Description
Experience the essence of the Swartland with Amalie 2023, a beautifully crafted Rhone-style white blend. This exquisite wine, composed of Grenache blanc (70%), Marsanne (25%), and Viognier (5%), showcases the meticulous winemaking expertise of Francois Haasbroek. Secure your case of six wines now.
The Vineyards and Viticulture:
The grapes for Amalie 2023 were selected from vineyards in the Riebeek Kasteel area of the Swartland, thriving in soils of weathered granite and shale. This unique terroir imparts a notable freshness and mineral structure to the wine, enhancing its fruit concentration and ensuring balance. The 2023 vintage was particularly favorable for white wines, marked by a very wet winter that replenished groundwater reserves. The growing season featured good fruit set, even ripening, and a mild summer with few extreme heat days, resulting in excellent fruit and structural development with a healthy level of natural acidity.
Winemaking Process:
Each parcel of fruit for Amalie 2023 was selected on merit and harvested separately to ensure optimal quality. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, preserving the fresh, vibrant character of the wine. Following fermentation, the wine was matured for eight months on fine lees, which contributed to its textural complexity and depth. After maturation, the wines were carefully blended, stabilized, filtered, and bottled, resulting in a harmonious and elegant final product.
Tasting Notes:
Amalie 2023 presents a limpid, pale gold appearance with a vibrant hue that hints at its lively character. The aromatic profile is both balanced and elegant, featuring a clear mineral note reminiscent of crushed rock and spring flowers, complemented by enticing notes of peach, stone-fruit, nectarine, and white pear. On the palate, these flavors are mirrored, offering a savoury, textural elegance and poise. The stone-fruit and floral notes from the Grenache blanc are beautifully supported by the more textural Marsanne and the vibrantly aromatic Viognier. A food-friendly grippiness adds length to the finish, making it a versatile and enjoyable wine.
Pairing Suggestions and Aging Potential:
Amalie 2023 is delightful on its own as an aperitif or sundowner, but it also pairs wonderfully with white meat dishes, seafood, and salads. To fully appreciate its character, serve it slightly chilled. While this wine is ready to be enjoyed immediately, it also possesses the potential to develop further complexity over the next four years, making it a versatile addition to any wine collection.
Wine Analysis:
- Alcohol: 13%
- Free SO2: 34 ppm
- Total SO2: 110 ppm
- pH: 3.4
- Residual Sugar: 2.4 g/l
- Total Acidity: 5.2 g/l
- Volatile Acidity: 0.4 mg/l
Indulge in the refined elegance of Amalie 2023 and savor the harmonious blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and the unique terroir of the Swartland.
