The Enigma Nebbiolo

WHERE IS IT FROM?

This incredible Nebbiolo is made with hand selected grapes from a tiny block of grapes in the Breedekloof Valley.

 

Nebbiolo is one of the noble Italian grapes that is grown most notably in the North-Western Piedmont region above the river Po, where it is mostly used to make some of the worlds greatest wines such as Barolo. It is a smallish grape with thick skins and high tannins that can take years to soften and silken up, but as we choose to use only the juices with no pressing, we deliver a super elegant and somewhat lighter version of such wines. 

 

 

HOW WE MADE IT.

The grapes were held at a cool temperature for several days before being hand sorted and very lightly crushed and then allowed to warm up and ferment with daily punch-downs. The wine was further left on the skins post primary fermentation before allowing only the free-run juices to run off for maturation, after which malolactic fermentation continued. A small quantity was lightly pressed in the old basket press in order to add some depth to the colour.

The wine was matured on a carefully selected blend of toasted and untoasted French Oak for 12 months, using 34% new oak designed to retain the freshness of fruit but enhance the typical tastes of this cultivar.

WHAT IS IT LIKE?

COLOUR: This unfiltered, full-bodied wine is truly an Enigma. As a result of the free-run juices, this Nebbiolo is very light to the eye and perhaps not indicative of the palate to come.

SMELL:
It is packed with fruit and has the wonderful aroma of black cherries, leather, tobacco and rose petal, with an exceptionally long finish. It has silky tannins and only the slightest hints of the superb French Oak we use.

TASTE:This is a delicate, beautiful and unique Nebbiolo. Whilst light on the eye, the palate is rich and full, with ripe black figs and sour cherries dominating, underpinned by subtle but will integrated oak and a clean palate. The wine is medium-bodied, with silky fine tannins and great aciditiy, which when combined with a fuit-forward style make this a soft and delicious wine, unique in South Africa.

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WHAT SHOULD I EAT IT WITH?

A delicate and yet powerful fruit driven wine with great mid-palate and mouthfeel, this Nebbiolo has good acidity allowing it to stand up to all foods, but in particular dishes like grilled seafood, a beautifully grilled rare steak, and all types of chicken dishes too. It's best served very lightly chilled and is also great for anti-pasti and other hors d'Ouvres such as a charcuterie platter, and a broad spectrum of cheeses.

This wine, although eminently drinkable now, will improve to optimal drinking in 3-5 years

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

The Enigma: Nebbiolo

ABV: 14.4%

RS: 3.1

TA: 5.9

VA:0.6

pH: 3.56