And they have released the 2016 vintage of their unwooded Riesling, which has a sweeter profile than the Barrique. Refreshing, with the touch of sweetness perfectly balanced by natural acidity, it displays beautiful rose petal, grapefruit and pineapple aromas and an exotic palate, abounding with spice and ginger.
Groote Post have been experimenting with Riesling since their maiden 2008 Riesling vintage, trying different styles, with each year providing a new learning curve. “We have been very happy with the development of our semi-sweet unwooded Riesling, with its ideal balance of sugar and acidity, and have been delighted with the Gold medals we’ve received at both the 2015 and 2016 Michelangelo Awards. However, my confidence in the potential of Riesling from our cool-climate vineyards inspired me to venture further. It was a visit to the Rheingau - where I tasted some beautiful Rieslings that were partially fermented and matured in big old vats - that persuaded me to try something different. Enter our 2014 Riesling Barrique, a richer style from Acacia wooding with less residual sugar than our unwooded Riesling,” commented Lukas Wentzel, winemaker at Groote Post since 2000.
“Acacia wood used in wine barrels is sourced from the same French forests as oak. Acacia can provide structure and mouth-feel to the wine, however, having less tannin than oak, Acacia is known to better preserve the aromatics, freshness and varietal flavours of the wine,” Lukas continued.
“What’s not to love about Riesling? Intensely aromatic and flavourful with naturally high acidity, Riesling is an amazingly versatile food-friendly wine. It goes so well with Eastern dishes, mild curries and Thai and Vietnamese food. It also pairs well with richer foods such as pâtés and terrines, duck and roast pork, and is ideal to enjoy with desserts like fruit tarts and pecan nut pie, as well as cheese,” concluded Lukas.
Groote Post Riesling Barrique 2014
Harvest and winemaking: Careful selection in the vineyard and on the sorting table led to a top quality parcel of grapes being ready for crushing. The wine started fermentation in a stainless steel tank. A portion of this fermenting must was then transferred to a 500-litre Acacia wood barrel to complete its fermentation. After a further 12 months of barrel ageing, the wine was blended with an equal amount of unwooded Riesling.
Tasting notes: The 2014 Riesling Barrique displays gorgeous notes of honey and ginger, with a touch of flint and oiliness on the palate. The partial use of wood lends richness, a fuller palate and a lingering aftertaste to the wine.
Purchase: The Groote Post Riesling Barrique 2014 retails at R150. It is available at the Groote Post Estate, or purchase online at www.grootepost.com.
Groote Post Riesling 2016
Awards: The Groote Post Riesling 2016 received a Gold medal at the 2016 Michelangelo Awards.
Harvest and winemaking: The grapes were harvested at optimal ripeness maintaining good fruit and acidity. The grapes were de-stemmed and only the free-run juice was used. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks was stopped after 10 days by cooling the wine down to 6°C, resulting in a sweeter wine with a good acid balance. The wine was left on the lees for 3 months before bottling, to increase complexity and concentration.
Tasting notes: This unwooded Riesling with a touch of sweetness perfectly balanced by natural acidity, displays beautiful rose petal, grapefruit and pineapple aromas. The palate is fresh and somewhat exotic, abounding with spice and ginger. The wine has a long, lingering mid-palate with generous acidity carrying the wine through to the end.
Retail price: The Groote Post Riesling 2016 is available nationally at leading liquor retailers at ±R91.
Groote Post Riesling Vineyards
At Groote Post many of the vineyards are planted high up on the slopes of the Darling Hills, where the cooling Atlantic sea breezes create ideal conditions for Riesling to thrive. Groote Post’s Riesling was grafted onto Cabernet Sauvignon that was struggling to ripen because the vineyard block is south-facing with an east-west row direction, and therefore has a cooler microclimate which suits Riesling.
A visit to Groote Post
Only an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the historic Groote Post farm presents a rustic and rural atmosphere with undulating hills, vast open spaces and warm country hospitality. In addition to a wide range of award-winning wines, Hilda’s Kitchen’s superb culinary experience and Farm Drives through the private game camp and vineyards, Groote Post also offers picnics and monthly country markets in the summer; a child-friendly area with a jungle gym and rolling lawns; a superb wedding venue; beautiful views of the Atlantic coast and Table Mountain; nature walks; bird-watching in the hide on the dam and spectacular West Coast flowers in spring.
Groote Post Vineyards
Tel: +27.22492 2825 · Email: wine@grootepost.co.za · Website: www.grootepost.co.za
Not for sale to persons under the age of 18. Enjoy Responsibly.