Olifantsberg Pinotage, Breedekloof

Tasting Note

Fresh berry notes are complemented by sweet spice and a well balanced palate.

Producer Note

Olifantsberg strive to make wines that reflect their unique location by focussing on hands-on viticulture that yields grapes that demands as little as possible intervention in the cellar. The estate vineyards are mostly dedicated to varieties that they believe can truly thrive under the very harsh conditions they experience. Their unique schist soils, constant winds and elevation combines to produce concentrated fruit that produces elegant, fresh and age-worthy wines.

Vineyard

The vineyards are located on the fertile slopes of the Brandwacht Mountain Range where they endure big diurnal temperature differences and strong winds, at altitudes from 250 to 450 metres above sea level. During the winter the mountain peaks are snow covered, keeping the vines dormant for longer. Cold winters, coupled with the summer winds, ensures the slow ripening of the grapes, which helps to maintain healthy vines and contributes freshness and elegance to the wines. The soils in the vineyard comprise a unique schist and slate, which lends structure to the final wine. The Pinotage vines are trellised and are farmed in a sustainable manner.

Winemaking

Natural fermentation took place in open top fermenters, with soft techniques used to extract colour, fruit and tannins. The wine was aged for a further 10 months in French oak foudres and barrels.

Serving Suggestion

A versatile wine which accompanies charcuterie, barbecued gourmet sausages or a hearty game pie but also matches dishes with spice: chilli con carne, Indian curry or Cajun-spiced blackened fish.

Grape

Pinotage 85%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15%