derived soil
Vineyard Yield 10.2 hL/ha
Fermentation Vessels Terracotta Amphora, Neutral Oak Barrel, Nomblot Egg, Ceramic Egg
Natural Yeast Yes
Indigenous Yeast Yes
Total Aging 6 months
Production Details Budding was earlier and more even than for the 2023 vintage, but the Cape Storm of September 24th/25th caused damage which resulted in significantly lower yields. In general, Sauvignon blanc handled the challenges of the growing season well versus other varieties, where high rainfall and untimely rainfall created significant disease pressure. At 25.05 centigrade for the average maximum temperatures for the 4 “hottest” months (Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar) building up to and during harvest, 2024 was warmer than the particularly cool 2023. Burgundy, for example, for the equivalent period in the Northern Hemisphere has an average of 24.66 centigrade. Harvest finished earlier than 2023 with ripening more variable, requiring careful selection. Our Sauvignon blanc acids were wonderfully high at harvest, although in some parcels the pH was a little higher than 2023. The wines produced have beautiful texture and electricity. There was just not enough of them. This is an innovative white blend that captures the most beautiful possible expression of the sandstone-derived soils in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Free by design of excessively dramatic varietal fruit, the focus of the wine is on bright, hard minerality, salinity and vibrant natural acidity, coated by a full and gentle viscosity derived from a unique endemic yeast and the method of vinification, not from high alcohol. Nearly three decades of family experience have gone into this blend.
▸ Sources (1)
Producer Information
Website
Address
R320 Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa
Phone
+27 28 312 3595
Owner
Anthony Hamilton Russell
Cellarmaster
Emul Ross, Johan Montgomery