Swartland Winery Limited Release Rousanne 2019
Roussanne is a grape that rarely finds itself expressed as a varietal wine; more often than not it is blended with fellow Northern Rhone grape Marsanne, or with a broader choice of varieties in a French-style white blend. This solo example from Swartland Winery is a full-bodied wine, with melon, citrus peel and stone fruit notes, supported by a subtle savoury nuttiness from careful maturation in French oak. This is a brave wine with great finesse, making us wonder single varietal Roussanne is not more common. Enjoy it with some substantial food, a creamy vegetable gratin perhaps or flavoursome hard cheeses such as Comte or Gouda.
The wine was fermented in second and third-fill French oak barrels in which it was then aged for a period of 6 months, with regular battonage. No animal-based fining agents or winery aids were used during the vinification.
Winery Information
The Swartland region of South Africa is at the forefront of the new wave Cape wine movement. Swartland Winery attempts to showcase the very best of this rugged, unforgiving terroir, crafting an expressive range of wines that typify the zeitgeist of the modern South African wine scene with the aid of vegan-friendly winemaking techniques.
Big open skies, arid deserts, the vast flowing landscape, with it's unforgiving climate and rugged bush vines, this is wild country, this is Swartland. The contrast with manicured Constantia and oh-so-cool Stellenbosch couldn't be greater. But right now, Swartland is the most exciting wine region in South Africa. A new wave of winemakers are making ground-breaking wines from Rhône varietals and it is part of a revolution that has got everybody talking. The Swartland Winery is producing iconic and award-winning wines in this fashionable and dynamic region.
Vineyard
The soil types vary from Hutton, Clovelly, Sandy Fernwood, and Kroonstad, but Malmesbury Shale dominates, with small patches of granite and Table Mountains and stone. The gravel sub-structure of the soil promotes good moisture retention, essential in this hot, dry climate.
Tasting Note
Bursting with citrus, melon and layered with enticing stone fruit aromas, follows through to the palate with peaches, stone fruit and citrus flavours, complemented by a succulent mouthfeel. A full-bodied style with a lingering, zesty aftertaste.
Serving Suggestion
Delicious with light lunches, cheese platters or fresh shellfish and sushi.
Grape
Roussanne 100%
Alcohol: 13.5%
Contains Sulphites: Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan: Yes/No
Milk/Eggs: Yes/No
Organic/Biodynamic No/No
