Wine: Mount Rozier Reserve The House Martin Pinot Noir

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Designation: W.O. Western Cape

Producer: Mount Rozier

Grape Varietal: Pinot Noir

ABV: 13.5%

Type: Red

Code: 8506

Tasting Note

Vibrant light red plummy colour. Fruit forward nose with lots of red fruits like cranberry, ripe strawberry, plums and hints of violets. Medium-bodied with plenty of cherries and berries and a smooth slightly sweeter finish.

Producer

Purchased by the Gabb family (owners of Journey’s End winery) in 2009, Mount Rozier was founded at the turn of the 19th century by Annie Rozier, a flower merchant. The Gabbs have nurtured the estate and encouraged the proliferation of many indigenous species of flora and fauna, which inspire the characteristics of Mount Rozier wines. Each wine brings a sense of the terroir and the winery continues to focus on minimal intervention, sustainable and ethical farming practices, and irreconcilable quality.

Winemaking

Delicate Pinot Noir grapes are harvested at night to maximize quality. After de-stemming berries are sorted and not crushed but ‘cold soaked’ whole to allow for a gentle extraction of colour, flavour, and subtle tannin. Natural fermentation starts slowly, before introducing a yeast strain to take over and finish the fermentation process.  Malolactic fermentation also takes place to enhance the mouthfeel. After a few months in the tank, the wine is ready for bottling.

Fun Fact

The House Martin is a regular visitor to the Western Cape of South Africa, migrating from Europe to enjoy the balmy South African summer. Similarly, Pinot Noir grapes in South Africa originated in Burgundy in France, thus the inspiration for the wine label.

Food pairing

Enjoy with roast beef, guinea fowl, roast chicken, stews, lamb, pizza, and pasta.