Francis Wines Pinot Noir 2023

Francis Wines Pinot Noir 2023 is an elegant and expressive South African Pinot Noir crafted with precision and restraint. This refined cool-climate red wine combines vibrant red fruit, savoury complexity and silky texture with remarkable balance and depth.

Product Story

Only optimally ripe and healthy grapes were hand-selected and harvested for this Pinot Noir. After cooling overnight, approximately 80% of the grapes were destemmed while 20% remained as whole bunches to add aromatic complexity and structure.

Following a three-day cold soak, spontaneous fermentation began with two gentle pump-overs daily to softly extract flavour, colour and tannin without over-extraction.

Once fermentation was complete, the skins were lightly pressed and the wine transferred to 228-litre French oak barriques for maturation. After 16 months in oak, only the finest barrels were selected and blended before bottling.

Tasting Notes

The nose opens with layered aromas of spice and earthy undertones alongside vibrant notes of red cherry, rhubarb and plum. Subtle hints of liquorice and forest floor add depth and complexity.

On the palate, the wine is silky and flowing with a generous midpalate supported by fine savoury structure. Red berry fruit flavours linger beautifully, leading to a poised and elegant finish with lasting complexity.

Style: Elegant, silky and savoury
Grape variety: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.35
Total acidity: 6.0 g/l
Residual sugar: 2.4 g/l
Maturation: 16 months in seasoned 228-litre French oak barriques
Serving temperature: 16–18°C

Food Pairing

Francis Wines Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roasted duck, lamb, game dishes and mushroom risotto. Its elegant structure and savoury character also complement charcuterie, grilled salmon and earthy vegetarian dishes exceptionally well.

Winemaking Philosophy

This Pinot Noir is crafted with a gentle, low-intervention approach that focuses on purity, texture and vineyard expression. Whole bunch fermentation, spontaneous fermentation and careful oak maturation all contribute to the wine’s refined complexity and elegant structure.

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