Piekenierskloof, Heirloom White, 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 grown on Bergendal and Heidedal farms in Piekenierskloof. The Chenin Blanc vineyard were planted in 1962 and the Grenache Blanc in 1994. These vineyards are all bush vines and grow on sandy, loam soils. The vineyards are meticulously farmed and managed to yield below 5 tons per hectare. Hand harvested middle to end 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 strains prior to fermenting in 300 litre French oak barrels. After fermentation the wine spent five more months on fine lees in barrel. (20% new, 30% second fill and 50% third fill).

Oak Ageing

Time: 5 Months
Type: 300 Litre French Oak
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: 20

Tasting Note

Complex with layers of tropical fruit, stone fruit, peach and white pears on the palate with notes of citrus. Well balanced acidity, elegant oak with a long lingering finish.

Food Matching

This wine would be outstanding with seafood paella, sushi, fish curry, mussel soup, grilled scallops, chicken and poached apples with yogurt dressing or just as enjoyable on its own.