Iona, Mr P Knows Pinot Noir, Elgin, South Africa, 2023

Producer Profile

At 420m above sea level, set high above the picturesque Elgin Valley overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Andrew Gunn founded Iona among some of the coolest vineyards in the Cape.

In a country where cool-climate vineyards are like gold dust, these vineyards are veritable nuggets. The growing season is extremely long, harvesting up to 2 months after Stellenbosch, which allows Andrew to create wines with complex flavours and a fresh, elegant style. The viticultural approach is emphatically hands-off: the land is farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles, with particular focus on ensuring the health of the soil, and pests are kept under control by the resident flock of geese that roam the vineyards.

Viticulture

The Pinot grapes for this wine come from Langrug, one of Iona's small farms in the Elgin Valley, with a unique terroir. Here diverse soils, fanned by cooling ocean breezes ensure perfect conditions for slow ripening, allowing the grapes to develop their intense flavours, complexity and finesse. Mr P, is a "Pinot for the people", showing all the characteristics of classic, high quality Pinot Noir at an affordable price, making use of younger vines and older barrels with careful and dedicated wine making.

Winemaking

Grapes are hand harvested, de-stemmed and not crushed. 10% whole bunch fermented for complexity. The must is fermented in stainless steel tanks at 28’C with regular punch downs during fermentation. Once pressed off, the wine were racked to 2nd , 3rd and 4th fill French barrels; Matured for 11 months.

Tasting Note

Elegant, fresh cherry and red berry nose with undergrowth melange. The palate is pure with lovely texture and sweet cherry fruit dominates with spicy undertones. The wine is fresh and intense with real vibrancy.

Food Matching

Salmon, duck, roasted mushroom.