A concentrated, elegant, and structured Pinot Noir from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

Pinot noir is the Holy Grail for winemakers all over the world. It requires exceptional care in the vineyard to yield grapes that can produce some of the world's finest wines. Attention to detail in the vineyard and Hemel-en-Aarde's ideal ripening conditions allow us to pick Pinot noir at its peak potential. Pinot noir is notoriously unforgiving of being left in the vineyard too long, and we watch it nearly every day during the harvest period in order to pick it when it shows the right combination of ripe fruit flavours, tannins and freshness that will sustain the wine in its later life.

Traditional methods and a considered lack of intervention allows the Pinot to express itself in the cellar. Short periods of pumping over without air help to keep the fermenting wine in contact with the skins in the tank. The wine will stay on the tank for 6-8 weeks to ensure that all the potential in the skins is extracted. It is then pressed off to small French oak vats, 28% of which are new, where it undergoes natural malolactic fermentation.

Tasting Notes: Offers a concentrated and powerful expression of Pinot Noir. The nose reveals bright cherry, pomegranate, and cranberry notes, underpinned by subtle cinnamon and earthy tones, with a touch of smoke from aging in small French oak barrels. On the palate, the wine is generous and full, showcasing sleek tannins and a lingering red fruit finish.

Food Pairing: Elegant, structured, and dry red that pairs perfectly with earthy and rich flavors, such as roasted duck, venison, game birds, or mushroom risotto. Its savory notes complement hearty meat dishes, including beef and lamb. Game & Poultry: Roasted duck, venison, goose, and game birds. Earth-Driven Dishes: Mushroom risotto or pasta with wild mushrooms to highlight the wine's forest-floor notes. Meats: Beef, lamb, or pork dishes. Complementary Sides: Roasted beetroot, earthy lentils, or dishes featuring truffle