Tamboerskloof Viognier, 2020

A remarkably balanced, crisp and concentrated South African Viognier. Apricots and tangerine, developing into honeysuckle, orange blossom and rose with a hint of spice and nutmeg.

Meet the maker: Kleinood

Region: Stellenbosch, Coastal Region – South Africa  

Grape(s): Viognier (86%), Rousanne (14%)

13% ABV / 750ml / Vegetarian / Vegan

Viticulture:

Kleinood ("something small and precious") is the name of the 10 hectares of vines owned by the De Villiers family.

Farmed sustainably and with care for the ecosystem (including addition of bee hives, insect hotels, habitat corridors) as well as a botanical water recycling plant and solar panels for energy mean Kleinood is now completely off grid.

The Viognier was hand-picked on four different dates to obtain the full flavour spectrum of the grape. The Roussanne was picked on the 14th of February.

Winemaking:

The grapes were hand-sorted before being destemmed into a stainless-steel basket-press.

The juice was then settled overnight and fermented for 20 days with indigenous yeasts at a temperature of 15°C.

The Roussanne was barrel fermented. 30% of the Viognier was fermented in old French oak barrels, 45% fermented in in stainless steel and the remaining 25% was fermented in a concrete egg tank.

After fermentation the wine was blended and stirred weekly for a four-week period.