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.