FRAM - Pinotage 2017 | Monsieur Touton Selection

Description

These grapes are from a farm in the hills north west of Clanwilliam. Red sandy soils and struggling vines, battling for survival. But grapes, like most other living things, tend to be at their strongest when they are fighting for survival. The hallmark of this wine is the almost subtle density, combined with a very long lingering palate. It’s like you don’t even notice the power at first, but then it stays with you and just won’t go away.

Tasting notes

This is a surprisingly bright and herbal Pinotage, with an intense floral, garrigue to the bouquet and a distinct, almost mentholated character that lifts the ripe plum, cherry and berry fruit. Framing tannins lend structure to the medium-weight palate, while notes of lightly charred black fruit and espresso unfold on the spicy close.

Appellation

The predominantly citrus-producing Citrusdal valley lies in the southern reaches of the Olifants River valley. The soils are mainly sandy alluvial soils from the surrounding Table Mountain sandstone mountains in the southern part of the valley up until Clanwilliam. Irrigation is obtained from the Clanwilliam dam where the water is of an excellent quality.

Estate

After 12 years at Boschendal Winery, Thinus Krüger decided to take his experience and direct his passions into another venture. Or, shall we say, adventure. Thinus started FRAM as a personal passion project with the intention of creating a wine that radiates almost as much personality as the winemaker himself. He makes a promise to “always sail into unchartered waters, to boldly search for whatever grapes lie behind the next hill, over the next horizon.” With FRAM, Thinus throws safety out the door to turn risk into reward, and it is this confident, audacious and intuitive spirit that makes his wines worth it. And his tremendous amount of talent certainly helps, too.

South Africa Olifants River Citrusdial Mountain