Over the past six years Quoin Rock has undergone a complete transformation. The Gaiduk family purchased the 200-hectare property on the slopes of the Simonsberg in late-2012, and immediately set about rehabilitating the farm; upgrading the cellar, planting new vineyards and reviving neglected vines.
The goal? To establish the estate as one of the leading wineries in South Africa, says Denis Gaiduk, Managing Director of Quoin Rock. “From the beginning we said that there would be no compromise on quality.”
That focus on quality, no matter the cost, is certainly evident in the current – 2013 – release of the Quoin Rock Black Series Méthode Cap Classique.
Explaining the decision to work with the classic blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Quoin Rock winemaker Jacque Maree says: “The Pinot Noir from Elgin has a lot of structure and a wonderful fruit character, while the Chardonnay, picked from vineyards on Quoin Rock’s second property in the Elim ward near Cape Agulhas, is lean and fresh which brings acidity and citrus notes to the wine.”
After fermentation using wild yeasts, the still wines were matured in second-fill French oak barrels for 10 months, before blending and bottling for second fermentation. The current 2013 release then enjoyed a remarkable 52 months of bottle maturation on the lees.
“You get a huge amount of flavour development from the secondary fermentation and extended bottle maturation,” explains Maree. “What we’re trying to achieve with this Méthode Cap Classique is a bolder style of wine, more weighted and fruit forward.”
That certainly shows in the glass. “The delicate mousse delivers a crisp minerality on the nose, while the palate is brimming with flavours of green apple, honey-oats, biscuit and lime,” he says.
“The fresh acidity and a creamy mid-palate combine to make this an undeniably elegant Cap Classique, and fine celebration of the rebirth of Quoin Rock.”
The Quoin Rock Black Series Méthode Cap Classique 2013 is available from the tasting room, and selected wine retailers. Cellar door price: R350.
Quoin Rock is situated on the Knorhoek Road, seven kilometres outside Stellenbosch. Wine tastings of the complete Quoin Rock and Namysto ranges are offered daily in the elegant Quoin Rock Wine Lounge. Tastings are priced from R350 per person, and bookings are advisable. For more information, visit www.quoinrock.co.za, or call 021 888 4740.