2023 Olifantsberg Roussanne

The Olifantberg Rousanne is a wine that captures the imagination and embodies the belief that this special place can produce wines with a very individual expression of this magnificent variety. The Roussanne is grown at a high density (7500/ha) e on clay-shale rich soils with a high content of quartz rock. The density creates competition forcing the plants to root deeper. The vineyards are planted at altitudes ranging from 300 to 480 meters above sea level located on the slopes of the Olifantberg. They are picked at different levels of ripeness to capture the full range of flavor profiles that Roussanne can provide. The grapes are pressed whole bunch for a gentle extraction. Juice is settled overnight in stainless steel tanks. During racking, sufficient fine lees are added to the clear juice to provide sufficient texture in the finished wine. Natural fermentation further increases the complexity. A combination of 300 and 500 litre barrels of used oak are used

The Olifantsberg has seen its first light with the 2020 vintage so this is the 3rd vintage. We smell soft white floral aromas followed by an aromatic mix of coriander, ginger and sweet complexity. Nicely balanced acidity in combination with the creamy structure. The first vintage was immediately awarded 94 points - Tim Atkin 2021 and 4.5 stars in Platter's South African wine guide 2022

FACT: In the Tab: Attachment you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will automatically send it to you when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will also receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you choose Pick up in Checkout page. We are located almost next to the Rijksweg with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.

ABOUT OLIFANTSBERG

Less than an hour's drive from Cape Town, in the heart of the South African wine region of Breedekloof, lies Olifantsberg Family Vineyards. This small, five-hectare estate has been owned by the Dutch Leeuwerik family since 2003. The Olifantsberg vineyards are located on the slopes of the Brandwacht Mountains. Thanks to the high altitude and the almost constant blowing wind, there is a cool microclimate. Ideal conditions for the production of top-quality grapes! The vineyard is worked with respect for nature. The vines are organically fertilized and the yield in the vineyard is deliberately kept low. All this with the aim of harvesting optimally ripe, healthy and concentrated grapes of high quality. After the manual harvest, these grapes are taken to the newly built vinification cellar. Here too, winemaker Elizma Visser lets nature do its work. After crushing the grapes, a traditional skin maceration follows and the grapes are fermented. After this, they are matured in oak barrels, of which approximately one third is renewed annually. The wines of Olifantsberg are therefore perfectly balanced with nicely dosed oak in the aroma and taste.

WINE-FOOD SUGGESTIONS

• Baked cod with lemon and parsley
  The soft structure of the cod and the fresh accent of lemon match beautifully with the roundness and light spiciness of the wine.

• Salad with grilled peach, burrata and arugula
  The juicy peach and creamy burrata complement the ripe fruit and creamy texture of the Roussanne.

• Roasted chicken with rosemary and garlic
  The savory and slightly spicy flavors of the chicken are nicely supported by the aromatic complexity of the wine.

• Pasta with zucchini, lemon and Parmesan cheese
  The fresh and light flavours of the dish emphasise the elegant acids and ripe character of the wine.

• Grilled lobster with butter sauce and tarragon
  The rich butter sauce and the refined flavour of lobster are beautifully balanced by the full, round style of the Roussanne.

• Risotto with saffron and roasted fennel
  The creamy texture of the risotto and the aromatic fennel perfectly match the soft structure and spicy notes of the wine.