Sneeuwkrans Pinot Noir

This vineyard was picked in two stages, the bottom part separately from the top part, due to slight differences in ripening and different clones, each contributing to a range of flavours and variation in structure. Grapes were hand-picked into small lug-boxes in the early morning and transported to the cellar by refrigerated trucks. All of the fruit was de-stemmed and fermented in old wooden 3-ton tanks and small 1-ton open-top stainless steel tanks. During fermentation, these grapes were handled with great care.

Altima is located in Elandskloof, an isolated valley north of Villiersdorp that is 5 kilometres wide and surrounded by a steep mountain range that rises 1 kilometre above the valley floor. Because of the steep topography and the mountains that overshadow it, the valley receives less direct sunlight. This, combined with an elevation of 600 to 850 metres, results in a very cool climate for the valley. This distinct terroir yields wines with high natural acidity and prominent aromas. Grapes are harvested much later than in other areas of the Western Cape, typically beginning in early March. The region was able to finally recover from the difficult drought period thanks to the increased rainfall. There were favourable climatic conditions during the growing season, which resulted in an early harvest due to early flowering and fruit set. Because of the favourable conditions for ripening and the presence of healthy canopies, the fruit was of high quality and had beautiful flavours.

After fermentation, the wine was aged in old 225- litre French oak barrels for 10 months before being bottle-aged for two years.