SOUTH AFRICA
De Trafford Straw Wine
2012 Chenin Blanc
Viticulture
| Vineyard: |
Keerverder, Post House and Helderzight. |
| Soil Type: |
Keerverder is Deep red Hutton, Post House is Gravelly Hutton and Escourt and Helderzight is Sandy, gravelly Escourt soil. |
| Vine Age: |
40, 28, 27 and 26 years old. |
| Irrigation: |
Drip Method |
| Harvest Date: |
2nd of February to 6th of March. |
| Yield: |
3, 4 and 7 tons/ha. |
Vinification:
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Winter 2011 was colder than usual, but with average rainfall resulting in excellent, even bud-break. We had good growth in spring, but poor weather (cold and rain) over the flowering period resulting in uneven flowering and berry set. January was exceptionally hot, which really jolted the vines into ripeness. The ripening period of February and March was much cooler and close to perfect with little rain and no rot. Chenin Blanc was harvested from the 2nd of February and ended on the 6th of March, harvested from 21°B to 23.5°Balling.
PRODUCTION
The grapes were picked at optimum ripeness and laid out on drying racks in 70% shade for about 3 weeks. This allows the grapes to concentrate sugars, acids and flavors, before re-harvesting in the cool mornings. Fermented with natural yeasts and matured for 25 months using 50% new 225 liters French oak barrels. Racked while in barrel to remove heavy sediment and lightly bentonite fined.
Tasting Notes:
| Color: |
Attractive bright gold color. |
| Nose: |
Great intensity and sweetness – one of the richest vintages. Dried apricot and lemon skin, some flintiness, but mostly complex honey and treacle. |
| Palate: |
The palate is Unashamedly sweet, yet fresh and lively with an oxidative complexity and a long clean finish. |
| Other: |
Best as a sweet treat on its own after a meal or with hard cheese like Comte. A rewarding challenge to match with desserts! |
Chemical Analysis:
| Alc (%): |
11.05 |
| RS (g/l): |
231 |
| TA (g/l): |
5.3 |
| pH: |
3.93 |
