Francois v. Niekerk Magnum Pinotage 2022

Francois Van Niekerk ‘Special Edition’ Pinotage Magnum 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

Deep purple-black in colour. This Pinotage reveals captivating aromas of black cherry, blueberry, stewed plum, and subtle oak spice. The palate is rich and expressive, unfolding layers of dark fruit, cherry kirsch, and a hint of sweet cigar. Silky, fine-grained tannins provide structure and elegance, while the lingering finish showcases the wine’s depth and harmony. A beautifully balanced expression of concentration and finesse.

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 Magnum Special Edition comes in a very unique wooden case. Ideal for gifting or a collectors item.

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.