NEETHLINGSHOF LORD NEETHLING CABERNET FRANC 2002
Winemaker: De Wet Viljoen Appellation: Stellenbosch Grape Varietal: Cabernet Franc
www.neethlingshof.co.za T: +27 (0)21 883 8988 | F: +27 (0)21 883 8941
Background
The Neethlingshof estate in Stellenbosch is named after its illustrious 19th century owner, Marthinus Laurentius Neethling, who served as mayor of Stellenbosch and was also a member of the old Cape Parliament. His flamboyant bearing earned him the nickname “Lord Neethling”.
One of the classic varietals in Bordeaux and the grape that is primarily responsible for the great red wine of Château Cheval Blanc, Cabernet franc as a varietal wine has been almost unknown in the Cape. Traditionally an understudy to its more revered first cousin, Cabernet sauvignon – with which it is often blended – Cabernet franc now appears more and more on the Cape wine stage as a solo performer.
Vineyard Location
At Neethlingshof the variety has always enjoyed recognition from the winemaker who is very impressed by the quality of the wine it produces. Neethlingshof’s terroir is perfect for producing Cabernet franc – with excellent results, vintage after vintage since 1992. The vines were planted in 1987 and are grown in Tukulu soil on a southwestern slope at 125m above sea level. They are grafted onto R99, 110 and 101-4 rootstocks and are trellised, using a five-wire vertical fence.
Viticulturist: Eben Archer
The winemaking Exceptionally healthy grapes were picked by hand after reaching 24,5° Balling. Fermentation took place in rotation tanks at 25 to 28° C and was completed in seven days. After undergoing malolactic fermentation, the wine was racked into new and second fill French oak barriques and was matured for 14 months before being fined and bottled.
Chemical analysis Alcohol:
14.08% by volume
Residual sugar: 2.21g/l Total acidity: 5.80g/l pH:
3.50
Winemaker’s comments Colour: Bouquet:
Taste:
Deep ruby colour with a slight purple tinge.
It has a captivating fruity bouquet with a herbaceous undertone.
The flavours are repeated in the mouth with notes of strawberry and chocolate on the lingering aftertaste. The wine is mouth filling with soft tannins.
Ageing process and potential: The wine is easy and satisfying to drink now but it certainly has the potential to develop even greater complexity in the bottle over the next 5 to 8 years.
Food pairing
It is ideal served slightly chilled with more delicate red meats such as grilled lamb chops and fillet of beef or pork with a creamy sauce. It goes equally well with veal piccata, hearty soups, strongly flavoured chicken and turkey dishes, lighter stews and even fish.
Cape Legends PO Box 184, Stellenbosch, 7599 | Tel: +27 (0)21 809-7000 | Fax: +27 (0)21 882-9575 |
www.capelegends.co.za
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