Fairview Sweet Red 2024
R145.00
The grapes were handpicked at 27 degrees Balling. Bunches were destalked and crushed. The juice was fermented until the Balling was around 18 degrees (by then around 6% alcohol). Fermentation takes 4-5 days, during which time maximum colour and flavour extraction is achieved with long pump overs. The wine is pressed off the skins and fortified with pot stilled, unaged brandy spirit (89% alcohol) which stops the alcoholic fermentation.
This sweet red is then aged in older French oak barrels and matured for approximately 10-12 months, before blending and bottling. The sweetness comes from the natural sugars in the grape. A small percentage of reserve fortified sweet wine, aged in barrel for five and half years, is blended for added complexity.