The Foundry Rousanne 2020

The Foundry Roussanne 2020 offers a unique expression of one of South Africa’s rare plantings of this varietal. Grown in Stellenbosch, specifically on the well-weathered granite soils of the Helderberg, this single hectare vineyard yields a modest 3.5 tons per hectare, emphasizing the quality and concentration of the fruit.

This vintage was meticulously hand-harvested and chilled overnight to preserve the grape’s integrity and freshness. The whole bunch pressing technique was employed to minimize the extraction of harsh phenolics, a characteristic challenge with Roussanne. The juice—rich in solids—was then fermented in seasoned 300-liter Allier hogsheads, undergoing partial malolactic fermentation to add complexity and reduce acidity. The wine was matured and subjected to batonnage sur-lie for eight months, enhancing its texture and depth before bottling.

The resulting wine, at 13.52% alcohol by volume, strikes a fine balance with a total acidity of 6.3 g/l, a pH of 3.28, and a residual sugar level of 2.2 g/l, promising a wine that is both rich and elegantly structured. This Roussanne is distinguished by its full body and aromatic complexity, ideally suited to age gracefully or to be enjoyed now for its youthful vibrancy.