SOUTH AFRICA

de Trafford Cabernet Franc
2012 Cabernet Franc

Viticulture

Vineyard: 60% Keermont Vineyard, 40% Mont Fleur Vineyard.
Soil Type: Keermont vineyard is made of clay and decomposed granite. Mont Fleur is composed of medium deep quite poor red Hutton, and decomposed granite.
Vine Age: 5 and 9 years old.
Irrigation: No irrigation
Harvest Date: 6 to 14 March 2012.
Yield: 5 and 3 t/ha.

Vinification:

VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Winter 2011 was colder than usual, but with average rainfall resulting in excellent, even bud-break. Good growth in the spring, but poor weather (cold and rainy) over the flowering period resulting in uneven flowering and berry set. Extra attention was paid to green harvesting to help make up for this. Disease pressure was managed with well-timed sprays and open, small canopies. January was exceptionally hot, which really jolted the vines into ripeness. The ripening period from February and March was much cooler and close to perfect, with not much rain. Which resulted into a rather satisfying vintage.
WINEMAKING
100% destemming and crushing by hand directly into small open top fermentation tanks. Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation AT 30ºCentigrade with the cap of skins punched down two to four times a day for 12 to 14 days. Wine drained directly to barrels together with single pressing from traditional basket press. All de Trafford red wines undergo malolactic fermentation in barrels. 35% new French oak was used from high-quality coopers. Nineteen months barrel ageing, with several rackings to gradually clarify the wine. This wine was bottled unfiltered by hand on the property
189 cases made only.

Tasting Notes:

Color: Deep purple red.
Nose: Attractive bright red fruit on the nose with typical spicy, dry leaf Cabernet Franc notes.
Palate: A subtle dusty cedar from the barrel maturation adds complexity. Soft bright red fruit on palate with nice ripeness and elegant understated structure.
Other: Will keep well over 10 years ageing.
Will pair well with a wide variety of dishes; roast chicken, pork, roasted or grilled, beef, duck or sausages.

Chemical Analysis:

Alc (%): 15.06
RS (g/l): 1.4
TA (g/l): 5.4
pH: 3.49