Piekenierskloof, Grenache Blanc, Swartland, South Africa, 2022

Producer Profile

Nestled in the Citrusdal Mountains, some 50 kilometers north of Swartland, is the magnificent Piekenierskloof plateau, which provides the perfect natural environment for vineyards to thrive.

At 750 meters above sea level, the plateau’s climate is characterised by warm days and cool nights, which allow grapes to slowly ripen and develop complex fruit flavours. Ungrafted bush vines planted in the 1950’s are still used in the production of Piekenierskloof Wine Company’s range of wines.

Viticulture

Grapes are sourced from vineyards predominantly in the Piekenierskloof region. These are bush vineyards and grow on koffieklip and sandy loam soils. Vineyards are planted in 1987. Harversting takes place middle to end of February.

Winemaking

Grapes were handpicked very early in the morning allowing the fruit to retain their natural flavour. Only the free run juice was used, allowed to settle and inoculated with selected yeast strain, fermenting under controlled conditions at 15°C. Wine was fermented in 3rd and 4th fill 500L French oak barrels for 4 months.

Oak Ageing

Time: 4 Months
Type: 500 litre French Oak
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: None

Tasting Note

A wine with fresh citrus aromas with lots of green apple and a herbaceous finish. The wine has a fresh but full and smooth mouth feel with a crisp finish.

Food Matching

Exceptional with shellfish, vegetarian dishes containing aubergine, leeks and peppers, salads with a light vinaigrette or tangy mayonnaise, oysters, asparagus with hollandaise sauce and soft cheeses.