Shannon Rockview Ridge Pinot Noir

Traditionally this area was used to grow apples and pears. But things changed in the 90s and vineyards slowly took over. We’re talking about the Elgin Valley, a part of South Africa in the Kogelberg Reserve, in the southernmost part of the continent. Here, influenced by a cool climate, winegrowers and winemakers are still experimenting and discovering interesting plots where they plant hectares of vines and produce fine wines with a certain acidity.

From this land comes Shannon Rockview Ridge Pinot Noir, a red wine made by Shannon Vineyards. This estate, run by Stuart and James Downes, is where they grow the grapes that are then vinified at the neighbouring Newton Johnson Family Vineyards. The criteria set out by these two brothers directs the maturation process of the 12 hectares of vineyards they own on the banks of the Palmiet River (45 minutes from Cape Town). This area, which is also bordered by mountains to the west, has a very unique climate. During the night, the cold air generated in the mountains descends to the vines, maintaining a low temperature that results in the grapes ripening much later.

When they reach the winery, the bunches are cooled to 3ºC and placed on a conveyor belt where they are selected. After this, the bunches are destemmed and undergo a second selection before being macerated for 3 to 6 days at 8ºC. After fermentation, which uses both industrial and native yeasts, the grapes are pressed and racked ready for malolactic fermentation. Finally, Shannon Rockview Ridge Pinot Noir will be aged for 11 months in new and used fine grain, medium toasted oak barrels.