Select another wine

Lourens Family Wines

2023

‘Lua Ilse’

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

About

In 2019, Franco was notified by a friend, Xander Grier, that this small, bushvine vineyard had some fruit available. This Piekenierskloof 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 fifth 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 de-stemmed 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 de-stemmed 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 with a coarse filtration and small sulfur addition. No fining.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Grenache Noir
  • Vineyard: Single site in Piekenierskloof
  • Vine Age: 19-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: 3.56
  • Total Acidity: 5.3 g/L
  • Total SO2: 45 ppm
  • Total Production: 317 cases
  • UPC: 0781718583190

Tasting Note

The fragrance is one of the best parts about this wine. It smells like a field of just ripe raspberries under a late-afternoon summer sun. It strikes a balance between powerful and delicate, enveloped in refined finesse and velvety tannins.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

94

"Grapes from a Piekenierskloof vineyard planted in 2008. 25% whole-bunch fermentation. Attractive aromatics of red berries, pomegranate, rose, herbs and spice. Pure fruit and bright acidity, the tannins lightly grippy. Well-structured, this shows particular agility and finesse."

- Christian Eedes

Tim Atkin MW

95

"Potgieter van Zyl's 1988 block at 650 metres in Piekenierskloof is the source of this remarkable dryland Grenache. Fermented with 25% stems, it's a perfumed, taut, mineral- etched red with precision, power and focus, potpourri aromas and layers of raspberry and redcurrant. Impressive stuff."

- Tim Atkin MW

Vinous

93

"The 2023 Grenache Noir Lula Ilse Single Vineyard includes 25% whole clusters and matured in neutral 500-liter oak barrels. This has a gorgeous nose that unfolds in the glass: red plum, pomegranate and a touch of fennel, with hints of garrigue coming through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins, well-judged acidity, good weight on the mid-palate and gentle grip on the very Rhône-like finish. It's just as good as the 2022—superb."

- Neal Martin
Select a wine

Producer


Lourens Family Wines

Region


Piekenierskloof

Country


South Africa

Have a question or want to drop a line?

Contact Us