SOUTH AFRICA
de Trafford Chenin Blanc
2000 Chenin Blanc
Viticulture
| Vineyard: |
High altitude South Western slope and lower slope with sea cooling influence. |
| Soil Type: |
Deep red Hutton and Gravelly Hutton. |
| Vine Age: |
28 and 14-16 years old. |
| Irrigation: |
Drip Method |
| Harvest Date: |
7-29 February 2000. |
| Yield: |
7 and 5-10 t/ha |
Vinification:
Grapes lightly crushed and allowed 3 hours skin contact before gently pressing in a traditional basket press. Sulphur and dry ice added and natural settling allowed for 2 days before 100 % barrel fermentation with natural yeasts.
All the wine kept in 225 l casks for 8 months with lees stirred 1 - 2 times a month initially.
30 % new oak used - mostly American from Demptos, Napa. Partial malolactic fermentation.
Bottled unfiltered on the property by hand with only a light bentonite fining.
Bottling date : 31 / 10 / 00.
Tasting Notes:
| Color: |
An appealing light yellow colour. |
| Nose: |
The nose shows attractive spicy, vanilla oak with apricot/citrus fruit core and an intiguing mineral, hay character. |
| Palate: |
The palate is very full bodied with a mouthwatering thread of acidity that carries the complex fruit and oak flavors to a long aftertaste. |
| Other: |
Excellent with rich fish and seafood dishes, subtle red and white meats or on its own. |
Chemical Analysis:
| Alc (%): |
13.75 |
| RS (g/l): |
1.5 |
| TA (g/l): |
5.8 |
| pH: |
3.40 |
