Sneeuwkrans Pinot Noir

Pinot noir is one of the few varietals that pairs well with either a delicate, poached salmon or a rich, braised duck

This is a range created in recognition of the Cape of Good Hope’s vinous heritage which stretches back more than 350 years when the first Governor of the Cape planted grapes. These unique wines are the result of irreplaceable parcels of old vines and site specific terroirs. The labels reflect the grape variety as well as the origin and singular characters behind them.

Altima is located in Elandskloof, an isolated valley north of Villiersdorp that is 5 kilometres wide and surrounded by a steep mountain range that rises 1 kilometre above the valley floor. Because of the steep topography and the mountains that overshadow it, the valley receives less direct sunlight. This, combined with an elevation of 600 to 850 metres, results in a very cool climate for the valley. This distinct terroir yields wines with high natural acidity and prominent aromas. Grapes are harvested much later than in other areas of the Western Cape, typically beginning in early March. The region was able to finally recover from the difficult drought period thanks to the increased rainfall. There were favourable climatic conditions during the growing season, which resulted in an early harvest due to early flowering and fruit set. Because of the favourable conditions for ripening and the presence of healthy canopies, the fruit was of high quality and had beautiful flavours.

After fermentation, the wine was aged in old 225- litre French oak barrels for 10 months before being bottle-aged for two years.

This vineyard was picked in two stages, the bottom part separately from the top part, due to slight differences in ripening and different clones, each contributing to a range of flavours and variation in structure. Grapes were hand-picked into small lug-boxes in the early morning and transported to the cellar by refrigerated trucks. All of the fruit was de-stemmed and fermented in old wooden 3-ton tanks and small 1-ton open-top stainless steel tanks. During fermentation, these grapes were handled with great care.