Oldenburg Grenache Noir 2016 from the Vineyard Series

Oldenburg Grenache Noir 2016 from the Vineyards Series

Oldenburg Vineyards is in the Banghoek Valley of the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation. It’s cooler on the East facing side of the Simonsberg than on the West facing side. A family-owned wine estate producing some truly fine wines.

Nic van Aarde – Oldenburg Winemaker

The Estate has recently released from its library a quantity of its Oldenburg Vineyards Series Grenache Noir 2016, of which only 2,783 of that vintage were bottled. It must be remembered that the Western Cape was in the throes of the worst drought in living memory, so things weren’t easy in the vineyards. The grape berries and bunches wee smaller and of excellent quality. Delicate handling and hand-sorting of bunches and berries took place before the grapes were cold-soaked for three days before fermentation was initiated. Pump overs were done 3 times per day for the best colour extraction. The wines were matured for 16 months in 300l French oak barrels for additional elegance and complexity, before being prepared for bottling.

Oldenburg Barrel Cellar

Pour

From a Burgundy shaped bottle and closed with natural cork. The labelling of course is from an earlier style than at present, nonetheless elegant and attractive in black, silver and red. In the glass, the wine is an almost translucent bloodplum which pales out to ruby at the edges. The wine shows intense red and black berry and cherry fruit, and a pink rose floral note. On entry the palate has a lovely line of acidity going through to the long and gently waning aftertaste. Florals abound on the palate with the sweet fruit generosity and the silken tannins all combining to make a great finish. An impressive glass. Eminently drinkable now. Would love a couple of years of cool cellaring to reward you later.

Dianne Bibby’s Easy Tuna Bake

Pair

Slightly chilled the Oldenburg Vineyards Series Grenache Noir 2016 makes a great sipping wine and aperitif for a meal where matching food will follow. Dianne Bibby’s Easy Tuna Bake is the perfect Supper Dish for the wine. Click HERE for her recipe.