Saronsberg Full Circle 2020
This acclaimed wine has a deep, dark purple colour with prominent ripe plum and red berry flavours combined with floral notes and undertones of spice. The oak is well balanced with full, firm yet accessible tannins. A wine of depth, complexity and grace
Rich & Savoury
£43.95
| Producer | Saronsberg |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Tulbagh |
| Wine Type | Red Wine |
| Body / Style | Rich & Savoury |
| Grape Blend | 76% Shiraz, 13% Mourvèdre, 9% Grenache, 1% Viognier & 1% Rousanne |
| Bottle Size (ml) | 750 |
| % Abv | 14.5 |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Extra Info | Black cherries & cigar box |
| Food Pairing Guide | Roast beef, venison or matured cheeses |
Saronsberg Full Circle has a nose of blackcurrants, black cherries, cigar box and a touch of mint. On the palate it is elegant and well-balanced, with black fruits, tobacco and a hint of vanilla. Teh finish is smooth and lingering, with refined tannins and a touch of oak.
Flanked on all sides by mountains in the Upper Breede River Valley, Tulbagh is utterly unique in its topography and natural beauty. It was this special character that attracted the first settlers here over three hundred years ago, and the same quality which led to the selection of Tulbagh as the site for Saronsberg winery. Recognising the distinctive terroir and potential of the valley, Saronsberg has joined the mission initially led by Rijk’s Cellar to prove the region’s capacity for producing wines of outstanding quality. Saronsberg consists of two farm portions formerly known as Waveren and Welgegund. The farm originally formed part of the beautiful and historic Twee Jonge Gezellen (TJG) until it was divided between the two Krone brothers in the 1950s. Waveren and Welgegund, which lie on either side of TJG, were acquired in 2002 and renamed after the commanding mountain whose slopes are home to a portion of their vines: Saronsberg. The two sites are distinctly different in terroir, with broad disparities in altitude, aspect, soil type, wind and rainfall patterns and temperature producing grapes with strongly contrasting characteristics. The immediate construction of a cellar was not part of the initial plan, but a wildfire two months after the acquisition of the farm meant the original strategy of gradually replanting vineyards had to be re-assessed. Although the farm’s best vineyards – most located on a section of Welgegund known locally as “Die Erf” – were saved, a more assertive planting program was initiated in 2003. On 25 January 2004, Saronsberg’s winemaking history officially began with the harvest of our first Sauvignon Blanc grapes – a momentous occasion that was celebrated 2 weeks later with a harvest party, then again the following year when Saronsberg reaped numerous awards for the 2004 vintage.
Flanked on all sides by mountains in the Upper Breede River Valley, Tulbagh is utterly unique in its topography and natural beauty. It was this special character that attracted the first settlers here over three hundred years ago, and the same quality which led to the selection of Tulbagh as the site for Saronsberg winery. Recognising the distinctive terroir and potential of the valley, Saronsberg has joined the mission initially led by Rijk’s Cellar to prove the region’s capacity for producing wines of outstanding quality. Saronsberg consists of two farm portions formerly known as Waveren and Welgegund. The farm originally formed part of the beautiful and historic Twee Jonge Gezellen (TJG) until it was divided between the two Krone brothers in the 1950s. Waveren and Welgegund, which lie on either side of TJG, were acquired in 2002 and renamed after the commanding mountain whose slopes are home to a portion of their vines: Saronsberg. The two sites are distinctly different in terroir, with broad disparities in altitude, aspect, soil type, wind and rainfall patterns and temperature producing grapes with strongly contrasting characteristics. The immediate construction of a cellar was not part of the initial plan, but a wildfire two months after the acquisition of the farm meant the original strategy of gradually replanting vineyards had to be re-assessed. Although the farm’s best vineyards – most located on a section of Welgegund known locally as “Die Erf” – were saved, a more assertive planting program was initiated in 2003. On 25 January 2004, Saronsberg’s winemaking history officially began with the harvest of our first Sauvignon Blanc grapes – a momentous occasion that was celebrated 2 weeks later with a harvest party, then again the following year when Saronsberg reaped numerous awards for the 2004 vintage.
Our best two Shiraz vineyards form the backbone of this blend. The grapes were handpicked in the early morning and force cooled to 4 °C. The Shiraz and Mourvèdre components were then bunch sorted, destemmed and berry sorted on vibration tables by 25 highly trained staff. The berries were gently crushed into a satellite tank and deposited separately in open fermenters. The must was dejuiced by 10%. It was given a cold soak of 3 days at 9 °C protected by a CO2 blanket. The juice was pumped over once daily during this period.
The Shiraz and Mourvèdre tanks were then heated to 18 °C and inoculated with BM45, L2056 and D254 yeast. The fermentation temperature was allowed to peak at 28 °C and then brought down to 24 °C. The fermenting cap was manually punched down three times and two pump overs daily. The Shiraz was given extended maceration after fermentation for 21 days total on the skins and then pressed into 100% new Allier French oak barrels.
The Mourvèdre was pressed at 0ºB and finished fermentation in barrels. The Viognier was cold fermented separately in barrels. The press fractions were separated. Malolactic bacteria were inoculated and malolactic fermentation was completed in the barrel. After malolactic fermentation the wines were given a low sulphur dose and left on gross lees for 11 months. The wine was then racked, the different components blended and returned to barrels. After a total of 20 months in barrels the wine was racked and filtered through a coarse sheet filter. Bottling was done with a fine sheet filtration. The wine was bottle matured for 11 months prior to release.
To underscore our commitment to the land we are proud to be members of the Integrated Production of Wine. IPW complies with international wine industry environmental sustainability criteria, including the 'Global Wine Sector Environmental Sustainability Principles as published by the International Federation of Wine and Spirits (FIVS) and the 'OIV. The production practices on farms and/or cellars of persons joining the scheme are evaluated and audited by the board.
We take social responsibility seriously and are members of WIETA. The association arose out of an Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI) pilot project in the wine industry in the late 90s. The pilot not only assisted the ETI, its retail corporate members, and South African partners in learning about, developing, and refining inspection methodologies in monitoring their base code but was also instrumental in bringing together the private sector, labour, and civil society stakeholders in and associated with the wine industry of the Western Cape to discuss and debate issues around ethical trade.
Saronsberg also underscores the principles of BWI (Biodiversity and Wine Initiative) which is a partnership between individual farms and the conservation sector with the aim of conserving the existing natural fauna and flora and through sustainable farming practices preserving it for future generations.
Our people are the driving force behind our winemaking excellence, customer service, and brand success. From our experienced winemakers and vineyard managers to our dedicated sales and marketing professionals, our team is passionate about crafting exceptional wines, fostering strong customer relationships, and upholding our winery’s values. With their diverse expertise, creativity, and collaboration, our team is the backbone of our winery’s operations, and we take pride in their unwavering commitment to producing wines of the highest quality.
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