This exciting new blend explores the marriage of Bordeaux varietiesfrom vines situated in the Hemel en Aarde Ridge. This wine shows the balanced and structured contribution of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with the fruity flesh from the Malbec.
Origin
Cabernet Sauvignon 32.5% Cabernet Franc 22.5% Malbec 22.5% Merlot 22.5%
Name
In Greek mythology nymphs are nature spirits that appear as beautiful young women, and personify the creative activities of nature such as being associated with a live-giving spring or water source. Today nymphs refer to maidens or young women who are ready for marriage. This wine leans towards an elegant cool-climate feminine style.
Aspect
North and North West
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Soil Type Both varieties planted to Arenaceous shale of the Bokkeveld series |
Vines per hectare 5500 |
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Trellising System Vertical Shoot Positioning (Perold) |
Average Yield 4 -5 tons/ha (26 – 33 hl/ha) |
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Age of Vines 8 years |
Production 2000cases of 6 x 750ml bottles |
Climate
The varietiesare grown in the Hemel en Aarde Ridge, 10km in proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The climate is “temperate” in style, where the southerly maritime winds blow through the appellations during the summer. These winds in turn bring regular sea mists and overcast conditions to the vineyards and with it more even temperatures. The average summer temperature is 19° C and rainfall, approximately, 750mm per year.
Technical details
All grapes varieties were harvested separately by hand enjoying cool early morning temperatures. After overnight cold storage they were de-stemmed and crushed into red ferment tanks. Cold maceration occurred for 5 – 7 days. The wine was then fermented under controlled temperatures until dry. The skins were then lightly pressed and the wine racked into a selection of French Oak Barriques (50% new barrels) for 15 months ageing and maturation. Final blending occurred 2 months prior to bottling and the wine was allowed to develop further in bottle prior to release.
Analysis
| Alcohol by volume | Total Acidity | pH | Volatile Acid | Residual Sugar |
| 14.6% | 6.0 g/L | 3.43 | 0.69 g/L | 2.3 g/L |
Styling
This wine expresses the typical Cabernet Sauvignon profile of blueberry and mulberry, whilethe Cabernet Franc shows floral and subtle dried herb characters.The Merlot and Malbec bring the vibrant red berry and juiciness to the palate. The fine grained tannins and an elegant mineral core will see this wine drinking well on release and developing for at least 5 -7 years. Enjoy this wine with red meat, venison and cheese platters.