Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
Varietal Blend: 37% Pinotage, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Location: South Africa
Appellation: Stellenbosch
Alcohol Content: 14.29%
TA: 5.5 g/l
pH: 3.55
RS: 3.1 g/l

VINEYARDS:
Kanonkop is situated on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch. The vineyards range between 197 and 395 feet above sea level. The majority of the vineyards are situated on southwest-facing slopes, considered the most favorable aspect for vines in the Cape. The soils are predominantly red decomposed granite and Hutton, with a high clay content and excellent water
retention capacity. The vines range from 5-30 years old. While the Bordeaux varietals are trellised, Pinotage is maintained as dry farmed bush vines in order to achieve maximum sun exposure and optimal ripeness.
VINTAGE:
2017 was an extremely dry vintage in the Cape. Although the daytime temperatures were warm throughout the growing season, evening temperatures were much cooler than normal, with none of the heat waves we typically experience. The drought conditions resulted in minimal disease pressure and reduced yields. The wines show great freshness and fruit concentration.
VINIFICATION AND MATURATION:
The grapes were hand harvested and hand sorted. They were then fermented in open-top concrete vats over a period of 3-5 days, with manual punch downs of the cap every two hours around the clock. The wine was run to 225 liter French oak barrels (second and third fill) for malolactic fermentation. It was aged in barrel for 12-14 months and was bottled without fining or filtration.