Jacobsdal Pinotage, Stellenbosch

Description

Jacobsdal Pinotage is a very traditional Pinotage made by current owner and winemaker Cornelis Dumas, assisted by his son Hannes, at this fantastic Stellenbosch Estate. The Dumas family have been making wine at Jacobsdal for three generations. Jacobsdal wine estate is situated between Stellenbosch and Kuils River, on the slopes of the hills overlooking False Bay, which is less than 10 kilometers away. The estate lies on the extreme southwesterly edge of the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin Region and covers some 85 hectares. Cornelius believes in natural fermentation and using the best grapes possible. The soils have good drainage and water-retention which allows the productiond of quality grapes without any irrigation. Only natural yeasts from the skin of the grapes are used for the fermentation in open top concrete vats. Researchers believe a unique yeast strain has developed in the vineyards and in the cellar which imparts a broad spectrum of desirable characteristics to the must. During fermentation the cap of the skins is punched through regularly with long wooden poles to extract optimal colour, flavour and tannins. Jacobsdal Pinotage is matured in small casks of French oak for 18 months, and is allowed to settle in the bottle before being released.