Golden Orb

A phenomenal food wine, perfectly paired with pork fillet on a bed of creamy mushroom risotto.

Golden Orb is a true expression of the remarkable Nitida terroir. The grapes were harvested by hand from a single vineyard high on the hill from the only block that can “see” the Atlantic Ocean, benefitting most from its cooling breezes. The variety of soils found on this hill, along with multiple pickings, result in incredibly complex flavours.

For the 2020 vintage, we decided to have a bit of a different approach and manipulated the fermentation process to be similar to the New Zealand style of making Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is further aged for another 12 months in bottle prior to release. Not only the viticultural practices but also the vinification is aimed to make a style of wine that is more complete and full-flavoured.

The grapes were also handpicked early in the morning to further retain their crisp fruit flavours. They go directly into the press, and only the free-run juice is used. It is then cold fermented in stainless steel tanks and left on the lees for 9 months.

Although not intentionally award driven, there is no denying the status of this tiny family-owned Durbanville cellar. Strategically we are following a very traditional but personalised approach to making wine. In line with our brand honesty, we don’t try to be clever or practice contrived marketing jargon. We pick by hand, allowing us to leave the less perfect bunches for the soil to enrich itself – and before pressing, we again sort the individual grapes by hand. “We completely believe that beautiful wines come from day to day thoughtful management in the vineyards.” Our bottom line is that to be part of the Nitida family requires commitment, passion, and a desire to be involved. Our punch through system, while automated, was designed by the engineer in Bernhard to closely emulate a traditional hand-punch method. Of course, we do use modern technology for pressing and pumping, but always seek out the gentlest methods.