Vineyards
La Brune Pinot Noir 2021 is sourced from select vineyards across the Elgin Valley, South Africa’s premier cool-climate wine region. The high-altitude sites, combined with proximity to the ocean, create ideal conditions for slow ripening, allowing the grapes to develop complex flavours while retaining fresh acidity. The soils, predominantly decomposed granite and clay, contribute to the wine’s elegant structure and fine minerality.
Winemaking
The hand-picked Pinot Noir grapes undergo meticulous sorting before fermentation. Fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel tanks and open-top fermenters, with gentle punch-downs to extract colour and flavour. The wine is aged for 10 months in older French oak barrels to preserve the delicate fruit character while adding subtle complexity and texture.
Appearance
Bright ruby red with a slight garnet hue.
Nose
Aromas of red cherries, wild strawberries, and raspberries are complemented by hints of rose petals, forest floor, and a touch of spice.
Palate
The palate is medium-bodied with vibrant red fruit flavours, fine-grained tannins, and a refreshing acidity. Notes of cranberry, pomegranate, and a subtle savoury undertone lead to a long, elegant finish with a hint of oak spice.
Food pairing
This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roasted duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, and hard cheeses. Its bright acidity and silky tannins also make it a versatile choice for charcuterie boards.
Background story
La Brune is a boutique winery founded by Marc Kent and Jose Conde, two prominent figures in South African winemaking. Their shared vision of producing world-class wines led to the establishment of La Brune in the cool-climate region of Elgin. With a focus on minimal intervention and sustainable farming, they craft wines that showcase the purity and precision of the region’s terroir.
Elgin’s unique climate and soils provide the perfect environment for cultivating Pinot Noir, a notoriously challenging varietal. La Brune’s dedication to careful vineyard management and thoughtful winemaking results in a Pinot Noir that is both expressive and refined, offering a true sense of place.