GRENACHE BLANC 2023
One grows in the Voor-Paardeberg in decomposed granite soils. The singular nature of the terroir of the Voor-Paardeberg is underpinned by the influence of the south-westerly wind which blows here in the afternoon. Viticulturers call this wind the ‘Table Bay air-conditioner”.
It allows the vineyards to cool down at night, which means the grapes ripen slower and maintain their acidity better. The second vineyard grows in Piekenierskloof Mountains, at an altitude of 650m above sea level, in sandstone soils. Grapes that grow at higher altitude encounter a larger variance between day and night temperatures – the cold nights preserve acidity in grapes and results in fresher wines. High altitudes also enjoy more intense sunlight, so grapes grow thicker skins, which results in more intense flavour and tighter tannins.
All of the grapes were picked early in the morning, packed in crates and spent 24 hours in a cold room. The following day the grapes were whole bunch pressed, and then went directly into 500L old oak barrels where natural fermentation was allowed to occur, after which the wine matured for 8 months on the lees before blending and bottling.
Nose: Citrus zest, pear, white peach
Palate: backed by weight and texture, ending in with a bright acidity
ORIGIN Western Cape
VINEYARD This wine is a blend of two different
vineyards. 50 % from Voor Paardeberg and
50 % from Piekenierskloof Mountains.
VINE AGE 18 & 15 years old
YIELD Average of 8 tons/ha
TOTAL PRODUCTION 1 900 bottles
ALCOHOL 13.4 % | PH 3.3
RESIDUAL SUGAR 1.7 g/L
TOTAL ACIDITY 5.4 g/L
TOTAL SULFUR DIOXIDE 80 mg/L
“A brilliant addition to the Wolf and Woman range, this superb Grenache Blanc comes from a single plot on decomposed granite. Jasmine and wet stone aromas lead into a pithy, chiselled, fennel and beeswax palate framed by older oak.”
94, Grenache blanc 2020, Tim Atkin MW, South Africa 2021 Special Report
94. Grenache blanc 2021, Jamie Goode MW