SIJNN WHITE 2019

Chenin Blanc 84% | Viognier 14% | Roussanne/Verdelho 2%

VINEYARD

The complex stony soils, together with a warm dry climate (350mm) moderated by constant sea breezes provides an ideal terroir to produce something unique. All vines are grown as bush vines due to the exceptional low yield and vigour, from the 9 & 14 year old vines. Mostly 2 high quality, low yielding clones of Chenin blanc on drought resistant rootstocks -R99,Rug.140 and R110. This flagship blend includes Viognier which adds freshness and aromatic complexity as well as a tiny amount of Verdelho, a promising variety as a blend component at Malgas. Yield: 4ton/ha Chenin blanc and 3 tons/ha Viognier

VINTAGE CONDITIONS

One of the earlier starts to harvest and one of the driest growing seasons with a record low of 190 mm rainfall in 2018. Warm and dry weather at the beginning of the ripening season, with occasional rain toward the end of harvest. The moderate weather with cool nights continued throughout the harvest period producing wines with excellent acidities. Note the exceptionally low pH. Small crop of great quality.

PRODUCTION

Handpicked and sorted in the vineyards in the early morning to ensure beautiful cool grapes arrive at the cellar. In 2019 we did do more whole-bunch pressing, in a basket press and about 20% gentle crushing and soaking (2 hours). The juice is barrel fermented in 400 and 700L French oak barrels, about 10% new oak for 10 months, and left on the lees, which adds a lot of texture and balance. Lightly fined with bentonite, unfiltered, and bottled by hand. Bottling date: 28/01/2020 Production: 851 x 12, 90 x 1,5L

TASTING NOTES

A beautiful limpid gold colour in your glass. Caramelised pineapple, stony, savoury nose. A rich and full bodied flavour profile. A vibrant palate of honey and salted liquorice, peach pith, apple and pear skins and slate. Lovely minerality, enhancing the freshness and acidity of the wine. A good tannin structure coming from the slight skin contact. Hints of fennel and rosemary linger in the glass. Drinking best 2021-2025. This wine can be paired with a variety of foods, but a favourite would be a mildly spicy Butter Chicken curry.

ANALYSIS

Alc. 13,89% | SG 2,3g/ℓ | TA 6,7g/ℓ | pH 3,16 | VA 0,56 g/l | SO₂ Free 13 mg/ℓ & Total 79mg/ℓ