It’s said that on a clear South African west coast day one can see eternity. Venture off the beaten track and discover the wines of Lutzville.
The secret behind the rich character, approachable style, juicy fruit and elegant structure of Lutzville wines lies in its unique location on the West Coast of South Africa where the morning breezes roll in off the Atlantic Ocean and cool down the vineyards. The hot sunny days and crisp evenings result in large temperature differences between day and night. Matched with ideal soils, these microclimates happily conspire to create ideal growing conditions for grapes and the perfect ingredients for outstanding South African wines.
Lutzville Merlot
Varietal: 100% Merlot
Origin: Lutzville Valley, South Africa
Vinification: Select Merlot grape clusters are harvested at their optimum ripeness to ensure choice fruit with soft tannins. When the grapes arrive at the winery, they are gently pressed with only the free run juice used. Selected yeasts are added with fermentation at 18-22 degrees Celsius for 10 days. The wine is then racked for malolactic fermentation and then matured in French and American oak staves for 3 months where it gains complexity. The wine then rests in stainless steel tanks until bottling.
Tasting Notes: Plum and dark cherry flavors with hints of mocha, spice and eucalyptus. Its ripe juicy tannins make Lutzville Merlot the perfect companion to lightly seasoned pasta dishes, rack of lamb or burgers. May be served slightly chilled in the warm summer months.
Lutzville Pinotage
Varietal: 100% Pinotage
Origin: Lutzville Valley, South Africa
Vinification: Choice Pinotage grapes from the cool climate Koekenaap region of the Lutzville Valley are harvested at their optimum ripeness. The grapes are gently pressed with only the free run juice used. Select yeasts are introduced with fermentation taking place between 18-22 degrees Celsius for approximately 10 days. The wine is then pumped over the skins 3 times daily during fermentation for maximum color extraction, fruit and texture. (To avoid excessive tannins the juice is racked off the skins before fermentation is completed.) After racking, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation followed by 3 months staving in French and America oak to add complexity.
Tasting Notes: Soft and juicy with flavors of raspberry, plum, blackberry and a hint of Christmas spice. Marries well with Indian cuisine, pizza and tomato based pasta dishes.
Lutzville Shiraz
Varietal: 100% Shiraz
Origin: Lutzville Valley, South Africa
Vinification: Select vineyard blocks in the warmer region of the Lutzville Valley supply the grapes for this luscious full-bodied Shiraz. When the grapes arrive at the winery, the fruit is gently pressed with only the free run juice used. Select yeasts are added to the juice which then undergoes fermentation between 18 – 22 degrees Celsius for 2 weeks followed by malolactic fermentation. The new wine then matures in French oak staves for 3 months to enhance its body and texture.
Tasting Notes: Bursting with dark berry flavors of blackberry, dark cherry and plums, Lutzville Shiraz possesses soft and supple tannins with a white pepper finish. Enjoy with lamb, burgers, game and duck. A perfect accompaniment to red and darker meats.
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