Francois van Niekerk Pinotage 2022

Francois Van Niekerk Pinotage 2022

Winemaking

Handpicked grapes were meticulously destemmed and sorted before undergoing fermentation in open-top vessels maintained at 27°C. During the fermentation process, the cap was gently punched down every two hours to enhance extraction and ensure optimal colour and tannin development. After five days, the free-run juice was carefully drawn off the skins. The wine was then transferred to 225L French oak barrels crafted from hand-selected wood from the Troncais forest. Malolactic fermentation occurred in a combination of 70% new and 30% second-fill barrels, contributing to the wine’s complexity and smoothness. The wine matured gracefully in barrel for 24 months, with only 20 barrels produced, ensuring an exceptional and limited expression of this vintage.

Tasting Notes

The wine shows dense, purple-black color with immense extraction. Aromas are layered and complex, featuring black and blueberry fruit, black cherries, stewed plums, liquorice, berry compote, baked berry tart, and oak spice. The palate opens with cascading flavors of cherry kirsch, hedgerow fruit, plums, and sweet cigar. Polished, fine tannins add structure and depth without overshadowing the fruit. The finish is richly concentrated with balanced acidity and lingering dark fruits.

Analysis

Alcohol: 14.5 %
Residual Sugar: 3.7 g/l
Total Acidity: 6.4 g/l
pH: 3.54
Wine of Origin: Coastal – Paarl & Wellington

Special Note

The grapes are sourced from two very special, but distinctly different vineyards sites – 50% from the Agter Paarl region and 50% from Wellington. Each of these dryland parcels have their roots in heavily textured shale soils, and are vinified separately before being blended together. The combination of new and used oak ensures sufficient aroma complexity and tannin extraction, without overpowering the varietal- and terroir characteristics of the wine. The Paarl component produces a big, heavily structured wine, while the Wellington portion lends a soft and rounded red fruit tone to the final blend.