Kloovenburg Lledoner Pelut 2022

When I was first introduced to the Kloovenburg Lledoner Pelut, it was labelled as “Grenache on steroids”. This clone of Grenache, now called Garnacha Peluda, was acquired by Kloovenburg after more than 10 years, during which the vines were in quarantine. This process was managed by viticulturalist, Rosa Kruger and the first of its type in South Africa.

About 40% of the grapes were whole-bunch fermented, with some regular light punch-downs. Grapes were left on the skins for a week and then pressed into natural oak barrels for 10 months. In the glass, this wine has a light, strawberry-red colour. The colour immediately gives most people the impression that it is a Pinot Noir, but the smell and taste confirm that you have something completely different in your glass. Forthcoming notes of ripe red fruit, candied strawberries and red cherries come forward on the nose. On the palate, it offers an elegant entry with crunchy tannins. Notes of ripe strawberries, raspberries, red cherries and rose leaves come through on the palate, followed by more subtle notes of white pepper, oregano and leather. It has a long, mineral and herbaceous finish.

This wine is best served chilled, but not too much as it then causes an imbalance with the tannins. It is ideal to drink now or within the next five years. It is an interesting wine to enjoy on its own, especially when you want to start with red wine. However, it will work well with food such as braised duck, poached salmon, leg of lamb and roasted vegetables. Although this is a grape variety that originates from France, much of it can be found in Spain and it can be fun to compare the Lledoner Pelut of Kloovenburg with some of its Spanish counterparts. It is value for money and worth a try for the curious and interested taster!

Producer: Kloovenburg

Variety: Lledoner Pelut

Vintage: 2022

Origin: Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa

Winemaker: PS du Toit

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 14.48%

RS: 2.8g/l

Average price: R200

Rating: 96/100