Skebenga 2020

Africa’s only indigenous red wine cultivar Pinotage was cross pollinated from parent grapes Pinot Noir and Hermitage (Cinsault). With this true Cape Blend of Cinsault, Pinot Noir and Pinotage, the Skebenga blend enfolds all three varieties into a decadently delicious, warm, juicy & spicy mélange of Cape goodness. An elegant, well-rounded wine with soft juicy tannins, the nose offers sweet spices, sour cherry, red tea & sugared orange peel following through with gentle vanilla oak and a slightly smoky charcuterie savouriness on the palate, ending with a lengthy and lingering aftertaste.

TERROIR – Rooted in deep decomposed granite over clay soils on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, the vineyards enjoy the refreshingly cool breezes from False Bay (Atlantic Ocean) during the hot summer days, and cool mountain winds during the evening, resulting in even ripening of the berries.

VITICULTURE – The vineyards are meticulously cared for by hand with an average age of 50 years and the crop is reduced to ensure maximum quality. Organic and biodynamic practices are employed by not using any pesticides, herbicides, or chemical spray.

VINIFICATION – Grapes were handpicked and sorted, before being partially fermented in small bins. Native yeast fermented (no commercial yeast added) for ± 14 days and barrel-matured in specially selected combination of 20% new and 80% matured French oak barrels.

The art of elevage was practised for 16 months.