variety : Sauvignon Blanc [ 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Chenin Blanc ]
winemaker : Estelle Lourens
wine of origin : Stellenbosh
analysis : alc : 9.04 % vol rs : 3.00 g/l pH : 3.35 ta : 6.29 g/l
type : White
pack : Bottle closure : Screwcap
in the vineyard : Background
The Flat Roof Manor screwcap range derives its name from the 18th century townhouse at the winery, where winemaker Estelle Lourens is based. One of just three two-storied neoclassical houses in this style at the Cape, it is thought to have been designed by the eminent architect Michel Thibault. It was completed in 1788.
The label depicts the detailing of the flat-topped roof and features a cat that, according to local legend, stayed long after the original owners had moved on, to lap up the sun on the parapet.
Uitkyk Estate, where Flat Roof Manor wines are made, comprises 600ha with 160ha under vines. Cultivars planted on the estate include Chardonnay, Sémillon, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage, Sangiovese, Mourvédre, Petit Verdot and Pinot Noir. During the 2012 vintage, 930 tons of grapes were harvested.
The vineyards
The grapes were sourced from three different Sauvignon Blanc vineyard blocks in the highly-acclaimed Stellenbosch region, situated some 320m to 400m above sea level and facing in a south-westerly direction. The vines, between six and nine years old, are grafted onto nematode-resistant Richter 99 and 110 rootstocks and are grown in soils originating from decomposed granite. They are trellised on a seven-wire fence system and received supplementary irrigation during the growing season. The crop amounted to around 7 tons per hectare.
in the cellar : No skin contact was allowed and only the free-run juice was used. The fermentation was started with a pure yeast culture and concluded after 20 days. Thereafter the wine was blended with Chenin blanc (10%) to enhance the mouthfeel of the wine. Bottling took place in early April 2012.