RIETVALLEI

RIETVALLEI ESTÉANNA WHITE 2017

VARIETIES

45% Chardonnay, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, 21% Chenin Blanc

VITICULTURE

The Sauvignon Blanc vineyard was planted in 1984 in deep alluvial soil on the banks of the Breederiver. The Chardonnay vineyard is still young and was only planted in 2004 in red calcareous soil. The Chenin Blanc vineyard is the 3rd oldest of it’s kind in South Africa, planted in 1948 in deep red Karoo soil. All the vineyards are trellised and under drip irrigation.

WINEMAKING

The selection process for this special cuvée already started with the identification of the specific vineyards and working at it with special care from pruning right through to harvesting ensuring a low yield (approximately 8-5 tons per hectare on the different cultivars) and premium quality. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes were night harvested at 21 °B (Brix) and the Chardonnay at optimum ripeness at 24 °B. The Chenin Blanc portion was picked by hand at 22 °B. All three cultivars were vinified separately. The Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc portions were both partly tank fermented and then transferred to new French Oak barrels midway through fermentation. The Chardonnay portion was completely barrel fermented, also new French Oak. Total maturation on the lease in both barrel and tank were 8 months. 10% un-oaked Sauvignon Blanc was added with final blending before bottling.

WINE ANALYSIS

Residual Sugar: 2.60 g/l; Alcohol: 13.35%; Acidity: 6.80 g/l; PH: 3.25 VA: 0.51 g/l; Total Extract: 23.3 g/l; Total SO2: 132 mg/l; Free SO2: 37 mg/l

TASTING NOTE

This Rietvallei Estéanna white has forthcoming aromas of green fig and melon, which follow through onto the palate. It shows a crisp acidity and yet has a satisfying creamy weight from the partial barrel fermentation and maturation. The lingering aftertaste hints at the pedigree and longevity of this delicious wine.

FOOD PAIRING

Enjoy this wine with grilled fish or cream based poultry dishes, even barbecued rack of lamb

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