SIJNN WINES OF MALGAS
WHITE 2019
WINE OF ORIGIN
Malgas, Western Cape, South Africa.
VINEYARD
The complex stony soils, together with a warm dry climate (350 mm of rain annually) moderated by constant sea breezes provides an ideal terroir to produce something unique. All vines are grown as bush vines due to the exceptional low yield and vigor, from 9 & 14-year-old blocks.
The wine is mostly two high quality, low yielding clones of Chenin Blanc on drought resistant rootstocks. The blend includes Viognier and Roussanne for added complexity. 2019 was the first vintage of Verdelho and a small quantity was added, a promising variety for our blend.
Yield: 4 tons/ha Chenin Blanc and 3 tons/ha Viognier and Roussanne.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
One of the earlier starts to harvest after one of the driest growing season and a record low of 190 mm rainfall in 2018. Warm and dry weather at the beginning of the ripening season, with occasional rain toward the end of harvest. The Moderate weather with cool nights continued throughout the harvest period producing wines with excellent acidities. A smaller crop of great quality.
PRODUCTION
The grapes were handpicked and sorted in the vineyards in the early morning to ensure that cool grapes arrive at the adjoining cellar. The 2019 vintage is marked with some whole-bunch pressing in a traditional basket press, with and about 20% gentle crushing and soaking (2 hours). The juice is barrel fermented in 400 and 700-liter French oak barrels, about 10% new oak, for 10 months. The wine was left on the lees, which adds a lot of texture and balance. Lightly fined with bentonite, unfiltered, and bottled by hand.
Bottling date: 28/01/2020
Production: 10,212 x 750 ml; 90 x 1.5 liter bottles
TASTING NOTES
Sijnn White 2019 has a beautiful limpid gold color in the glass with a caramelized pineapple and a stony, savory nose. It boasts a rich and full-bodied flavor profile with a vibrant palate of honey and salted liquorice, peach pith, apple and pear skins and slate. Its lovely minerality enhances the freshness and acidity of the wine. A good tannin structure comes from the slight skin contact and hints of fennel and rosemary linger in the glass. Drinking best 2021-2025. This wine can be paired with a variety of foods, but a favorite would be a good butter chicken curry.
CULTIVAR INFORMATION
84% Chenin Blanc, 14% Viognier, 2% Roussanne and Verdelho.
ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 13.89%
Residual Sugar: 2.3 g/l
Acidity: 6.7 g/l
pH: 3.16
NOT KOSHER