2024 Olifantsberg Roussanne

The Olifantsberg Rousanne is a wine that captures the imagination and embodies the conviction that this special place can produce wines with a highly individual expression of this magnificent variety. The Roussanne is grown at a high density (7,500/ha) on clay-shale-rich soils with a high quartz content. The density creates competition, forcing the vines to root deeper. The vineyards are planted at altitudes ranging from 300 to 480 meters above sea level, situated on the slopes of the Olifantsberg. They harvest at different levels of ripeness to obtain the full range of flavor profiles that Roussanne can offer. The grapes are pressed whole for gentle extraction. The juice settles overnight in stainless steel tanks. During racking, sufficient fine lees are added to the clear juice to ensure adequate texture in the finished wine. Natural fermentation further enhances the complexity. A combination of 300 and 500 liter barrels made of reclaimed oak is used.

The Olifantsberg saw the light of day for the first time with the 2020 vintage, making this the 4th vintage. We smell soft white floral aromas followed by an aromatic blend of coriander, ginger, and sweet complexity. Beautifully balanced acidity combined with the creamy structure. The first vintage immediately received 94 points - Tim Atkin 2021 and 4.5 stars in Platter's South African Wine Guide 2022.

FUN FACT: In the Attachment tab, you will find the official factsheet for this fine wine. We will automatically send it to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to pick it up, you will also receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" on the Checkout page. We are located almost next to the main road with ample parking. Click here for our address.

ABOUT ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN

Less than an hour's drive from Cape Town, in the heart of the South African Breedekloof wine region, lies Olifantsberg Family Vineyards. This small, five-hectare winery has been owned by the Dutch Leeuwerik family since 2003. The Olifantsberg vineyards are situated on the slopes of the Brandwacht Mountains. Thanks to the high altitude and the almost constant wind, there is a cool microclimate. Ideal conditions for the production of top-quality grapes! Work in the vineyard is carried out with respect for nature. The vines are organically fertilized, and yields in the vineyard are 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. Subsequently, they are aged in oak barrels, of which approximately one-third are renewed annually. As a result, the wines from Olifantsberg are perfectly balanced, with beautifully dosed oak in aroma and taste.

WINE AND FOOD SUGGESTIONS

• Fried cod with lemon and parsley
  The soft texture of the cod and the fresh accent of lemon pair beautifully with the roundness and light spiciness of the wine.

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

• Roasted chicken with rosemary and garlic
  The savory and lightly spiced flavors of the chicken are beautifully supported by the aromatic complexity of the wine.

• Pasta with zucchini, lemon, and Parmesan cheese
  The fresh and light flavors of the dish accentuate the elegant acidity and ripe character of the wine.

• Grilled lobster with butter sauce and tarragon
  The rich butter sauce and the refined taste 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 pair perfectly with the soft structure and spicy notes of the wine.