Piekenierskloof Wine CompanyGrenache 2017 (R99.83 per bottle, 6 bottles)

About

Nestled in the Citrusdal Mountains, some 50 kilometres north of Swartland, is the magnificent Piekenierskloof plateau, which provides the perfect natural environment for vineyards to thrive. At 750 meters above sea level, the plateau’s climate is characterised by hot (warm) days and cool nights, which allow grapes to slowly ripen and develop complex fruit flavours. Ungrafted bush vines planted in the 1950s are still used in the production of Piekenierskloof Wine Company’s range of Fairtrade wines.

In the Vineyard

Grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Piekenierskloof region. Vineyards are planted in 1973, which makes the vines 43 years old. These vineyards are all unirrigated bush vines and grow on sandy, loam soils. The vineyards are meticulously farmed and managed to yield below 5 tons per hectare and hand-harvested 

Winemaking

Grapes are handpicked and cold-soaked for 24 hours. Fermentation is initiated with selected yeast strains and is kept under 26°C. Malolactic fermentation is completed in tank, 80% of the wine is matured for 12 months in 6-year-old 225L barrels and 20% in new 225L barrels, a blend of French and American oak

Technical Information

• Alcohol:13.5 vol %
• pH:3.43
• Total Acid:5.5 g/l
• RS2.4 g/l

Tasting Notes

Lots of juicy red berry, strawberry, earthy and elegant notes of pepper on the palate with hints of cloves, cardamom pod and smokiness. Well balanced with lively fine tannins and an elegant complexity on a long finish

Food pairing

The elegant spice of this Grenache makes it a perfect pairing to spice and herb foods including roasted /grilled meats, lamb shank, duck breast, sausage, vegetables, tapas and many ethnic foods. Also goes well with seafood, sushi, pizza, pasta and chicken dishes. A food-friendly Grenache!