The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grow on the Alvi’s Drift family estate in Scherpenheuvel, in the cooler southern part of the Breede River Valley near Worcester.
- Location / Origin: Scherpenheuvel is situated in the south of the Breede River Valley in the Western Cape. The vineyards here benefit from a cooler microclimate within the otherwise warm interior of Worcester.
- Soil: The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are planted on old shale soils. This stony substrate, combined with the vineyard location, forms the basis for fruit with sufficient concentration and structure.
- Exposition: The vineyards in question are located on cool, south-facing slopes, receiving less direct heat and allowing the grapes to better retain their freshness.
- Climate & Influences: A Mediterranean microclimate is combined with water from the Breede River. This combination of warmth, cooling, and reliable water supply provides Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with the conditions to ripen evenly.
Production focuses on pure juice, fresh fruit, and extra texture through contact with the fine lees.
- Harvest & Selection: For both grape varieties, only the best quality free-run juice is used. This juice is obtained without heavy pressing and forms a refined basis for the sparkling wine.
- Aging: After vinification, the wine remains in contact with the lees for several months. This aging provides extra volume and texture to the mouthfeel, while the fresh apple and strawberry fruit remain central.
- Residual Sugar & Acids: With 8.4 g/L of residual sugar against 7.9 g/L of acidity and a pH of 3.0, the wine achieves a beautiful balance between fruit, a soft round entry, and the energetic freshness appropriate for a brut rosé.
The classic combination of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay forms the basis here for both the color and the fresh, fruit-driven structure.
- 70% Pinot Noir – Scherpenheuvel: Pinot Noir makes up the majority of the blend and gives the wine its natural soft pink color, in addition to the distinct red fruit.
- 30% Chardonnay – Scherpenheuvel: Chardonnay completes the blend and contributes to the fresh, clean fruit expression and the lively structure of the sparkling wine.
