2020 Olifantsberg Carignan

Carignan is well suited to the climate and thrives in the very rocky terrain of Breedekloo. The large daily temperature fluctuations ensure that the natural acidity is preserved and provide a highly concentrated fruit expression for which Carignan is known. The vineyards are located on the slopes of the Olifantsberg where they withstand large daily temperature fluctuations and strong winds. The Carignan is planted as a high-density scrub on rocky shale soils. The vineyards are farmed in a sustainable way, preserving the biodiversity in the vineyards and the soil.

In the winery, different combinations of whole bunch and whole berry fermentations are used to enhance the expression of the varietal. Two gentle pump-overs or punch-downs per day. When natural fermentation is over, it is gently pressed in barrels for malolactic fermentation. We use a combination of 300 to 500 liter barrels. After 12 months, the various barrels are blended and aged for another two months before being bottled.

The Olifantsberg Carignan delivers a complex array of flavors of dark cherry and dried cranberry, layered with savory notes of cured meat and spices. The taste has a clarity with a good fruit concentration. The 2020 vintage is the first vintage of this beautiful, somewhat Priorat-like wine from Olifantsberg. The winemaker Elizma Visser has added another great wine to the assortment with this Olifantsberg Carignan.