HISTORY

There is something to be said about following in the footsteps of ancient Greek and Roman winemakers who embraced this ‘technology’ thousands of years ago, using clay hewn out of the earth to cradle and nurture a living liquid.  The journey of The Grande Provence Amphora wine began when the winemaker decided to import two 400L clay amphorae from Manetti Gusmano and Figli from Florence, Italy, with seven generations of experience in crafting their superb vessels.  A small block of Chenin Blanc (33 years old) in Franschhoek was selected and only the very best yellow, sun exposed bunches were picked to maximise the health, flavour and aromatic expression of the wine.

VINTAGE

2017

WINE OF ORIGIN

Franschhoek

VARIETY

Chenin Blanc 92.5% | Viognier 7.5%

AWARDS

94/100 Wine Magazine Rating

WINEMAKER’S TASTING NOTES

The wine is fresh and extremely aromatic. Upfront flavours of mandarin and citrus on the nose complemented by hints of perfume from the Muscat, carry through beautifully onto the palate. This is an elegant and complex wine with integrated layers of texture and spice.

We understand now that tannin from seeds and skins help preserve this wine naturally, therefore needing less sulphur to protect against oxidation.  We also know that using vessels made from clay lets the wine ‘breathe’ during ageing allowing for the natural stabilisation of the wine’s phenolic structure. With careful winemaking allowing the fruit to express site authenticity, this wine is full of fruit purity and intense aromatics.

VINIFICATION

The grapes were destemmed by hand, left to ferment naturally on the skins and remained in the clay amphorae on their skins for 8 months, without sulphur.Made from one of the oldest Chenin Blanc and Viognier blocks in Franschhoek, this wine was hand pressed, racked, fined and settled for a month before bottling.

SERVING SUGGESTION

Decant 30 minutes before serving and enjoy slightly chilled.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

Alc:  14.0 %

pH:  3.42

RS:  2.42 g/l

TA:  5.8 g/l