Ernst Gouws & Co – Pinot Noir, Western Cape – 2021

PRODUCER NOTE:
Ernst Gouws & Co. is a family-owned business in the heart of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Synonymous with producing quality South African wines which are rich in heritage, tradition and driven by a profound passion for wine and family values. In 1975, a dapper and enthusiastic Ernst travelled to Europe, under his father’s instructions not to return to South Africa until he had mastered the art of winemaking. During his voyage of discovery to France and Germany he missed his childhood sweetheart, Gwenda and invited her to visit. After falling madly in love, they decided to marry there and then. Forty years later, three children and many Gouws grandchildren later, Ernst and Gwenda still run the family business alongside their three children, Ezanne, Ernst Jnr and Inke. They are accredited to the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association and hold the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) certification.

VINEYARD:
Ernst subscribes to the French philosophy that the quality of the grape is inextricably linked to the “terroir”, so he travels to various regions throughout the Western Cape and handpicks his grapes in the areas where they naturally grow at their very best. The Pinot Noir grapes are grown on the West Coast, just three miles from the sea, where the vineyard overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The revitalising sea-breezes create balancing freshness in the grapes, which is showcased in this beautifully composed Pinot Noir.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were hand-picked at optimal maturity. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks with gentle pump-overs extracting flavour, aromatics and tannins. The wine went through malolactic conversion in tank. The wine was matured for 18 months in a selection of new and second fill French oak barrels. The wine was clarified by cross-flow filtration.

TASTING NOTE:
With layers of flavour, vibrant aromas of red cherry, dark chocolate and deep plum are enlivened by a deft use of oak, imparting spicy notes of clove, cinnamon and spice.

GRAPE:
Pinot Noir 100%.

COUNTRY:
South Africa

REGION:
Western Cape

SUB-REGION:
Stellenbosch