Bottelary Pinotage

Venison, oxtail and chocolate dessert.

Just outside Stellenbosch lies the rolling hills of the Bottelary region, creating a unique terrain for the cultivation of Pinotage. Well-established 25-year-old bush vine vineyards with access to supplementary irrigation. South-west facing slopes and grown on decomposed granite. Harvest commenced on the 20th of February. Grapes were harvested at 25°B with a total acid of 7.5 g/ℓ and a pH of 3.3. Yield: 4 tons/ha.

This wine spent 14 months in 50% new French oak barrels, the balance in 2nd fill and Neutral barrels.

Fermentation initiated in stainless steel tanks. Whole berry ferment underwent a series of light pump overs and punching after which the wine was racked off to barrel to complete alcoholic fermentation. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrels.

Neil Ellis is a South African wine producer built on the belief that each variety should be matched to the site where it performs best. Working across distinctive Cape vineyards, the range is known for precise, site-expressive wines spanning Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and more.