South Africa, Bottelary
ColombardAwards
91 pts Winemag.co.za Rating
Tasting Notes
Certificates
Alcohol
13.0%
Analytical data
dry
Vinification
Crushed and destemmed grapes with 8 hour maceration before pressing Inoculation with naturally cultured pied de cuve Spontaneous fermentation and minimal intervention
Vineyard: South Hill
Dry-land farmed, old bush vine Colombar planted in 1986. Vines are planted in "treinspoor" rows with 2m spacing in between each row A Mediterranean climate prevails providing cold wet winters and hot dry summers.
Soil Type
Westleigh & Katspruit
Viticulture
Focus on cover crops in winter -- planting nitrogen fixing lupins, along with rye and barley to feed the soil's rhizosphere and microbiological environment. Radish- and turnip-seeds are sown to increase soil aeration and fertility. Minimal tractor plowing and tiling to decrease soil compaction and increase soil fertility and root growth. When pruning, focus is on decreasing the amount of "old wood" and renew the vine by pruning to promote "new wood" growth.
Maturation
Aged for 7 months in 500L and 400L French oak barrels