Pinotage is grape whose genetic parents are Pinot Noir and Cinsault (a Rhone grape) and was unique only to South Africa for many years. It is now being grown in the cool valleys of Mendocino County. This wine displays classic aromas and flavors of ripe and wild berries, cherries and a beautiful earthy tone. The wine has soft tannins and a long lingering finish . Enjoy this special wine with wild game or hardy cheese.
Background
Pinotage is a grape variety whose genetic parents are Pinot Noir and
Cinsault (a Rhone grape in South Africa called Hermitage). It was
developed in 1920’s and was unique to South Africa for many years. In
Mendocino County we are able to produce a very lively aromatic wine that
has deep aromas and flavors. Saint Gregory was one the first producers of
Pinotage in Mendocino County and the United States.
Vineyards
This is our 17th vintage from two vineyards that were planted for us: The
Gerhardt Vineyard (20%) which is located in the McNab Valley, and Tom
Barrett’s Vineyard (80%), which is located in the eastern foothills of the
Talmage District overlooking the Ukiah Valley.
Winemaking
These grapes were hand-harvested on September 10th through the 21st
at average 25 degrees brix. After crushing into a small open-top
stainless-steel tank the grapes were cold-soaked for 3 days prior to yeast inoculation
and fermentation. The must was punched-down twice daily for another
nine days to gently extract color, flavor and tannins. After a gentle
pressing the wine was racked into small French oak Burgundy barrels and
aged for 24 months.
Winemaker Comments
This generous Pinotage has a deep dark purple garnet color that is
surrounded with aromas and flavors of ripe wild berries, violets, plums
and a beautiful earthy tone. The wine is well-balanced with medium-soft
tannins and a nice, firm acidity. The mouth-filling fruit flavors carry
throughout its long, lingering finish.
Food Pairing:
Enjoy this special wine with wild game, like
venison scaloppini with sage or hardy dry
Italian cheeses, like Parmigiano-Reggiano or
aged Fontina.
Winemaking Data
Harvest Date: September 10th – 21st
Fermentation & Aging
Fermentation: 3 days of cold soak, punched down twice a day for 9 days
in stainless open top fermentors
Aging: 24 months in French and Burgundy barrels
Wine Blend: 100% Pinotage
Alcohol: 14.9%
Total Acidity: 7.1 g/L
pH: 3.61
Residual Sugar: 0.6 g/L
