Muscat of Alexandria

Sweet desserts, Mature and hard cheese, Blue cheese

The Rustenberg Estate was founded in 1682 and is nestled in the valley of the Simonsberg Mountain in South Africa’s premium wine region Stellenbosch. Rustenberg’s rich heritage and ethos has been informed by many centuries of human influence striving to understand and work with nature to produce wines of distinct character true to their terroir variety and informed style.

The winter of 2021 was very cold and wet following a warm autumn; fully replenishing the groundwater and allowing the vines plenty of time to rest. Bud burst was late and the cold, wet weather continued into Spring, requiring careful disease and canopy management. Hail in November and December diminished yields in the Calitzdorp area by 60% on average and the growing season was unseasonably wet, bringing much needed drought relief to the Klein Karoo but making grape growing a challenge. The 2022 Old Vine Muscat of Alexandria has bright acidity and plenty of muscat typicity with the added dimension of marmalade and apricot characters due to the impact of Botrytis (Noble Rot) that was prevalent throughout the region.

Destemming, crushing, 36 hours skin contact followed by gentle pressing & fortification