Aaldering Estate Pinotage Rosé 2018

Violet, strawberries, honeydew melon and vanilla pod offer a true image of this misty pink Pinotage Rosè. The natural acidity in combination with fermentation in French oak barrels preserves the freshness and offers a lingering aftertaste. Grapes were harvested early in the morning and at 19.5 degrees Balling. All bunches were destemmed and not crushed to eliminate all bitterness and the juice was separated immediately from the skins to result in a beautiful salmon pink colour. Press fractions were separated into two fractions namely free run (maximum of 0.4bar) and pressed juice (0.4bar-1.2bar). Juice was settled and then inoculated with selected yeast strains (R2B) and then fermented in both stainless steel (60%) and 3rd fill French oak (40%). Ageing in barrel took place for 4 months and was then blended with the tank component. The wine was bottled shortly thereafter to protect its freshness.