Limited Release Carignan, Swartland Winery

An intense and well structured wine with notes of dried fruits and spice through to a robust and chewy finish.

Producer Note
Big open skies, arid deserts, the vast flowing landscape, with its unforgiving climate and rugged bush vines, this is wild country, this is Swartland. The contrast with manicured Constantia and oh-so-cool Stellenbosch couldn't be greater. But right now, Swartland is the most exciting wine region in South Africa. A new wave of winemakers are making ground-breaking wines from Rhône varietals and it is part of a revolution that has got everybody talking. The Swartland Winery is producing iconic and award winning wines in this fashionable and dynamic region to create a unique, distinctive and expressive wine range that has been masterfully blended for the UK palate.

Vineyard
The grapes come from 100% old bush vines in the Swartland region. This hot, dry climate has an average temperature range of 25°C to 35°C and an annual rainfall of between 450mm and 600mm, but the altitude of the vineyard, at 300 metres above sea level, creates a cooler oasis in this arid landscape. The vineyard is managed using minimal intervention and environmentally friendly farming practices. The vines are grown in granitic soils, which retain the heat and promote even ripening of the fruit. These vineyard characteristics combine to produce wines which are truly expressive of the vibrant terroir.

Winemaking
The grapes were harvested at phenolic ripeness and then cold soaked for three days. The must was inoculated with selected yeasts and underwent four pump-overs per day during the fermentation process. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrel, followed by eight months ageing in second and third fill barrels.

Tasting Note
Intense dark ruby red in colour, this 100% Carignan is an exciting and complex blend of mocha chocolate and ripe red fruits, with nuances of spice on the nose. These rich aromas carry through onto the palate, with more vibrant red fruits and mocha undertones, combining with rich, dried peach. The fruit is neatly framed by elegant tannins, completing this complex and balanced wine.

Serving Suggestion
A versatile wine, which accompanies a variety of red meats or smoked dishes.

Grape
Carignan 100%