Catherine Marshall Pinot Noir (Sandstone Soils) 2021

What began as a festive three barrel foot stomp event attended by a handful of friends on a South Peninsula beach in 1996, produced a very palatable Syrah, and saw the founding in 1997 of the first true micro-winery in the Western Cape with Pinot Noir the main focus. The aptly named Barefoot Winery trading as Catherine Marshall Wines has long outgrown its humble origins to become a legendary institution which exports to a number of markets world- wide.

Catherine’s 1991 graduation from Elsenburg Agricultural College in 1991 (where she was one of only two female students) was followed by apprenticeships at various local cellars interspersed with international experiences in France, USA, and Australia. Resident winemaking positions at four wineries in Stellenbosch and Paarl led to a solo career in 2007 establishing and running the wine business.

These Pinot grapes were selected from the ultra cool Elgin Valley between Somerset West and Hermanus. The valley is located at an altitude of about 700m above sea level and surrounded by a ring of mountains which results in a high annual precipitation and low average temperatures.  Soil types for this label include Table Mountain Sandstone with Silica Quartz and Tukulu (a combination of sand and gravel).

In the cellar emphasis is on maximising layered flavour spectrums balanced with seamless tannin extraction. This is achieved by a minimalist and natural approach.
Maturation: Eleven months ageing in new and seasoned Burgundian oak barrels.