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Wine:
Inkspot Vin Noir 2008
Origin:
Darling
Varietal:
57% Pinotage, 30% Shiraz, 13% Cinsaut
Vintage:
2008
Tasting note:
Darling is a unique spot for growing grapes. In its deep clay soils, the roots of unirrigated vines burrow to depths of more than 8 metres in search of moisture. After expending all this effort a vine may often produce less than one litre of wine.
The effect of the cooling breezes off the nearby Atlantic Ocean is to preserve flavour in the berries.
Inkspot – a wine of inky concentration with an unparalleled richness in the mouth. The prime expression of low-yielding, dryland bush vines. Suitable for pairing with spicy modern cuisine, or even as an on-the-rocks aperitif in summer.
VINEYARD INFORMATION
Age of Vines:
Pinotage 1998 & 2000, Shiraz 1999, Cinsaut 1971
Trellising:
Pinotage bush vines, Shiraz trellised, Cinsaut bush vines
Irrigation:
Pinotage & Cinsaut dryland; Shiraz drip irrigation
Soil:
Decomposed granite & Oakleaf
Position:
East facing slopes
CELLAR INFORMATION
Harvest date:
Pinotage: 25 – 28 January, Shiraz: 14 March, Cinsaut: 22 February
Harvest Sugar:
Pinotage: 25ºB, Shiraz: 24ºB, Cinsaut: 21ºB
Yield:
Pinotage: 7 to 9 Ton/Ha, Shiraz: 5 Ton/Ha, Cinsaut: 4 Ton/Ha
Fermentation:
The Pinotage had 3 days of cold soak at 10ºC before inoculation and was then fermented for a further 5 days on skins, at 30ºC, before pressing.The Shiraz directly inoculated with yeast and fermented for 5 days at 32ºC and macerated for a further 10 days before being pressed. Cinsaut directly inoculated with yeast and cold fermentation at 26ºC for 8 days.
Maturation:
After malolactic fermentation in tanks, the Shiraz and Cinsaut matured for a further 15 months in tank before blending. The Pinotage aged in French oak for 15 months. After fining and a light filtration the wine was bottled.
Bottling date:
May 2010
Alc:
14.50 %
RS:
5.32 g/l
Extr:
33.6 g/l
pH:
3.92
TA:
5.9g/l g/l
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