The De Wets of Excelsior have a proud winemaking tradition dating back to 1697. The calcerous soils of the Robertson area were once used to raise champion thoroughbred horses, but now these soils are used to produce fine wines.
Vinification
Viognier is a rare variety from the Rhone Valley, France. Viognier is a rare variety from the Rhone Valley, France. It likes the sun and needs to be fully ripe to express the exotic flavors of the grape. The grapes are only picked after they begin to taste like apricots and are harvested by hand for greater quality control.
The wines are immediately destemmed and cooled. Skin contact is maintained for 4 hours, and then the grapes are carefully pressed in order to avoid bitter phenols, something that can really hamper Viognier. The wine is then cold fermented for 15 days at temperatures of 15° Celsius.
Aging
Lees contact is maintained for 3 months in order to give greater fullness
to the final wine. After fermentation, a late harvest Viognier portion is blended back into the wine for further richness.
Vintage Conditions
2018 was the second consecutive drought vintage in the Robertson area. Water shortages were experienced right through the summer. Fortunately the weather was not excessively hot so the vines coped well in the dry environment. The 2018 vintage is one of the healthiest on record but slightly smaller than average. The white wines in particular are bright, clean with good structure.
Winemaker’s notes
Subtle flavours of lemon and peaches linger on a complex palate. Fullbodied elegance makes this a wine of substance.
Food Pairing
Tender juicy Cordon Bleu with Almondine sauc
first time trying this and it was perfect
good