Natte Valleij NAT Pinotage 2021

Darling, South Africa

Natte Valleij is an historic Cape Dutch farm that was first established in 1715 in Stellenbosch. The cellar at Natte Valleij was once one of the largest in the area but fell out of use in the 1940s. The current owner, Alex Milner, re-established winemaking at Natte Valleij in 2005 and has quickly garnered a reputation for minimally processed, characterful wines from various parcels around the Cape.

Natte Valleij NAT Pinotage is 100% Pinotage naturally fermented from dryland bushvines in granite soils in the Darling region, one hour north of Cape Town. Extreme care is taken to monitor these vines to achieve the optimal pick date, which is in late January. Harvested by hand and then further sorted by hand in the cellar to ensure that only the best fruit is used for fermentation. Fermentation is allowed to begin spontaneously in large concrete open fermenters, which will last 7-8 days. During fermentation only a punch-down method is used to allow for gentle extraction after which it is manual basket pressed. It is then left undisturbed in 1500L concrete eggs and a few seasoned barrels for 9 months to maintain that poise and reflection of site.

Dark and almost purple in color, NAT shows Pinotage is a truly South African grape! Berry fruits and harmonious floral aromas on the nose with whiffs of charcuterie. On the palate macerated plums and that subtle charcuterie character following from the nose. A nice athleticism with bright freshness, balanced in acidity, with an elegant tannic pull.

Enjoy Natte Valleij NAT Pinotage with spicy meats, grilled chicken, BBQ ribs and ripe, aromatic cheeses.