SAURWEIN Chi Riesling - Elgin 2022/23 Bottle 11.5%abv (los)

Description

Chi means “life force” and Chi stands for CHIUTA (an African rain god). Situated in the fertile Elgin valley, the picturesque vineyard site inspired the creation of this crisp, handcrafted Riesling.

60% of the blend’s fruit comes from Casey’s Ridge Vineyard, Elgin on loamy and very rocky red slate soils. (Riesling clones WR110F and vineyard was planted 2011.) The other 40% of the blend De Rust Vineyard, Elgin on decomposed Bokkeveld Shale. (Riesling clones 110 & 239 and vineyard was planted 2006.)

2022 was a great vintage with a very long, cool ripening. Grapes were hand-picked, cooled, then hand-sorted, destemmed and pressed. Spontaneous fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, which lasted about 6 weeks until optimal residual sugar balance achieved at about 11,5 g/ l. The wine was prepared for bottling and bottled after 3 months in tank.

Fragrant citrus blossom, yellow stone fruits, white pear, ginger, Piña colada, honey suckle, flint.
Ideal with Salads/ cheeses/ Asian-style dishes with a bit of spice/ sweetness

May the “Chi” be with you!

92/100, Neal Martin
16/20, Julia Harding MW
92/100, Christian Eedes
94+/100, Greg Sherwood MW