Meinert ‘Printers Ink’ Pinotage 2018

Meinert ‘Printers Ink’ Pinotage 2018

Winemaking

Fruit is harvested over 3 pickings at ever-increasing sugar levels in order to enhance flavour complexity. The first picking undergoes cold maceration for 10 days at under 10ºC followed by a short, hot fer1mentation (3 days) before pressing. We also make use of extensive partial carbonic maceration where crushed grapes are placed on top of whole bunches. Our philosophy is one of respecting fruit expression in our wines, and such we make extensive use of seasoned French oak barrels for maturation. Bottled after 12 months in 225L 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th fill and older French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

This Pinotage presents medium intensity aromas of red cherry, raspberry, blackberry, and liquorice. The palate is dry with medium-plus acidity and soft tannins, delivering a balanced, fruit-forward expression with nuanced spice and a lingering finish. It is a fresh take on Pinotage that combines the hedgerow fruit character of Pinot Noir with the liquorice and star anise spice reminiscent of Cinsault, offering complexity and depth without harshness.

Analysis

Alcohol: 13.5 %
Residual Sugar: 2.4 g/l
Total Acidity: 5.2 g/l
pH: 3.57
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch

Vineyards

Old, unirrigated bushvines planted on deep, rich Hutton soils at 280m above sea level on south-facing slopes yield smaller volumes (5 – 6 tons/ha) of intensely concentrated fruit. The vineyard canopy is managed to ensure minimal direct sunlight exposure of the bunches and as such enhance the finer, elegant nuances of our Printer’s Ink Pinotage. Our unobstructed proximity to False Bay allows for cooling afternoon sea breezes which in turn allows for slower ripening and improves the evolution of flavor in the bunches.

Special Note

Printer’s Ink is a tribute to the Meinert family’s Namibian roots in printing and publishing — a legacy now honoured through expressive, small-batch winemaking. Produced under the watchful eye of Brendan Butler, this Pinotage forms part of a focused, artisanal range crafted at Meinert Wines on the hillside Devon Crest vineyard in Stellenbosch.