Initially a subdued bouquet opens up to aromas of tropical fruit such as watermelon skin, passion fruit and pineapple. These flavours follow on the palate and are supported by a vibrant acidity that keeps the palate fresh.
The recent demarcation of the Darling district has led to a focus at Darling Cellars on wines which are terroir and varietal specific. The cool and temperate West Coast climate lends itself to a different micro- and mesoclimate which, along with the different types of soil, lead to unique grapes, which we guide into even more unique wines. Having 99% of all vineyards dry land and almost the same percentage as bush vine, this is as close to what nature intended for grapes to be as one can get.
Terroir: Vineyards strategically planted on South-West facing slopes to capture cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean and cold Benguela current. Deep soils from decomposed granite, clay rich, with good drainage.
Vineyard type: Bush Vine, no irrigation
Yield: 3-4 ton/ha
Balling at Harvest: 21° - 22°B
Vinification: Crush and destalk, 14 days fermentation at 13° C. Grapes and juice handled reductively to prevent oxidation and lack in fruitiness.
Maturation: Left on lees for 2 months to add complexity