Goats in Villages Viognier 2009

posted in Wines

When Rebecca and Gary Mink moved from the United States to the wilds of the Caprivi in Northern Namibia to care for children orphaned by AIDS, their immense courage and spirit could not fully offset their limited financial resources. They were soon overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problem and an urgent appeal was sent for goats. Our caprine colleagues who stayed behind in the Western Cape have carefully selected the finest grapes from which to make this intense wine with its ripe spicy fruit, judicious lick of new wood and elegant structure, amply befitting the noble gesture made by the Goats do Roam in African Villages.

IN THE VINEYARD

Grapes were all sourced from vineyards on the slopes of the Paarl Mountain. These vineyards were planted between 1995 and 2000. The trellised vines are planted on decomposed granite soils and received supplementary irrigation. These vineyards are carefully managed during the growing season, with crop level reduction and the thinning of leaves to allow maximum aeration through the warm summer.

HARVEST DATE

2nd week of February 2009

WINEMAKING

The grapes were all hand harvested and whole bunch pressed. The different lots were fermented separately in stainless steel and French oak barrels, with 1st, 2nd and 3rd fill barrels being used. After fermentation the wine was left sur lie in tank and barrels, with weekly batonnage. Malolactic fermentation is not encouraged. The various lots were then blended and bottled. The final blend comprised 20% barrel fermented wine.

TASTING NOTE

Nose shows typical varietal character, with white peaches, fragrance and a hint of marzipan. Mouthfeel is crisp with rounded fruit flavours and citrus rind character. Softness on the mid palate with a lovely fresh finish.

WINE ANALYSIS

Wine of Origin Coastal
Alcohol 14%
Residual sugar 2.9g/l
Total acid 5.3g/l
pH 3.33

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