VIURA, also known as Macabeo, is a white wine grape that originated in Spain, where it is an important variety in the regions of Rioja and Catalonia – also widely planted in the southern regions of France. Think big grape clusters, big berries, thick skin – drought resistant, well suited to dry, warm climates – and versatile, used for both dry and sweet wines, still as well as sparkling (Cava).
The only single-varietal South African Viura is thanks to Pilgrim winemaker Henry Kotze and a farmer in the Breedekloof district. The grapes come from just 200 vines planted in 2017 on a Goudini flood plain – four-meter-deep silt deposits on what was once a riverbed. “The farmer (also) likes to see a more diverse and climate change-buffered wine industry for the future,” says Kotze, who is also the winemaker at Mulderbosch on the Polkadraai Hills in Stellenbosch, where tastings of Pilgrim wines are by appointment.
PILGRIM VIURA 2023
WO Goudini-Breedekloof. Pressing involved a combination of whole-bunch and destemmed grapes, immediately followed by fermentation in French oak barrels lasting close to two months (no extended skin contact as per the 2021 and 22 vintages). Maturation in the same barrels for another month, after which the wine was racked and bottled (unfined, unfiltered). ±500 bottles.
Alc 13 | RS 4.1 | TA 5.8 | pH 3.3
Winemaker's Tasting Notes: Light golden hue with a green tinge. On the nose, sweet jasmin and lemon blossom with litchi, pineapple, peaches… Reminiscent of candyfloss, sherbet, pink Fizzer sweets. On the palate, dense and saline with a big flinty mineral presence… Sweet fruit with earthy, wet stone development.
R175pb ex-producer.
Also in this series:
• AA Badenhorst Sout van die Aarde Palomino
• Ayama Vermentino
• Bosman Nero (d'Avola)
• Cederberg Sauvignon Gris
• DaschBosch Avon Clairette Blanche
• Diemersdal Grüner Veltliner
• Klein Amoskuil Amos Block (Sherry)
• Kloovenburg Lledoner Pelut
• Lemberg Hárslevelü
• Lowerland Tolbos Tannat
• Lozärn Carménère
• Newton Johnson Albariño
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Ltd Release Therona
