Endura Winemaker's Selection Cape Blend

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This Cape Blend is a Pinotage-driven blend with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec to add to the complexity and balance of the final product. Fermentation took place in small stainless-steel tanks for seven days with regular pump-overs for fermenting to extract the flavour, colour and structure from the skins.

The 2020 growing season was good, with much improved winter rainfall after the drought period between 2016–2018. The vineyards had good growth, and the growing season was relatively cool with low disease pressure. The season was normal in terms of ripening, and the grapes were harvested on long-term average intake dates. The crop was of average size, with small berries that helped with fruit concentration. The vineyards are all situated within the Paarl region and are a combination of the best-selected terroir for each of the cultivars. The soils are a combination of decomposed granite and Malmesbury shales. The grapes were hand-picked and harvested in small batches, followed by berry sorting to remove any unwanted grapes. The influence of the dryland growing conditions plays an integral part in the quality of the grapes and fruit intensity.

After pressing, the wine was transferred to 500-litre French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and further ageing for eighteen months. Only the best barrels were selected and blended to create a harmony of flavours and balance in the wine.