1908 Muscadel 2021 (375ml)

AWARDS & RATINGS

2021 VINTAGE:
2024 National Wine Challenge: Double Platinum

2018 VINTAGE:
2021 National Wine Challenge: Top 100 & Double Platinum

2015 VINTAGE:
2020 Winemag Sweet and fortified wines report: 91 point rating
2018 Veritas Awards: Bronze Award

2013 VINTAGE:
2016 Tim Atkin SA Review: 90 point rating

DESCRIPTION

VITICULTURE

This unique wine is made exclusively from the oldest Muscadel (Muscat de Frontignan) vines in South Africa, planted on the Rietvallei Estate in 1908 by the second generation of the Burger family. The Muscadel is in the form of bush vines and consists of approximately a quarter of a hectare. Being more than 100 years old these bush vines have an extremely low yield, resulting in excellent fruit concentration.

WINEMAKING

This wine is still made according to the original Burger family recipe as passed down through the generations since 1864. Most of the traditional winemaking techniques are also still followed to this day.

The bush vines were harvested by hand at 28 °Balling (Brix), and after slight crushing taken to the fermentation tanks. Here it was kept on the skins for two days for optimal colour and flavour extraction. During this time the mash was worked every couple of hours by means of pump-overs. On day three when the must naturally started fermenting strong the free run juice was racked and mash lightly pressed followed by fortification with pure wine spirits. The fortified wine was then left on its primary fermentation lees for 6 months after which it was racked again and placed in 15+ year old 500-litre French oak Barrels for further maturation of 17 months on the fine leas. This maturation is essential for the marriage of the spirits and the wine.

THE WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS

Deep red in colour, full-bodied, rich, yet gentle. A floral bouquet comes through on the nose, with typical raisiny sweetness and an intense flavour that lingers on the palate and follows through on the aftertaste while the acidity compliments and balances the sweetness. Additional bottle maturation gives excellent results.

FOOD PAIRING & SERVING SUGGESTION:

Pair with noble cheeses and almost any desert…delicious with rich chocolate or strawberries & ice cream. Serve at room temperature (18°C). Enjoy as an aperitif or as a winter warmer in front of the fireplace on a chilly evening.

WINE ANALYSIS

Residual Sugar: 189.9 g/l
Alcohol: 15.04%
Acidity: 5.8 g/l
PH: 3.35
VA: 0.33 g/l
Total Extract: 198.8 g/l
Total SO2: 107 mg/l
Free SO2: 7 mg/l

PACKAGING DETAILS

Bottle volume: 375ml
Case size: 6 x 375ml
Pallet size: 108 x 6 x 750ml
Case weight: 6.12 kg
Closure: Natural Cork