COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2002
GRAPE
100% Pinotage
PRODUCER
Rijk's Wine Estate
REGION
Western Cape
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Rijk's Private Cellar Pinotage 2002 is a red wine from the Tulbagh region of South Africa's Coastal Region, produced by Rijk's Wine Estate. The estate was founded in 1996 by the Dorrington family on land known for its shale soils. Winemaker Pierre Wahl joined the estate in 2002, the year this vintage was produced. The 2002 growing season in South Africa presented challenges, including cool spring weather and a subsequent heatwave, making the quality of this wine a testament to the producer's skill. The 'Private Cellar' designation signifies a specific range of wines from the estate.
ALCOHOL
14.8%
AVG. PRICE
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Passed
Ideal temperature
16-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Winemaker Pierre Wahl joined Rijk's in the 2002 vintage year.
Fact 02
The grapes were harvested at night to preserve freshness.
Fact 03
A cold soak was used for 48 hours before fermentation.
Fact 04
The wine spent 16 months aging in French and American oak.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking process for this Rijk's Private Cellar Pinotage began with a 48-hour cold soak to enhance color and flavor extraction. Fermentation was followed by malolactic fermentation, which took place in barrels. The wine then underwent an extended aging period of 16 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels, with a substantial proportion being new. This aging process was designed to integrate the oak influence and build structure. The wine was bottled in August 2003.
