Middelvlei Pinotage

The Pinotage grape is unique to South Africa and is derived from the noble Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (formerly called Hermitage) varieties. The Mombergs are one of the foremost producers of Pinotage wines.

At Middelvlei, 24ha are devoted to Pinotage, planted at 3,704 vines per ha. The vines, grafted onto Richter 99 rootstock, were planted in 1962, 1975 and 1996. The vineyards face west and are situated at an altitude of 160m above sea level. The vines, grown as bush vines, are severely pruned to inhibit their prolific growth.

The rainfall during the winter before the vintage, as well as the growing season (September – December) was average. The annual rainfall was 680mm for the 2004/2005 season compared to the average annual rainfall of 700mm.

Harvesting took place from 1 February to 16 February 2006 during the day, at an average sugar level of 24° Balling. The grapes were hand picked and placed in small baskets to prevent bruising.

In the cellar, using the dry yeast type WE 372, the juice was fermented on the skins for four days in open cement tanks at 26° C. It was racked off the skins at 6° Balling and then underwent secondary malolactic fermentation, which was completed on 28 March 2006.

The wine was matured in oak for 14 months- 95% in small French oak and 5% in new American oak barrels.

Winemaker’s comments
The appearance is a deep ruby red with violet edges. On the nose you’ll find sweet raspberry aromas with mulberry undertones and elegant oak spices. The palate shows a medium bodied wine packed with fruit flavours.

Analysis

Alcohol: 14,3 vol%
Acidity: 5,3 g/l
pH: 3,74
Residual sugar: 3,7

Bottled on 2 November 2007.

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