The 2010 Elgin Vintners Viognier is their fourth vintage of this cultivar. It is fast gaining a reputation as being a benchmark for South African Viognier and can stand up against some of the best Condrieu wines from the Rhone Valley in France.
ORIGIN
Wine of Origin Elgin
SOIL TYPE
Tukulu
HARVEST DATE
Beaulieu 29 March 2010 (11 tons)
Elgin Orchards 6 April 2010 (3.276 tons)
BOTTLING DATE
December 2010
VITICULTURE
The grapes were sourced from two vineyards within the Elgin Vintners group.
Beaulieu : Clone Vr11, planted 2,5 x 1,5 m and trellised to the Smart-Dyson trellis system.
The Viognier grapes received a light pressing and only the free run juice was used in order to retain purity of flavour and colour. The juice was settled overnight and the clear juice racked the next day. Fermentation was initiated in tank to make sure it was healthy and homogeneous. The fermenting juice was then transferred to barrel. A long, fairly cool fermentation, in mostly Romanian Oak of which 50% was new, took place. The wine was allowed one month on the fermentation lees with regular stirring before racking and returning the clear wine to barrel for further maturation. The wine spent a total of 8 months in barrel after which it was fined, filtered and bottled.
ANALYSIS
Alcohol
Total Acid
Residual sugar
pH
13.96 (14% on label)
5.9g/l
1.8g/l
3.41
TASTING NOTES
A celebration of power, elegance and finesse. This multi-faceted Viognier displays fresh apricots, peaches and apples both on the nose and palate. The rich, full entry with hints of wooding, imparted from 8 months in Romanian oak, combined with lime and citrus freshness provide a satisfying grip and rich lingering aftertaste.
