"KLEINE ZALZE" GAMAY NOIR
COASTAL REGION - SOUTH AFRICA

Gamay:
At least three different vitis vinifera grape species are permitted to use the term "Gamay": the Gamay Noir, Gamay Beaujolais and Napa Gamay. At one time or another, each one were thought to be the true Pinot Noir of Burgundy, before it was discovered that many cepage clones existed.
The Gamay Noir grape is a clone of Pinot Noir. The version thought to be responsible for the Beaujolais wines of France is the Gamay Noir a Jus Blanc.

Viticulture:
The grapes were harvested from 22 year old vineyards situated on slopes adjacent to the Berg River in Wellington. The microclimate surrounding the vines was influenced by the vineyard’s close proximity to the river. Supplementary irrigation, fertilisation and gravel stone soils caused moderate growth and low yield-bearing crops of superb quality. At 50% colouring of the grapes, green bunch dropping ensured optimum ripening of the grapes at lower sugar levels.

Vinification:
The grapes were harvested at 22°B and underwent three days of cold maceration. The wine was then fermented for ten days at 20-25°C with selected dry yeast. After fermented dry, the wine was racked from the skins and malolactic fermentation finished in the stainless steel tanks.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes:
Bright purple cherry appearance points towards a light bodied with ripe strawberry, lovely cherry fruit and sweet banana flavours on the palate that follow through with a long aftertaste. Best served chilled.