Basket and Barrel

Poultry, Mushroom, Game, Charcuterie, Vegetarian

Sourced from a mineral-rich site in the Helderberg, with excellent elevation and proximity to the cooling Atlantic breeze from False Bay just 5km away. These conditions contribute to refined acidity and delicate fruit expression. A minimal intervention philosophy in the vineyard allows each vintage to reflect its true character. Grapes are hand-harvested in the early morning for optimal freshness. The vineyards are meticulously cared for by hand to ensure maximum quality. Organic and biodynamic practices are employed, which includes not using any pesticides, herbicides or chemical sprays. In addition, farm produced compost, teas and biodynamic preparations are employed.

Fermented naturally in small open-top fermenters with no added enzymes, preservatives, or stabilisers. Following fermentation with indigenous yeasts, the wine was matured for 10–12 months in seasoned French oak. Crafted with integrity, this Pinot Noir is bottled unfined and unfiltered and may develop a harmless natural sediment over time.

Jasper Raats is the shareholder, cellar master and managing director of Longridge Wine Estate, as well as partner in Vigneron Consulting, an international consulting business. The consultancy shares valuable knowledge to a select group of clients, particularly focusing on organic and biodynamic viticulture and oenology. In fact, it was through this consulting business that his relationship with Longridge first started. Jasper has established himself as one of the most talented winemakers in South Africa and first gained prominence for wines he created in New Zealand. In 2003, he started working as viticulturist and winemaker at New Zealand’s Clos Henri in the Marlborough region, developing a new vineyard and making wine for French Company, Henri Bourgeois. During this period, he also started Koru Wines, which became one of New Zealand’s top and most expensive wines. His international experience includes working in Burgundy, Pouilly Fume, Sancerre and in Napa and Sonoma under Pierre Seillan, the genial French creator of Vérité Wines.