2019 Botanica Pinot Noir, Stellenbosch, South Africa

ABOUT THIS WINE

Clay loam with decomposed Bokkeveld shale (Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge) and decomposed granite (Stellenbosch). The grapes were hand-harvested at 22° and 23° B, hand sorted and destemmed but not crushed. Whole berry fermentation took place in open tanks, with punch downs twice daily.

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.