Technical Specifications
Alcohol 13.4%
pH 3.36
Total Acidity 5.5 g/L
Grape Varieties Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc100%
Region Montagu
Soil Limestone, Grey slate
Elevation 610.0 meters
Vine Age 35-years-old
Fermentation Vessels Oak Barrel
Pressing Method Whole Cluster
Natural Yeast Yes
Lees Aging 11 months
Oak Types French
Barrel Size 225L French barrique
Used Oak Only Yes
Sulfites 56.0 ppm
Unfined Yes
Unfiltered Yes
Production Details This is the sixth vintage for Patatsfontein. The vineyard is located at 2,000 feet in elevation in the Keisie Valley of the Klein Karoo. The soils have a heavy lime base. The 2019 vintage had even ripening and classic warm days, with very cool nights and a diurnal swing of 40°F. Yields are naturally low due to older vines and poor fruit sets from gusty winds. The fruit was hand harvested and whole-bunch pressed with full lees directly to old French barriques. The turbid juice underwent battonage early on. Fermentation occurred naturally without additions over nearly two weeks. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in some (2/3) of the barrels in spring. After 11 months of aging, the wine was racked to tank to settle naturally and bottled without fining or filtration, with a small addition of sulfur.
Tasting Notes
Nose: wet stones, crushed granite, slate, dried hay, green pears, tangerine peel
Palate: pineapple pastille, green apple, crunchy white peach, pithy stony mineral veneer
Critics Ratings Platter's Guide: 93
Platter's Guide93
Tim Atkin, MW94
The WineMag97
▸ Sources (1)
Producer Information
Website
Address
Pietersfontein, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa
Phone
+27 72 622 9391
Cellarmaster
Reenen Borman