Botanica - Mary Delany - Pinot Noir
2018
Producer
Botanica
Blend
0% Pinot Noir
Country
South Africa
UPC
6 0098020 1872 9
Estate
Founded in 2009 by owner and self-taught winemaker Ginny Povall, an intrepid American who fell in love with the beautiful Cape winelands and purchased Protea Heights farm in Stellenbosch’s Devon. Established in the late 1940s, Protea Heights was the first farm in South Africa to cultivate indigenous protea flowers commercially (South Africa’s national flower). Inspired by this horticultural history, it was only natural that Ginny would choose to develop her wine brands and labels with a botanical flair.
Today the estate boasts eight varieties of proteas (four of which are hybridized species unique to the property), largely destined for export to Europe. The 53 acre farm is planted with 24 acres of indigenous flowers, which bloom throughout the year and 12 acres of organically farmed, high density vineyards. Planted between 2009 and 2010, the estate vines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Albariño.
Vinification
The grapes were hand harvested at 22° and 23° B, hand sorted and destemmed but not crushed. Whole berry fermentation took place in open tanks, with punch downs twice daily. The wine was racked to 300 liter French oak barrels (20% new) for malolactic fermentation and aging of 9 months.
Description
The Mary Delany Collection is crafted from grapes sourced from unique vineyard sites throughout the Cape. Each of the labels depicts a botanical collage created by British artist Mary Delany. These remarkable works of art were hand crafted in the late 1700s using hundreds of tiny pieces of cut paper.
Tasting notes
An expressive Pinot which shows hints of herbs and spice on the nose, with layers of bright cherry and strawberry fruit on the palate. Lovely fresh acidity, with a floral lift on the finish.