SOUTH AFRICA
de Trafford Straw Wine
2001 Chenin Blanc
Viticulture
| Vineyard: |
Cool high altitude South Western slope and lower slopes of the Helderberg. |
| Soil Type: |
Deep red Hutton soil with good moisture retention and gravelly Hutton. |
| Vine Age: |
29, 15 and 17 year old. |
| Irrigation: |
Sprayer |
| Harvest Date: |
8 February to 6 March 2001. |
| Yield: |
4 and 9. |
Vinification:
The grapes were picked at optimum ripeness and laid out on drying racks in 70% shade for 3 weeks. This allows the grapes to concentrate sugars, acids and flavors, before reharvesting in the cool mornings.
Fermented with natural yeasts and matured for 15 months using mostly new 225 L oak barrels - 50% French and 50%American.
Racked while in barrel to remove heavy sediment and lightly bentonite fined before bottling unfiltered.
Bottling date : 3 June 2002.
Production: 600 cases (6 x 375 ml)
Tasting Notes:
| Color: |
Attractive deep yellow color. |
| Nose: |
Intense honey, apricot, nuts and citrus nose. |
| Palate: |
The palate is sweet and concentrated with just enough acidity and oak tannins to compliment and deliver a long, lingering finish. |
| Other: |
This wine is a dessert all on its own - a real treat after the meal. Delicious with biscotti and various nuts. Compliments slightly tart fruit desserts and good pate's beautifully.
These are naturally made, living wines which may deposit a sediment - a healthy sign of a handcrafted wine. |
Chemical Analysis:
| Alc (%): |
11.7 |
| RS (g/l): |
252.0 |
| TA (g/l): |
7.9 |
| pH: |
3.48 |
