Tuesday 20 May 2008

TN : Vergelegen Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Stellenbosch, South Africa


Vergelegen means situated "far away" and was granted to the Governor of the Cape in 1700.

The grapes were selected from Vergelegen’s Stonepine, Rondekop, Rooiland and Kopland Vineyards. These vineyards are all north to northwest facing, with granite, Hutton and Clovelly soils. Vines were planted 4000 to the hectare. The preferred Cabernet clone was 46, while for the Merlot, the Italian clones 12 and 192, as well as the French clones 181 and 3 were used. The average yield was 4 tons per hectare. The Cabernets were fermented in open tanks at high temperatures, 28 to 32 degrees, and punched down every 3 to 4 hours in order to maximise colour and tannin extraction. The alcoholic fermentation was followed by a post-fermentation maceration of 21 days. The wine was racked every 3 to 4 months and was matured in 225 litre barrels for 2 years. The blend is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.5% Cabernet Franc, and 4.5% Merlot. A winery analysis of the wine showed that the alcohol was 14.5%, the residual sugar was 3.1 grammes per litre, the total acidity was 5.8 grammes per litre, and the pH was 3.80.

This wine was imported by VinUnic AB.

Colour : Deep dark maroon

Aroma : Blackcurrant, slight green pepper, oak, plums

Taste : Cold tea, blackcurrant, slight oak, plums, green pepper, currants

Alcohol : 14.5%

Price : 195 SEK

Mark : B

Website : Vergelegen Wine Estate
Website : VinUnic AB

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