Description
All grapes are picked by hand with fermentation taking place separately in
open fermenters. About 80% whole-bunch and all natural ferments across the
board. A maximum of two punch-downs are done daily with a short skin
maceration following completion of fermentation. The wine is then matured
in small, older 225L, 300L & 500L French oak Barrels for 12 months being
blended and bottled. No fining takes place before a sterile filtration into bottle.
Superb fruit profile of cranberries, red berries and cherries, underlying
savoury flavours, alongside otherworldly wildflowers and spice. Velvety and
silky-smooth complex, yet easy finish.
Producer Profile
De Kleine Wijn Koöp (the little wine co-op) started out as just a few good okes making awesome wines with cool labels, calling in winemaker friends to make each very limited-batch cuvée. Now in the talented hands of winemaker Wynand Grobler, the range has gained greater focus and direction without losing any of the original irreverence and adventure. Given Wynand’s experience in the valley, Franschhoek is becoming a bit of a calling card but like in the past the “little co-op” spreads its net far and wide seeking out great grapes across the beautiful and varied terroirs of the Cape winelands.
Reviews
JancisRobinson.com 17
Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Verdelho from the Voor Paardeberg (on granite with some quartz, 20- to 25-year-old vines) plus 4% Muscat Alexandria from Wellington, a tiny vineyard planted in 1971, which they picked at 10% alcohol and barrel-fermented. The Grenache Gris was also barrel-fermented. Stone fruit, white peach, jasmine and lilac. Very, very delicate, like a pool of white moonlight, with a cool blade of acidity. Like white cotton. Feels like muslin – you can see the light through the loose, fine weave. Tiny, tiny nuttiness. Delicate sweetness. Unique, and really rather special. I can imagine this would be beautiful with John Dory, crab or scallops. Yet another wine that convinces me the we really should be drinking more Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris. 12% [Tamlyn Currin, 23/10/2024]
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2028
