Stellenbosch Grenache Blanc 2020

Rustenberg, fact sheet (rustenberg.co.za – linket fra rustenberg.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2020 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Grenache Blanc – område: Simonsberg-Stellenbosch; 100% Grenache Blanc; alkohol 13.5%. Producentens noter (engelsk): Introduction: Grenache Blanc was first planted on Rustenberg in the early 2000s and the estate has the only plantings of the varietal on the Stellenbosch facing side of the Simonsberg mountain. Naturally late ripening and high yielding, the estate’s small block of Grenache blanc has been planted high on the mountain slopes to expose the fruit to cooler temperatures, ensuring the preservation of acidity in the fruit. The North facing aspect of the vineyard, also ensures the vines are exposed to plenty of sunlight to ripen this cultivar to its full potential. The result is a medium-bodied wine with plenty of fruit and texture, rounded off with fresh acidity. Vintage: The 2020 vintage will be remembered as a good vintage produced under the spectre of the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the globe. Fortunately the harvest was not impacted on Rustenberg by the government- sanctioned lockdowns, allowing all fruit to be picked and processed when ripe. A good winter in 2019 saw a return to average rainfall for the year. Two unusual weather events in the growing season, a large rainstorm and a heat wave, impacted some varietals flowering and berry set, however, in the context of the entire vintage these had a minor impact. Crop levels were up by 15% from the 2019 vintage, which saw a return to yields being average to slightly above average for most varietals. Quality wise, the white wines have superb acids and more moderate alcohols with wonderful fruit concentration, while the reds tend to be more medium-bodied with moderate alcohols, good freshness and supple tannins, potentially to be enjoyed earlier. Vineyards/winemaking: Extraction Method Crushed, Destemmed and Pressed Fermentation Vessel Stainless Steel Tanks Yeast Cultured Active Dry Wine Yeast and Wild Fermentation Lees Aging 3 months Oak Aging None Malolactic Fermentation None Age and Type of Oak None Fining Agents Used Isinglass & Bentonite