This offering produced from shy-bearing vineyards that are situated on Babylon Farm in the Ward of Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Walker Bay. The wine, a clear and true reflection of the potential of the unique soils and maritime site situated in the hills above Hermanus, is released a year after vintage as a prime example of slow-developing cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc.
Varietal and Origin
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 95% Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Semillon 5 %
Name
The road to heaven is paved with a zillion temptations as Adam and Eve discovered when they had been tempted by the serpent to eat from the forbidden fruit. In Hemel-en-Aarde, Chardonnay is the rage. We had sinned by planting Sauvignon Blanc, but we did so knowing that it would bring us infinite knowledge about this cool-climate grape variety. And in it you get the opportunity to taste the forbidden fruit of the Hemel-en-Aarde area.
Soil Type
Planted to Argillaceous Shale of the Bokkeveld Series
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Aspect South and South East |
Vines per hectare 5400 |
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Trellising System Vertical Shoot Positioning (Perold) |
Average Yield 8 – 9 tons/ha ( 26 – 39hl/ha) |
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Age of Vines 7-9 years |
Production 5500 cases of 6 x 750ml bottles |
Climate
These Walker Bay vineyards of Hemel en Aarde Ridge are situated within close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The maritime climate being more temperate in style, where parallel mountain ranges channel the southerly sea breezes through the appellation during the summer. These winds in turn bring regular sea mists and overcast conditions to the valley and with it more even temperatures. The average temperature is 19° C and rainfall, approximately, 750mm per year.
Harvest details
All grapes were harvested by hand in cool early morning temperatures. Picked in three batches, through early to mid March in order to achieve a more complex wine profile. Earlier picking to capture the perfumed green fruit profile and the later portion to ensure complexity on the palate.
Analysis
| Alcohol by volume | Total Acidity | pH | Volatile Acid | Residual Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.44 % | 7.5 g/L | 3.11 | 0.53 g/L | 1.6 g/L |
Technical Notes
These batches of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes are harvested early in the morning and then de-stemmed and crushed at cold temperatures using dry ice to prevent oxidation of the must and to preserve flavours and aromas. The skins are pressed lightly and the juice left to settle for a period of 48 hours at 5° C. The Sauvignon is fermented in stainless steel tanks and is maintained at temperatures between 12-16° C until the wine is dry. The Semillon is fermented in small French Oak barrels until dry and left on the gross lees until final blending, filtration and bottling.
Styling
The profile of this wine is based on the vines planted on a variation of Shale and Clay based soils and the wine therefore expresses the broad richness of the clay on the palate and aromatic tropical fruit and mineral character on the nose. Using a blend of yeasts and the intrigue achieved with the portion of Semillon, it shows concentrated tropical melon and pear drop, with a hint of lemon grass character and a full mineral follow through on the palate.