SOUTH AFRICA
de Trafford Vin de Paille
2000 Blend
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 soil. |
Vine Age: |
28, 14 and 16 year old. |
Irrigation: |
Sprayer |
Harvest Date: |
7 to 29 February 2000. |
Yield: |
5 to 10 t/ha |
Vinification:
The grapes were picked at optimum ripeness and laid out on drying racks in 80% shade for 3 weeks. This allows the grapes to concentrate sugars, acids and flavors, before reharvesting in the cool mornings.
Matured for one year using mostly new oak barrels - 50% French and 50% American. This vintage includes an experimental batch of 15% Chardonnay and 15% 1999 Chenin. Racked while in barrel to remove heavy sediment and lightly bentonite fined before bottling unfiltered.
Bottling date: 15 June 2001
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. |
Chemical Analysis:
Alc (%): |
12.32 |
RS (g/l): |
235.3 |
TA (g/l): |
7.4 |
pH: |
3.80 |