Middelvlei Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

In the cellar, the grapes were crushed and put through a mash cooler to bring the temperature down. To ensure good colour extraction the tartaric acid was adjusted. Using the dry yeast type NT50, the juice was fermented on the skins for seven days in open cement tanks at 24°C. During fermentation the skins are pushed through to ensure good colour and fruit extraction. After pressing, the wine underwent secondary malolactic fermentation, which was completed in April 2022. The wine was matured in French and American oak for 9 months.

The grapes for this wine were derived from a four-hectare vineyard, planted in 2017 at 3,704 vines per hectare, and at an altitude of 160m above sea level. The vines, planted on the warmer east-facing slope, are trellised in order to keep the grapes cool and healthy. Canopy management is applied to protect the grapes from the hot summer months. The average rainfall is 700ml per annum. During the year the rainfall was below average at 652 mm for the 2021/2022 season. Although the vineyards benefit greatly from the water retentive clay soil, the vines are irrigated. Harvesting took place in February 2022 during the day, at an average sugar level of 24° Balling. The grapes were hand-picked and placed in small baskets to prevent bruising.

Nine months

Cabernet Sauvignon

Fantastic with rich red meat dishes such as steak, braised lamb shank and potjies, as well as platters of hard cheeses and preserved fruits. Or just enjoy a glass sitting next to a roaring fire during winter.