Vineyards
Hemelrand is situated on the cold and windy Hemel & Aarde Ridge at 360 meters above sea level, on gravelly clay, and Sandstone. The vineyard was planted in 2010 to Chardonnay, Roussanne, Verdelho, Chenin blanc, and Muscat Blanc a Petit grain. However, as mentioned, the proportions of the different grapes produced significantly varies each vintage. Viticulturally speaking, this is a marginal site, the upside of which is slow ripening with high natural acidity.
Technical Details
Varieties:
31% Chardonnay, 29% Roussanne, 20% Chenin, 18% Verdelho, 2% Muscat
31% Chardonnay, 29% Roussanne, 20% Chenin, 18% Verdelho, 2% Muscat
| Wine of origin | Hemel & Aarde Ridge (Estate Wine) |
|---|---|
| Production | 3823 bottles and 60 magnums |
| Bottling | May 23 2023 |
| Alcohol | 14.35% |
|---|---|
| RS | 2.7 g/litre |
| TA | 5.85 g/litre |
| PH | 3.33 |
Vine Garden aptly describes both the attention to detail in small scale viticulture on Hemelrand as well as the handful of grape varieties represented in the vineyard.
Winemaking and Maturation
The grapes were picked early in the morning, sorting in the vineyard, and whole bunch pressed. The juice was very lightly settled (we like very cloudy raw juice) with no additions to the raw juice, wild fermentation took place in old barrels of various sizes. Fermentation lasted for about two months. The wine was kept on lees for around 12 months, then rested in tank on fine lees without fining for a further six months prior to bottling. Very simple, careful winemaking.
Tasting Notes
As always, the nose is intense and exotic, sporting salted lemon and quince, oatmeal and a hint of white flowers. The palate has tremendous drive, with great acidity balancing richness. Very long finish. This is a great Vine Garden vintage.
