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Lourens Family Wines

2022

‘Lua Ilse’

Grenache Noir   |   Piekenierskloof - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

In 2019, Franco was notified that this small, bushvine vineyard had some fruit available from a friend, Xander Grier.  This block, located at 1950 ft. above sea level, is on the drive back down to the valley from the site where Franco gets a bit of Chenin for his single-vineyard bottling. This fourth release, named after his daughter Lua Ilse, continues to be a showstopper. It is one of the most distinguished and singular Grenaches produced in South Africa and in many ways becomes a beacon for others to seek out in terms of its elegance and moreish qualities.

The grapes were hand-harvested and lugged back to the cellar in small picking bins. About 75% of the fruit was destemmed but not crushed with the remaining portion left fully intact. Fermentation occurred without any additions in open top one-ton fermenters with the whole clusters placed atop the destemmed fruit. Franco hang plunged the wine a few times daily for the first four days to get the ferment active. After nearly two weeks on skins the wine was gently pressed to two old 500L French tonneau for aging. After ten months the wine was racked to tank to settle overnight and bottled without fining and just a coarse filtration and small sulfur addition.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Grenache Noir
  • Vineyard: Single site in Piekenierskloof
  • Vine Age: 18-years-old
  • Soil Type: Sandstone & pebbly clay
  • Viticulture: Practicing Organic – dry-farmed
  • Fermentation: Native – stainless steel (25% whole-cluster)
  • Skin Contact: 14 days
  • Aging: 10 months in neutral 500L French barrels
  • Alcohol: 14%
  • pH: 3.72
  • Total Acidity: 5.5 g/L
  • Total SO2: 53 ppm
  • Total Production: 242 cases
  • UPC: 0781718583190

Tasting Note

The fragrance is undeniably captivating, blending luscious strawberry and raspberry tones with tangy cranberry flavors. This wine strikes a balance between intensity and delicacy, enveloped in refined finesse and velvety tannins.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

93

"Grapes from a Piekenierskloof vineyard approximately 25 years old. 25% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in older 500-litre barrels. Cranberry, raspberry, pomegranate, fynbos, earth and white pepper on the nose while the palate is full but balanced – pleasingly ripe fruit, bright acidity and densely packed tannins. Concentrated with a dry finish."

- Christian Eedes
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Producer


Lourens Family Wines

Region


Piekenierskloof

Country


South Africa

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