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Ernie Els Big Easy [WHITE] 2014

The Big Easy is 100% Chenin Blanc from various low-yielding vineyards across the Western Cape. It opens with sun-kissed daisies, honey-suckle, cantaloupe and kumquat notes. This upbeat and complex nose leads to a more mineral and serious palate, that exudes elegance and poise. Two months of lees aging gives added depth, as well as contributes to a round, comforting and soft texture. Medium bodied with a racy finish, this Chenin Blanc is typically easy and rather delicious even in its youth.

variety : Chenin Blanc [ 100% Chenin Blanc ]

winery : Ernie Els Wines

winemaker : Louis Strydom

wine of origin : Western Cape

analysis : alc : 13.80 % vol rs : 2.8 g/l pH : 3.48 ta : 6.5 g/l

type : White style : Dry body : Light taste : Fruity

pack : Bottle size : 750ml closure : Cork

in the vineyard : Initial vineyard growth was slow due to late cold fronts experienced during August 2013 followed by cool, wet weather at the start of the growing season leading to relatively high incidence of disease. Mid-November rainfall further hampered effective disease control by creating challenging spraying conditions and limiting access to the vineyards. As a result, downy mildew led to crop losses early on in the season in some of our white wine areas. Thereafter, favourable climatic conditions improved for flowering and good berry set ensued. The high rainfall in mid-November did however spark vigorous growth which required extra input to ensure superior grape quality and disease prevention through good canopy aeration and sunlight exposure. Widespread rainfall during early January increased pressure on viticulturists due to the threat of disease and even further rot. The coastal regions weren’t as affected by the rain. Ideal dry and moderate conditions reigned during ripening in January and mid-February after which a warm period accelerated ripening and resulted in great pressure on harvest intakes. The wine potential looks promising in terms of quality. Moderate weather conditions during the harvest season contributed to intense white wines which are expected to be particularly tropical with fresh characteristics.

About the Vineyard
The Chenin Blanc grapes were harvested from individually selected, low yielding bush and trellised vines from three appellations namely Stellenbosch, Durbanville and Perdeberg. Each viticultural area and terroir lends its own unique flavor profile to the final blend.

about the harvest: The grapes were hand-picked in the cool of early morning.
Harvest: February & March, 2014. 23.0° Brix average sugar at harvest

in the cellar :

On the sorting table, all excess stalks and inferior berries were carefully removed. Grape bunches were gently de-stemmed with a de-stalker and lightly crushed. The wine was settled overnight and the sediment racked-off the following day. Fermentation took place at low temperatures (12° - 14° C) in stainless steel tanks with a combination of yeasts, over a two week period. Working very reductively in the cellar after both crushing and de-stemming, post fermentation lees contact was maintained for two months with weekly stirring of the lees before racking and stabilization prior to bottling. This wine is crafted in a fresh style without any oak component.

Production: 12 450 X 6 X 750ml cases
Sustainability Initiative: I.P.W. (Integrated Production of Wine) Certified

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