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.

THE VINTAGE:
In 2020, Breedekloof received 70% of its annual rainfall, replenishing the soil water reserves. The cold units of weather were less than the previous year, but still sufficient for good budbreak. Strong winds in October negatively impacted flowering and fruit set, resulting in smaller berries with looser bunches. Harvesting commenced a week earlier than usual and extremely high-quality, balanced wines were produced.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
A deeper dive into the terroir, this wine represents the culmination of all the signature Olifantsberg traits. It evokes a vivid picture of rocky, mineral-rich soils, the steep slopes, the wind-swept vines, fragrant fynbos and sun-caressed, succulent fruit. The vines, which were planted between 2006 and 2014, are grown in the estate echelas vineyard; these staked vines create a completely different micro-climate to the trellised vineyards. Lower temperatures within the micro-climate ensure higher acidity and a more aromatic profile. The vines grow on shale, schist and sandstone-based soils with an underlying clay layer, which offers the perfect balance between water drainage and retention. This fine balance, along with the mineral-rich composition of the soils, is reflected in the elegance and complexity of the fruit they deliver.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The complexity in this wine came from the combination of seven different vineyard sites. Within each site, pickings were staggered between two to six times, with natural acidity being retained early on and complexity building throughout the ripening stages. Overnight settling took place after whole bunch pressing. A small component of a skin-contact ferment took place on the Grenache Blanc, while the Roussanne was whole bunch fermented in egg-shaped fermenters. All components matured on their lees to increase texture, and no stirring took place. The blend was compiled after each component had matured separately for seven months in oak, then the blend spent a further three months in oak foudres. 8% new French oak.

OUR TASTING NOTE:
Aromas of citrus peel, white blossom, spice and a delicious waxy character lead to a textured palate exquisitely balanced by a tangy freshness and a savoury finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Roussanne 67%, Grenache Blanc 23%, Chenin Blanc 10%.