SOUTH AFRICA
de Trafford Straw Wine
2002 Chenin Blanc
Viticulture
| Vineyard: |
Cool high altitude South Western slope and lower slopes of the Helderberg. |
| Soil Type: |
Deep red Hutton and Gravelly Hutton. |
| Vine Age: |
30, 16 and 18 years old. |
| Irrigation: |
Drip Method |
| Harvest Date: |
8 February to 5 March 2002. |
| Yield: |
4 and 5. |
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 19 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 : 6 November 2003.
Production: 220 cases (6 x 375 ml)
Tasting Notes:
| Color: |
Attractive deep yellow color. |
| Nose: |
Intense honey, apricot, nuts and balsamic nose. |
| Palate: |
The palate is sweet and concentrated with just enough acidity, oak tannins and oxidative development 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 for a hand crafted wine. |
Chemical Analysis:
| Alc (%): |
10.1 |
| RS (g/l): |
286.0 |
| TA (g/l): |
8.6 |
| pH: |
3.81 |
