Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Olifantsberg is passionate about producing authentic wines with a true sense of place, which reflect the unique location of their vineyard. The focus is on sustainable farming and winemaking practices, resulting in limited intervention in both the vineyard and cellar. They hold the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) certification for sustainability. The team are fully committed to understanding their terroir and managing their natural resources through conservation, which adds to the singularity of their wines. The unique terroir with its combination of Breede-shale, Renosterveld and sandstone soils, constant winds and elevation, produces concentrated fruit that winemaker Elizma Visser translates into elegant, fresh and age-worthy wines. In Tim Atkin’s 2021 South Africa Report, Elizma was awarded the prestigious Young Winemaker of the Year Award.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The vineyards are located on the fertile slopes of the Olifantsberg Mountain Range where they endure large diurnal temperature differences and strong winds, at altitudes from 250 to 450 metres above sea level. During the winter, the mountain peaks are snow-covered keeping the vines dormant for longer. Cold winters, coupled with summer winds, ensure slow grape ripening, which helps maintain healthy vines and contributes freshness and elegance to the wines. The soils in the vineyard comprise shale and slate, which lend structure to the resulting wine. The vineyards are farmed in a sustainable manner, helping to maintain the biodiversity within the vineyards and soils. The vines are trained “sur echalas”, a bush vine supported by a wooden vertical support, which helps to produce more concentrated fruit on the lower potential soils in these mountainous vineyard sites.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were whole bunch pressed to ensure an elegant extraction of colour, aromas and flavours. Natural fermentation took place in seasoned French oak barrels and large oak foudres, which added layers of complexity. The wine was aged for 10 months on its fine lees, adding texture and richness.

OUR TASTING NOTE:
A unique style of Grenache Blanc which shows delicacy and finesse. Subtle aromas of lime blossom combine with green herbal notes, white peach and quince through to a beautifully balanced and richly textured palate with a saline hint on the finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Grenache Blanc 100%.