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Wine:
Inkspot Vin Noir 2009
Origin:
Darling
Varietal:
71% Pinotage, 16% Shiraz, 13% Cinsaut
Vintage:
2009
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: 2 – 4 February, Shiraz: 28 February, Cinsaut: 2 March
Harvest Sugar:
Pinotage: 25ºB, Shiraz: 25ºB, Cinsaut: 21ºB
Yield:
Pinotage: 6 Ton/Ha, Shiraz: 6 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 4 days on skins, at 30ºC, before pressing.The Shiraz directly inoculated with yeast and fermented for 7 days at 30ºC 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. Of the Pinotage portion, 35% was aged in French oak for 12 months. After fining and a light filtration the wine was bottled.
Bottling date:
29 July 2010
Alc:
14.00 %
RS:
5.8 g/l
Extr:
32 g/l
pH:
3.81
TA:
5.8 g/l
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