# Nom Pinot Noir (2023)

- **Producer:** Saurwein
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €27
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, rose, red cherry, coffee, chocolate, earth, chestnut, mushroom

## About this wine

The Saurwein Nom Pinot Noir 2023 is a single-varietal Pinot Noir from the Elandskloof Valley in the Western Cape, South Africa. The grapes are grown in the Kaaimansgat Vineyard, located at an altitude of 700 meters, which provides a cool-climate environment conducive to Pinot Noir cultivation. The vineyard's soil is a mix of shale origin with granite and clay components. Saurwein Wines is a family venture led by winemaker Jessica Saurwein, whose family has a winemaking history in Austria dating back to the 17th century. Her winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to express itself.

## Interesting facts

- Family winemaking legacy dates back to 17th century Austria.
- Vineyard is situated at 700 meters above sea level.
- Winemaker Jessica Saurwein aims to redeem her family's winemaking reputation.
- The wine is made with minimal intervention winemaking techniques.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and balanced acidity can cut through the richness of duck and lamb. The red fruit notes in the wine complement the natural sweetness of duck and the earthiness of mushrooms. Umami notes in the wine can harmonize with roasted elements and savory dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Saurwein Nom Pinot Noir 2023 begins with meticulous hand-picking and sorting of the grapes. Vinification includes a cold-soaking period, followed by spontaneous fermentation driven by indigenous yeasts. Extended maceration post-fermentation is employed to extract desirable compounds. The wine then undergoes aging for 10 months in 228-liter French oak barrels, with a proportion of new oak used. The 2023 vintage was characterized by favorable conditions for grape development.