The wine shows the dark fruit expression of dark plum, cherry and violet aromas. There is a typical Hemel & Aarde savoury and spice expression of cloves, cracked black pepper and coriander seed. It has a well textured palate and vibrant acidity which balances the front palate fruit weight. The oak is supportive on the palate and helps carry the finish of soft forest floor and spicy notes.
Each clone was crushed and destemmed into stainless steel fermenters whilst 20% remained as whole clusters. A cold soak period of 3 days prior to fermentation took place. Fermentation lasted about 10 days and the fermenting must was just lightly pumped over the grape skins twice a day. A further 4-5 days on the skins post ferment was allowed. The wine was then pressed off to barrel for maturation. It spent 10 months in a combination new oak, second fill and third fill barrels. The wine was then removed from barrel and blended whereafter the wine was then transferred to 3rd fill barrels for a further 6 months. This was done to give the wine time to homogenise whereafter it was filtered and bottled.
Winemaker : Christo Kotze
Winemaker : Christo Kotze
La Vierge, French for The Virgin is nestled in the folds of the breathtaking Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (Heaven and Earth) close to Hermanus. Our lovingly tended vineyards, situated in Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, are characterized by long cool summers influenced by the close proximity of the Atlantic Ocean. Using sketches and drawings by renowned British artist, Sir Michael Adams who works and lives in the Seychelles, a design language was created that reflects the rich symbolism associated with the Hemel-en-Aarde area. Our crest represents Adam and Eve pondering the Serpent and Apple. The unspoilt beauty and provenance of our virgin terroir are reflected in the Garden of Eden theme of our branding, suggesting a lush verdant paradise with all the purity, simplicity, innocence and temptation of life's beginnings.
