Neethlingshof Viognier 2022
Type: White
Country: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch
Grape Variety: 100% Viognier
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 vineyard has 273 hectares of which 163 are planted with vines. The vineyards enjoy the Atlantic sea breeze that brings refreshment every afternoon
Winemaking: Upon arrival at the winery, the fruit is cooled to 5° Celsius overnight. Bunches are sorted whole and pressed into stainless steel tanks to settle. Primary fermentation occurs in 300-litre French oak barrels using wild yeast populations. The wine is kept on the lees for 9 months before bottling and stirred frequently to add weight and richness
Color: Light straw yellow with a green hue
Nose: Aromas of grapefruit, citrus peel, litchi, white pear, chamomile and jasmine
Palate: The palate is fresh and vibrant with good length and elegant flavours
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.
