In response to the U.S. government’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods and products, we will not be selling any of the American wines in our portfolio until further notice.

Paul Cluver Estate Pinot Noir 2022

Producer: Paul Cluver
Region: Western Cape
Appellation: Elgin
Country: South Africa
Variety: Pinot Noir
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Alcohol: 13%
Residual Sugar: 3.1 g/L
Soil: Bokkeveld Shale
Farming Practices: Sustainable, pesticide free
Awards: 92-Tim Atkin

CELLAR PROFILE


This family-owned, family-run wine business is located approximately 70km southeast of Cape Town. The property has been owned by the Cluver Family – recognized as pioneers of wine in the area – since 1896. The focus here is on producing elegant wines that are expressive of the terroir. The cool Elgin Valley provides the ideal conditions for world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The wine business forms part of larger holistic farming business called ‘De Rust Estate’. In addition to the vineyards and cellar, there are apple and pear orchards, a Hereford stud and eco-tourism activities, including amphitheatre concerts on the farm. This 2000+ hectare estate forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere, a UNESCO world heritage site. Half of the estate has been set aside for conservation into perpetuity.

REGION


Elgin is the coolest wine region in South Africa, with temperatures rarely rising above 30°C during the growing season. With only 800 ha. under vine, it is also one of the smallest and least planted, as the rocky terrain, cool temperatures and low rainfall make growing grapes a challenging endeavour. Sitting amongst the Hottentot-Holland mountain range, the soils are a mixture of sandstone, decomposed shale, gravel and clay. Due to the precipitous diurnal temperature drops, viticulturists have eschewed the traditional red Bordeaux varieties favoured throughout most of the country, planting instead delicate Pinot Noir and altitude-loving Syrah. The most widely-planted white is Sauvignon Blanc, but the future of the region lies in Chardonnay, with world class examples being crafted. Riesling plantings are increasing and showing tremendous promise as well. Elgin wines tend to be high in acidity, with evolved flavours, as the long hang times allow full phenol development.

VINEYARD


The De Rust Estate vineyards of Paul Cluver Family Wines sit on an inland mountain plateau, nestled in the UNESCO Koelberg Biosphere Preserve. Rising between 400-660 masl, you’ll find a mix of the famed Bokkeveld Shale (sandstone rich with invertebrate fossils, clay and loam) and Fericrete gravel (rich in iron oxides) here. Subject to early morning mists, cool evenings, low rainfall and long sunlight hours, yields are small but high in quality. The vineyards are farmed sustainably, without the use of pesticides and with as little human footprint as possible.

WINEMAKING


Using only Burgundian clones, hand-harvesting and extensive individual berry sorting was done prior to crushing. This was followed by cold maceration for a week, before fermentation was allowed to start naturally with indigenous yeasts. After 4-5 days, the wine was inoculated with selected strains of Burgundian yeast to ensure completion. Twice daily punchdowns of the cap were done during this process. The wine was then transferred to a combination of new and used French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and 12 months of maturation on the lees before being bottled, unfiltered.

TASTING NOTES


The nose is far more Burgundian in character than New World. Earth, ripe raspberry, tart cherry and a whiff of something herbal. On the palate, these flavours combine with intriguing savoury notes and just a touch of sweet oak vanillins, for a long lingering finish. Chill to cellar temperature and enjoy with venison chops, grilled salmon or duck confit.

VARIETIES


Pinot Noir—chiefly associated with the Burgundy region of France— is grown around the world, mostly in cooler climates. The grape’s tendency to produce tightly-packed clusters makes it susceptible to several viticultural hazards involving rot that require diligent canopy management. Thin skins and low levels of phenolic compounds lend Pinot to producing mostly lightly-coloured, medium-bodied and low-tannin wines that can often go through phases of uneven and unpredictable aging. When young, wines made from Pinot Noir tend to have red fruit aromas of cherries, raspberries and strawberries. As the wine ages, Pinot has the potential to develop more vegetal and earthy aromas that can contribute to complexity. Cool Elgin Valley is quite hospitable to this finicky cultivar.

$61.00

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COVID19 Precautions

Buyers+Cellars Tasting Room is dedicated to keeping the Ottawa community safe by abiding by Health Canada recommendations and being as transparent about our procedures, if you have any questions about the following please feel free to contact curtis@buyersandcellars.ca 

  • We are open by appointment only to ensure we can maintain physical distancing
  • Appointments will be staggered, allowing 40 minutes between appointments to ensure sanitization
  • Our brand new kitchen is well ventilated and is cleaned and sanitized before opening, during service and when closing.
  • Our staff is equipped with proper gloves, face masks and sanitizers, and will follow social distancing rules
  • A freshly cleaned bottle of hand sanitizer will be provided for every new appointment
  • We have hand sanitizing stations at the entrance to our premises and at the entrance to our washroom facilities
  • Each group will be assigned to its own washroom 
  • There are touchless soap dispensers in all of our washrooms
  • After each seating, tables and chairs will be disinfected and washrooms will be disinfected and restocked
  • All glasses and bottles are sanitized before use
  • All cutlery is disinfected after being washed in our high temperature dishwasher
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For online orders and the Experiences Boxes

  • The Tasting Room strictly follows the City of Ottawa’s COVID-19 guidelines for restaurants to ensure our establishment is safe for our guests and staff. Below are a few examples of the steps we are taking; 
  • Each wine in your Experience box has been wiped with sanitizer prior to packing and all Experience boxes are put under a powerful UV light for added security
  • Pickups will take place just inside the TTR doors.
  • Deliveries: Our delivery drivers are equipped with gloves, masks and sanitizer to provide safe delivery for each new order. They have also been trained in safe social distancing door delivery protocols.
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