Cirrus Wines, named after the wispy atmospheric clouds, are wines made with fruit from high altitude vineyards in the Witzenberg mountains on the Ceres Plateau. The Pinot Noir 2021 marks the second vintage of wines made from this unique vineyard on Rietfontein farm owned by Jean Engelbrecht (owner of Rust-en-Vrede in Stellenbosch).
At an altitude of 1026m above sea level, the moderate summers, snowy winters and intense solar rays create an environment that produces Pinot Noir expressive of this landscape and terroir.
Ceres Plateau has a moderate Mediterranean climate, with the high altitude playing a dominant role in fruit development. Care is taken to gently handle the grapes in the cellar to preserve the unique characteristics provided by the soil, altitude, and climate. Gentle punch downs and pump-overs are performed during fermentation to extract ripe tannins and colour from the relatively thin skins of the Pinot Noir berries.
To express this special site 70% whole berries, 30% whole clusters and older large barrels were used for maturation.
To express this special site 70% whole berries, 30% whole clusters and older large barrels were used for maturation.