Tabula Rasa South Ridge CY95

Pork, Rich fish (salmon, tuna etc), Vegetarian, Poultry

Even though the 2018 vintage is considered to be a relatively hot and dry vintage across the Cape, Elgin experienced one of the best vintages in the last few years. The dry conditions gave balanced canopies and more exposed fruit which created very good concentration and ripe flavours. The clay soils and cold night of Elgin made sure that the vines did not endure too much stress though. The result was Chardonnay with ripe flabour profiles at low pH and high acidities and Pinots with ripe supple tannins but freshness in the finish. A vintage that is both accessible early on but with the typical Elgin ageing potential.

Barrel maturation for 10 months before bottling.

Fruit is hand-picked from selected vines within our South Ridge block, placed into lugs and meticulously hand sorted at the winery. Whole bunches are directed into the press and gently pressed to obtain only the best free run juice and a very low recovery of less than 600 litres per ton. The high solid juice undergoes spontaneous fermentation in barrel, with no added yeast or enzymes. The vineyard specific indigenous yeast makes a large contribution to the final unique identity of the wine. Some indigenous malolactic fermentation takes place, but is mostly discouraged in order to retain the focus from natural acidity. A careful approach to oak maturation using lightly toasted French oak from artisanal Burgundy cooperages encourages finesse, balance and allows the fruit to come to the fore.

Oak Valley is situated high along the Groenlandberg Mountain Range in one of the coolest wine growing regions in South Africa; Elgin. Attention to detail in the vineyards and our minimalist intervention approach in the cellar is what shapes our cool climate wine styles. Oak Valley’s signature is elegance.