Crystallum Litigo Pinot Noir 2019
Vineyards
Hemel-en-aarde
Winemaking and Maturation
Fermented using only native yeasts in stainless steel tanks. There was a 20% whole bunch component with the rest de-stemmed but left intact as whole berries. The wine spent a total of 4 weeks on the skins after which it went into French and Hungarian oak barrels (30% new) for 11 months.
Tasting Notes
This is the maiden vintage from seven-year-old vines on Crystallum’s own Shaw’s Mountain vineyard just outside the Hemel en Aarde valley. The Litigo, meaning ‘discussion’ in legal terms, is a wine made in partnership with lawyer Eben van Wyk. The nose is subtle but alluring with mulberry and pomegranate alongside intense floral notes and a light peaty smokiness in the background.
A palate of bright red fruits, sweet spice and olive tapenade add body and complexity. With fine tannins and a medium acidity, this is a fresh and vibrant wine accessible early but suitable for ageing through 2025.
Technical Details
pH 3.60 alc% 13.67% Total acidity 5.0 g/l Total sulphites 46 mg/l Residual sugar 1.7 g/l
Bottles produced:1264
