Oldenburg Vineyards Series Grenache Noir 2020 |Michael Olivier

Oldenburg Vineyards Series Grenache Noir 2020

Oldenburg Vineyards is situated in the Banghoek Valley, a cooler part of the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation. With the iconic Groot Drakenstein on the West and the Simonsberg on the East, the Estate’s vineyards flourish with Nic van Aarde, the Estate’s Winemaker producing some sublime wines. He has been winemaker there since the 2019 vintage.

Grenache Noir, ripening on the vine

If you have not yet had the ultimate pleasure of tasting Grenache Noir, this one is a good place to start.

After 33% whole bunch and 66% whole berry wild fermentation in a stainless-steel tank with punch-downs and pump-overs 1-2 times per day. the mash was basket pressed and malolactic fermentation took place in barrels of which only 6 were made. The wine was then matured for 16 months in 6 previous fill 300L French oak barrels. After this the wine was prepared for bottling.

Oldenburg Barrel Cellar

Pour

From a Burgundy shaped bottle, closed with natural cork. The label is classical Oldenburg, showing the 8 natural elements which occur in the microclimatic conditions experienced in the vineyards. In the glass the wine is a rich plum at the heart which pales out to ruby at the edges. The aromas are of red berries and cherries, roadside fennel seeds crushed in your hand and there is a purple flower undertow. On entry the wine has a beautiful acidity line running through the palate into the long and satisfying aftertaste. The flavours are rich and generous with berry fruits and a mélange of spice and vanilla. A truly impressive glass with tannins which are gentle, though make their presence felt. So important for a wine accompanying food. Eminently drinkable now. Should you wish for further reward, a couple of years in a cool cellar will do that for you.

Carey Boucher Erasmus’s Thai Roast Chicken

Pair

The Oldenburg Vineyards Series Grenache Noir 2020 slightly chilled is an excellent sipping wine. As a food partner, Carey Boucher Erasmus’s Thai Roast Chicken is a winner. Click here for her recipe.

Carey Boucher Erasmus and me