Tasting Notes
|
Colour : |
Deep intense opaque. |
|
Aroma : |
Coffee and dark chocolate aromas are dominant with hints of sweet vanilla. |
|
Palate : |
Well integrated tannins give a full mouth feel with a lingering finish. A powerful wine offering great intensity and length. |
Background
Specialising in the production of red wine only, Rust en Vrede has established itself as one of South Africa’s premium red wine estates. Full-bodied and complex, Rust en Vrede wines reflect the uniqueness of the Stellenbosch terroir.
Climate
Mediterranean rainfall 650mm per annum. The vineyards are situated on north facing slopes at the upper end of the valley, hence the slightly warmer and more moderate climatic conditions, resulting in optimum grape berry ripeness. Situated in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, cool sea breezes help reduce the vineyard temperatures during the summer months, extending the ripening period and thus allowing for big well-structured wines to develop.
Soil
The soil is a mixture of weathered granite and a small percentage of clay, Clovelly and Hutton structure. Deep and red in colour, the soil shows good water retention, allowing for only moderate vine stress during dry years. Soil moisture is carefully monitored and supplemented by drip irrigation in very dry years only.
Vinification/Maturing
Fermentation took place in open-top fermenters. Pumped over and the cap manually punched down five times per day. Primary fermentation took 7 days, followed by a 10 day maceration period. Malolactic fermentation took place partly in steel tanks and partly in barrels. Following fermentation the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon clones are vinified separately and left to mature in 100% new oak barrels. Maturation took place in 75% French and 25% American oak barrels.
