ON THE FARM Dekkersvlei in Klein Drakenstein, Paarl, Mellasat is off the beaten track. At these vineyards, proprietor Stephen Richardson, cellarmaster Gizelle Coetzee and their team like to do things somewhat differently. In fact this one’s never been done before…
There’s nothing else quite like it. Not the first Cap Classique sparkling wine made using Pinotage to some degree, but the first on the market originating entirely from Pinotage grapes. From the producers of the world’s first White Pinotage in 2007, now we have another standout, a bubbly in a dry style and again not a hint of pink, let alone red.
MELLASAT WHITE PINOTAGE BRUT NV
WO Paarl. 100% Pinotage. 19-year-old trellised vines with drip irrigation. Whole-bunch pressing. Method Cap Classique sparkling wine. A non-vintage blend of wine made from the 2017 and 2018 harvests (one barrel from each vintage). White base wine fermented in 300L Romanian oak barrels for 11 months. Matured on the lees (spent yeast) in the bottle for 18 months before disgorgement, after which bottles topped up with the same MCC.
Alc 10.6 | RS 1.4 | TA 6.8 | pH 3.7
From Producer’s Tasting Notes: Pale straw, fine mousse. On the nose there are hints of lemon meringue, lemon zest, fresh pears and brioche. Not bone dry, with lemon, pear drop, creamy panna cotta and a fruity sweetness on the finish. Very refreshing.
Producer’s Pairing Suggestions: Oysters, quiche, seafood, salad.
R350pb ex-cellar, Paarl.
MELLASAT WHITE PINOTAGE 2019
WO Paarl. 100% Pinotage. 19-year-old trellised vines with drip irrigation. Whole-bunch pressing. Lees stirred for six months; wine matured for a total of 11 months in 300L Romanian oak barrels (12% new wood).
Alc 12.0 | RS 1.9 | TA 5.9 | pH 3.4
Producer’s Tasting Notes: A slightly creamy, nutty character to balance the tropical fruit and banana flavours.
Producer’s Pairing Suggestions: Strongly flavoured seafood. Mild curries (bobotie, chicken korma). Chinese/Asian food.
R170pb ex-cellar, Paarl.
Sparkling delight: white Pinotage taken to whole new level (topwinesa.com)
