Caroline

The fruit was harvested by hand at optimal ripeness and transported to the cellar in refrigerated trucks. The grapes were whole bunch pressed and the juice settled overnight before racking the following day. Spontaneous fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks (65%) and a combination of older French oak foudre and 4th fill 300ℓ barrels.

Riebeeksrivier farm is situated on the slopes of the Kasteelberg, overlooking the Swartland towards the iconic Table Mountain. Its unique terroir, especially the shale soils, expresses itself strongly in the wine with unique varietal characteristics. The vines for this blend are all planted on south facing slopes at elevations of 350 – 400m above sea level. The Chenin Blanc bush vines were planted in 1987 and again more recently in 2013. The higher density plantings of Viognier (2009), Roussanne (2009) and Marsanne (2011/12) are all trellised in the typical échalas Rhône style (vine trained on its own wooden stake). Piquepoul Blanc – a variety renowned for its high natural acidity grown primarily in the Southern Rhône Valley and Languedoc regions of France, was planted to bush vine in 2016, making it the 1st commercial production of Piquepoul Blanc in South Africa. It has become an integral component in the blend since 2020. “Late, slow and steady” would be the best way to describe the 2021 vintage. The preceding winter was cold and wet, resulting in good dormancy and healthy dam levels prior to the growing season. The cool weather continued into Spring which in turn resulted in delayed but relatively even bud break, flowering and fruit set. The moderate Summer temperatures slowed the ripening period and resulted in harvest starting about two weeks later than normal. The usually hot month of February was uncharacteristically cool, allowing for the gradual ripening of fruit with good flavours and acidity. An exceptional vintage which promises to deliver an outstanding wine.

The wine was matured on the lees for 12 months before being blended and bottled.