SOUTH AFRICA
de Trafford Petit Verdot
2012 Petit Verdot
Viticulture
Vineyard: |
The Petit Verdot comes from Keermont and the Merlot from the 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: |
The Mont Fleur vineyard was planted in 1983. |
Irrigation: |
Drip Method |
Harvest Date: |
19 of March. |
Yield: |
6 t/ha. |
Vinification:
This is a blend of 86% Petit Verdot and 14% Merlot.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Winter 2011 was colder than usual, but with average rainfall resulting in excellent, even bud-break. Healthy growth in spring, but poor weather (cold and rain) over the flowering period resulting in uneven flowering and berry set. Extra care was given 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 of February and March was much cooler and close to perfect, with not much rain, securing an excellent vintage.
WINEMAKING
100% destemming and crushing by hand directly into small open top fermentation tanks. Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation at 28ºCentigrade with the cap of skins punched down twice a day for 15 days. Wine drained directly to barrels together with single pressing from traditional basket press. All de Trafford wines undergo malolactic fermentation in the barrel. 30% new 225 litres French oak was used from high-quality coopers. Thirty months barrel ageing. This wine was bottled unfiltered by hand on the property.
169 cases made.
Tasting Notes:
Color: |
Dark ink. |
Nose: |
Northern Rhone like spice on the nose, intense dark fruits. |
Palate: |
Complex, dense blackberry and dark fruit flavors, it is quite bold and structured with elegance. |
Other: |
It will only improve with time, enjoy between 2017 and 2025 with maturity.
It will pair well with venison or a hearty winter stew. |
Chemical Analysis:
Alc (%): |
14.57 |
RS (g/l): |
2.4 |
TA (g/l): |
5.8 |
pH: |
3.73 |