Beryl Back 2022

Pale yellow in colour with layered aromas of stone fruit, papaya, lemon rind framed by complimentary oak notes. The palate is complex with layers of herby Fynbos and crunchy grapey sweetness followed by pithy tannin, bone-dry minerality and a fresh finish. The fine tannin structure and texture of the wine promises ageing potential and contributes to the balanced length and mouthfeel. Will age well for 3 – 5 years.

Each component is selected from only the best quality blocks on the Fairview farm. The Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Verdelho (a 1st) and Roussanne grapes are all from trellised Fairview vineyards, planted in rich decomposed granite soils on the slopes of Paarl Mountain. The Chenin Blanc, Verdelho and Roussanne vineyards are all south facing blocks planted high up on the Paarl Mountain slope, just below the Paarl Mountain Reserve. The Viognier is planted lower down, just below the original manor house.

All of the grape varieties are treated individually with basic winemaking intervention. The aim is to highlight the true expression of these cultivars in its terroir. We select each component based on merit and our final blend tells the story of our labour of love from our favourite vineyards on the property. The Chenin Blanc component is made in three distinct styles from the same block, showing off the versatility of the grape. The first component is cold fermented in stainless steel tank and allowed to age on the fermentation lees for 10 months. The second component is Chenin Blanc in clay amphorae and the third component is a small parcel of skin fermented Chenin Blanc, macerated for 5 days and fermented naturally in older French oak barrels. The Viognier grapes were hand-picked and whole bunch pressed. 50% was wild fermented in 2nd and 3rd fill French barrels, without settling the juice prior to fermentation. The other half was settled, inoculated and cold fermented in stainless steel tanks. The Verdelho, a new addition, and Roussanne was fermented in older French oak barrels. The Verdelho adding freshness and Roussanne richness to the final blend. After 10 months maturation in French oak barrels and in tank, the wine was carefully blended and allowed to naturally stabilise as far as possible.

10 months in French oak.

Color