WEATHER CONDITIONS – Simonsberg, Stellenbosch

The moderate growth season as well as the seasonal rainfall at the start of the 2020 harvest, laid the foundation for a good season. The early cultivars are showing good acidity and sugar levels, whereas the later cultivars delivered wines with good concentrations, structureand desired alcohol levels. An exceptionally warm and dry spring resulted in good, even bud burst. The temperatures during the flowering and berry set period were average, with significantly less fluctuations than in the previous season. Good rainfall measured at around 100 mm towards the end of October was crucial to replenish the dry soil profiles and to lay the foundation for good and stress -free flowering and berry set conditions. The 2020 harvest period was characterised by typical dry conditions and moderate temperatures. Carry-over effects from the heat during spring and effective canopies promoted ripening in the early cultivarsand were therefore harvested much earlier. Sustained, moderate temperatures occurred until the end of March and resulted in effective plant functioning and full maturity in late cultivars.

WINEMAKING

The grapes were gently whole bunch pressed at low pressure to achieve a lighter colour . The juice was transferred to a stainless-steel fermenters, where we used the addition of tannin to protect the wine rather than sulphur. Spontaneous fermentation (wild ferment) took place with no other additions. The tanks fermented at cool temperature.

GRAPE VARIETIES : 100% Syrah
PRODUCTION : 1,648 cases – 9,892 bottles
ANALYSIS : Alcohol: 13.5 % Vol. Total Acidity: 5.45 g/L pH: 3.31 Residual Sugar: 2.31 g/L

Le Rosé De May 2022 Tasting Notes