Sémillon is one of the original heritage grapes, and accounted for more than 90% of vineyard plantings in the Cape in the 1820s. Nowadays, Sémillon makes up less than 1% of total plantings in South Africa. It is also known as wyndruif (wine grape) or groendruif (green grape).
Sunrise, hand harvested into kissies (lug boxes), overnighted in cold room, processed next day. After sorting, two open-top fermenters were filled with grapes for fermentation on skins. 50% of fruit destemmed and crushed, 50% whole bunches. Gentle pump-overs and press-downs twice a day during active fermentation. Spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. Skin-contact: 17-18 days. Aging: 10 months in neutral French oak barrels
Tasting Notes: Notes of peach, nectarine, yellow apple, potpourri, and a savory, astringent finish. Pair this structured, aromatic, and fresh white with rich seafood (monkfish, crayfish), creamy risotto, roasted chicken, or mildly spiced Mediterranean dishes.
18 days of skin contact; maturation as above. The nose presents potpourri, herbs and spice, then peach, nectarine and yellow apple. The palate is slightly broader than its counterpart, moderate acidity, lightly savoury, with a finish that is firm but not overly grippy. Not overtly “orange” or geeky. Alc: 12.5%. CE rating: 94/100
ANALYSIS: ALC 12.5% | TA 5.12g/L | pH 3.28 | RS 1.8g/L
