Neethlingshof Malbec 2022
Type: Red
Country: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch
Grape Variety: 100% Malbec
Climate: The locality of Neethlingshof enables cool sea breezes from both the Indian and Atlantic oceans to penetrate the vineyards and cool down the grapes during hot summer days
Terroir: The Malbec vineyards, established in Tukulu and Oakleaf soils, are located on a westerly slope between 120m and 150m above sea level. The vines were planted in 2003 trellised onto a seven-wire vertical hedge system and grafted onto Richter 110 rootstock. They receive supplementary irrigation through a drip system only when necessary
Winemaking: Harvest took place during March and the grapes came in at 24° Balling. After crushing, the juice remained on the skins for 24 hours. Fermentation started in rotation tanks between 27°C to 29°C and was completed in small oak barrels. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was further matured for 10 months in mainly French Oak barrels
Color: Deep ruby
Nose: A deep bouquet of blueberry compote, black plum, mulberry and butterscotch with a hint of leather
Palate: Medium to full-bodied wine with a flavour profile of black plum, stewed fruits and cedar, rounded off with silky tannins and a savoury finish
About the Winery:
In the heart of the Cape wine region, you will find Neethlingshof Estate, one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa. Wines have been produced here since 1692. Originally founded by a German immigrant named Willem Barend Lubbe, it now produces high-quality wines from the Western Cape. Since 2003, they have also been pursuing an active biodiversity strategy to limit the monoculture of wine.
The estate grows many different grape varieties, including well-known ones such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc, but also the Pinotage, Gewürztraminer or Riesling typical of South Africa.
With their south and southwest exposure, the plants soak up plenty of sun during the day, while being cooled by cold sea air at night. The growth process is thus rather slow, which gives the grapes a ripe aroma.
