Name
The Affair Pinot Noir is a refined style of Pinot Noir showcasing the love affair between the soft, feminine side of Pinot, being the floral notes, hints of spice and silkiness; and the masculine linear strength of the tannins, hints of oak and brooding dark forest floor aromas.
Production
1000 cases of 6 x 750ml bottles
Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge |
Trellising System Vertical Shoot Positioning (Perold) |
Soil Type Planted to Argillaceous Shale of the Bokkeveld Series |
Age of Vines 5 – 7 years |
Aspect North West |
Vines per hectare 5500 – 7000 |
Clones 113, 114, 115, 667 and 777 |
Average Yield 4 – 5 tons/ha |
Climate
The Pinot Noir planted on our farm in the new ward of Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 10km in proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The climate being “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 areas and with it more even temperatures. The average temperature is 19° C and rainfall, approximately, 750mm per year.
Technical details
The grapes were harvested in 5 batches by hand enjoying cool early morning temperatures. After overnight cold storage they were sorted, destemmed and gently crushed into red ferment tanks. Cold maceration occurred for an average of 3 days until spontaneous fermenation took place. 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 barrels for 9 months ageing and maturation. Final blending occurred one month 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 |
13.65% | 5.5 g/L | 3.53 | 0.8 g/L | 2.3 g/L |
Styling
This is a refined style of Pinot noir, showcasing all of the allure and subtle nuances that gives this grape such a mystical following. It is a wine of grace and feminine character, soft and floral on the nose with red cherry and underlying spice. It has a hint of forest floor that reminds of its Burgundian heritage. The palate is both silky and textured, displaying a lovely roundness as well as soft, integrated tannins and length.