2017 Botanica "Arboretum" Red, Stellenbosch, South Africa

ABOUT THIS WINE

This organically farmed vineyard is situated in a North-Northwest row orientation trellised in vertical shoot positioning. High density vineyard blocks of 5,600 - 10,100 vines per hectare with an altitude of 200 m. The soil is predominantly decomposed granite, with pockets of shale and sandstone. The vines were planted in 2009 and 2010.

The hand harvested grapes were destemmed, crushed and fermented in open top fermentation tanks, with punch downs performed twice daily. The wine was gently pressed and racked to barrel for malolactic fermentation.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Ginny Povall is the heart and soul behind Botanica, and much like Ginny herself, these wines beam with life and a great sense of purpose. Originally from Massachusetts, Ginny eventually made her home at Protea Heights, a farm on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. For several decades, Protea Heights established a reputation as the first farm in South Africa to cultivate their national flower, the Protea. Ginny continues growing flowers and in 2009 expanded the farm when she planted several hectares of vineyard. For over a decade now, she has poured herself into Botanica and quickly become one of the most exciting winegrowers in the region. Since the inaugural vintage in 2009, Botanica has consistently produced some incredibly compelling wines from very special, but often overlooked, regions and vineyards across the Western Cape. All the wines are vinified and bottled at Protea Heights. In addition to the Botanica range, Ginny now produces several wines under the Big Flower label, which utilizes the fruit grown on her property.