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SOUTH AFRICAN Fairview Pinotage 2010
Producer
Fairview is situated on the lower slopes of Mt. Paarl, which is more sheltered from the moderating maritime influence than nearby Stellenbosch. Fairview was planted with vines as early as 1699. The property was bought by the grandfather of current owner Charles Back in 1937. Fairview has a reputation for consistent quality across a range of innovative styles, using both classic and unusual varieties. Charles leads the field in South Africa in matching varieties to specific sites. The Fairview estate now has 350 hectares of vineyard over four appellations: Paarl, Stellenbosch, Malmesbury and the Darling Hills.
Vineyards
Pinotage is a classic South African variety and originates from a 1925 cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (known as Hermitage in South Africa). The Fairview Pinotage was primarily harvested from bush vines in Malmesbury and Agter-Paarl, some of which are over 25 years old. These older vineyards are dry farmed and the vines grow on deep soils. This is supplemented by fruit from an irrigated, younger, trellised vineyard at Fairview.
Vintage Information
The bunches were destalked, then lightly pumped through the crusher with the rollers fully open. After alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine was aged in used French and American oak for 10 months. A portion of the blend was unoaked and blended prior to bottling to maintain the fresh fruit character of the wine and make the oak character more subtle.
Vinification
The bunches were destalked, then lightly pumped through the crusher with the rollers fully open. After alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine was aged in used French and American oak for 10 months. A portion of the blend was unoaked and blended prior to bottling to maintain the fresh fruit character of the wine and make the oak character more subtle.
Tasting Notes
Dark purple in colour. Smoky notes with intense dark berry aromas, framed by oak spice. Fleshy dark fruit character continues on the palate with firm tannins and lingering flavours of spice and dark coffee. Medium bodied with well balanced fruit acidity.
| Vintage |
2010 |
| Grape varieties |
100% Pinotage |
| Region |
Paarl |
| Winemaker |
Anthony de Jager/Charles Back |
| Closure |
Stelvin |
| Alcohol (ABV) |
14% |
