Grenache, Swartland, 2021

Tasting Note:

Grenache noir (38%), Syrah (36%), Cinsault (10%), Carignan (9%) and Pinotage (7%). This Grenache noir based blend was produced from grapes from 12 different vineyards harvested in 16 lots. The 2020 vintage again includes a portion of wine that was fermented and matured in a concrete vessel – both Grenache and Syrah. Along with the concrete vessels, the wine was also matured in old 500L neutral French oak barrels and a 4,100 L foudre (Pinotage). The Elpidios is produced in similar fashion to the main Grenache noir in terms of long, gentle extraction, the use of 50% (on average) whole bunches and then pressed off. After bottling, the wine was aged in bottle for 18 months before release. This vintage is again based on grapes grown in granite soils from the Paardeberg, blended with structured shale/schists from the east, clay rich soils from the north and iron rich soils from the west.