Spier 21 Gables Pinotage 2015

Description

Spier 21 Gables Pinotage

Spier 21 Gables Pinotage shows flavours of caramelised black cherries, hints of dark spice and dark chocolate. The curvaceous palate offers smooth, dense fruit and lingering velvety tannins.

Grapes were hand harvested to minimise damage to the berries. Grapes were chilled before bunch sorting. After de-stemming, the berries were hand sorted to remove raisins, pink berries and large berries. Cold soaking preceded temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks and open-top French oak vats. Free run wine was drained to a combination of 1st and 2nd fill French, American and Hungarian oak barrels and matured for 18 months. Barrel selections were made to create this balanced, cool climate Pinotage with great complexity and ageing potential.

Established in 1692, Spier is one of South Africa’s most historic wine farms – with a long, proud legacy. Today, their farm represents a modern, conscious energy. Focused on art and healthy living, Spier is about farm-to-table food and award-winning wines; and people sharing ideas for living, working and growing in forward-thinking ways.

It was in 1692 that Spier’s first owner, a German settler by the name of Arnout Janz, took possession of the land in Stellenbosch, South Africa, he soon realised the potential for winegrowing and set out to plant the first vines.

In 1712 the first grapes were pressed on the farm and today one of the Cape’s oldest wine cellar buildings dating back to 1767, still takes pride of place on the estate.

Their range of blends is inspired by an art project that combines works from different artists to create something new.

Similarly, they blend grapes from various vineyard blocks to create wines far greater than the sum of their parts. The number on the bottle refers to the number of varietals used to create each bottle of wine.

Animals, including cattle and chickens, are raised on pastures, and contribute to the fertility of the soil. They have a organic vegetable garden with a broad variety of crops. The ethically produced meat and vegetables are used in their farm-to-table eating experiences Eight and Eight to Go in the preparation of wholesome, delicious dishes and picnics. They strive to maintain the biodiversity of their farm by balancing vineyard cultivation and food production with planting of indigenous shrubs and trees, and large conservation areas are currently being established.

In fact, it was one of the very first farms to be established in Stellenbosch in 1692, its rich cultural heritage includes a restored Manor House, an impressive collection of Cape Dutch gables (21 in fact) and the oldest dated wine cellar in the country.

Spier 21 Gables Pinotage – Hay Wines