Gabriëlskloof, Rosebud

Country: South Africa Region: Cape South Coast

Varietal: 55% Syrah, 45% Viognier

Vintage: 2020 Colour: Blushed Style: Dry

Producer: Gabri

"Gabriëlskloof is a beautiful wine estate located near Bot River in the Overberg region east of Cape Town. It was purchased in 2001 by Bernhard Heyns, who had been on the lookout for the ideal place to plant vines. After planting, his first vintage was in 2009. We felt compelled to add Gabriëlskloof to our list because Peter-Allan Finlayson, Bernhard’s son in law, took over as winemaker from the 2015 vintage. The farm has 300 hectares, with 68 hectares planted to vines. The climate is cool with maritime influences coming from Walker Bay. The vineyards are planted with 70% red (Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah) and 30% white varieties (Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Viognier). The vineyards are farmed sustainably with the aim to move to organic farming in the future.

The fruit for the Sauvignon Blanc comes from seven different low-yielding (38hl/ha) vineyards planted on tough rocky sandstone and shale soils. This adds complexity and concentration. The Sauvignon Blanc is fermented and aged in stainless steel to retain the primary fruit aromas. It is elegant in style with fresh acidity and aromas ranging from kiwi to nettles. ‘Rosebud’, as the name suggests, is like an unopened rose, pale pink, elegant and floral. It is dry in style with crisp acidity and a round finish. Made From old vine Chenin Blanc grown in the Paardeberg region of the Swartland, the Elodie Chenin Blanc is fermented in old French oak barrels, which adds complexity to the wine. The nose offers subtle citrus and white floral aromas, coupled with layers of almond and dried pineapple. The palate is opulent with great natural acidity and freshness, typical of old vine Chenin. Magdalena, an oaked Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blend is made oxidatively with minimal intervention. The nose is intense and well-integrated, boasting aromas of lime flower and almonds, perfectly complimented by a sweet and sour zestiness on the palate."

Product Features: Sustainable;Vegan;Vegetarian

Product Allergens: Sulphites Label

Winemaker: Peter-Allan Finlayson

Vineyards:

Gabriëlskloof winery is in the Bot River ward, where prevailing southerly winds from the nearby Atlantic Ocean create a mesoclimate perfectly suited to low-yielding vineyards. The vines are planted on northern slopes in Bokkeveld Shale.

Vinification:

The grapes are pressed together and fermented with commercial wine yeast. Rosebud, as the name suggests, is like an unopened rose. It does not aim to be an over-the-top explosion of floral and fruity aromas, but rather restrained, elegant and moreishly delicious.

Tasting Notes:

2016 Rosebud is slightly drier than previous vintages and lighter in colour, made more in the “Provençal” style of Southern France. Flavours of papaya, rose and melon are apparent but not overpowering, with spicy red fruit in the background thanks to the Syrah component of the blend. Complex, but infinitely drinkable, Rosebud 2016 will delight and surprise.

Food Suggestion: Smoked salmon or sushi

Closure: Stelvin  ABV: 12.5%  Acidity [g/l]: 6.2