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Product Notes
HARVEST & VINTAGE NOTES
Vineyard & Soils: In the Piekenierskloof region on Paleisheuwel Rd.;
Yield of 23 hl/ha;
This unirrigated vineyard was planted at around 708 meters of altitude in decomposed granite soil with a slight easterly slope.
Ageing Potential: 18 years
The most planted red grape variety in the world is Grenache Noir. It has had a long standing position in South Africa, but it is very site specific. The Piekenierskloof Pass, going north to Citrusdal, has firmly positioned itself as the leading location for Grenache. It got its name from foot soldiers (piekeniers) located at the top of the mountain to protect livestock from theft, hence being named Soldaat (Soldier). Grenache from this region often displays fresh, bright red fruit aromas with an earthy minerality, as opposed to the over-extracted and alcoholic version that is often produced. In this vintage the drought caused the fruit to ripen slightly more than usual and this is the first bottling of the Soldaat that reached more than 13.2% alcohol. So, the wine displays slightly deeper flavours as opposed to just the beaming red fruit it normally does. The wine is also much more earthy and has an overall savoury balance. The bright red fruit and transparency of the wine are still all there. The overall feeling is that of just more “wine”… and that’s about it!
WINEMAKERS:
Eben Sadie & Paul Jordaan
GRAPES: 100% Grenache Noir
ALCOHOL: 13.7%
PH: 3.42
TOTAL ACIDITY: 5.5 g/L
TOTAL SULPHUR: 86 mg/L
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 2.2 g/L
ANNUAL PRODUCTION:
114 cases x 6/750ml
