Grande Provence Amphora (Flagship Wines)

The 2017 Grande Provence Amphora vintage from Franschhoek stands as a remarkable testament to the art of winemaking, particularly showcased through its Chenin Blanc and Viognier blend. Comprising 92.5% Chenin Blanc and 7.5% Viognier, this wine has been recognized for its excellence with a prestigious 94/100 rating from Wine Magazine, underscoring its exceptional quality and the winemaker’s skill in crafting such a distinguished offering.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes:
This wine captivates with its freshness and aromatic intensity from the first encounter. The nose is a delightful bouquet of mandarin and citrus, beautifully enhanced by subtle hints of perfume, which seamlessly carry through to the palate. The result is an elegant and complex wine, characterized by its integrated layers of texture and spice. The winemaking process has been carefully optimized to preserve the wine naturally, utilizing tannin from seeds and skins to minimize the need for sulphur and employing clay vessels for aging to allow the wine to ‘breathe.’ This meticulous approach not only stabilizes the wine’s phenolic structure but also enhances its fruit purity and aromatic intensity, ensuring a wine that truly expresses the authenticity of its site.

Vinification:
The grapes, sourced from some of the oldest Chenin Blanc and Viognier blocks in Franschhoek, were destemmed by hand and left to ferment naturally on the skins. The wine then spent 8 months in clay amphorae on its skins, without the addition of sulphur, allowing for a gentle and natural evolution. Following this period, the wine was hand-pressed, racked, fined, and settled for a month before the final bottling process, ensuring clarity and stability in the finished product.

Serving Suggestion:
To fully appreciate the depth and complexity of this wine, it is recommended to decant it for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoying it slightly chilled will further enhance its elegant flavors and aromatic profile.

Technical Analysis:

Alcohol (Alc): 14.0%
pH: 3.42
Residual Sugar (RS): 2.42 g/l
Total Acidity (TA): 5.8 g/l
This 2017 Grande Provence Amphora vintage is a celebration of tradition and innovation, offering a wine that is both a pleasure to the senses and a reflection of the winemaker’s dedication to quality and authenticity.