Ataraxia was established in 2004 by Kevin and Hanli Grant, a husband and wife, and is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde on fossilised sand dunes. Kevin, a former zoologist, spent years learning the nuances of Hemel-en-terroir Aarde’s as Hamilton Russell’s lead winemaker.
For Kevin, Ataraxia is a very personal project. He bought 50 hectares of premium wine land in the extraordinary setting known as “The Skyfields” with a few close pals.
The vineyards sit on some of the most stunning terroir South Africa has to offer and are nestled on this commanding hill beneath the towering Babylons Toren mountain range.
Pinot Noir uses whole bunch fermentation on various levels of winemaking throughout the world. Using whole bunches of grapes was the traditional way to make wine before the development of crusher-destemmers. The bunches were placed whole, stems and all, into the fermentation tanks; this has a significant impact on the wine’s aroma, texture, and tannin feel. The higher the percentage of whole bunch, the more significant the impact with richer, more brilliant fruit presentation.
This Pinot expresses bright red fruits aromas with a spicy, cinnamon-like, earthy undertone. It is powerful, yet oddly subtle, ‘old-school’ profile. The palate is focused and perfectly poised, but these delicate qualities are wrapped in a structure with unexpected depth, grandeur, and longevity.
Food pairing suggestion: Beef Estouffade a la Provencale.
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