Joostenberg Little J White 2020
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
This is a medium-bodied white blend primary compromised of Chenin Blanc. This wine shows typical Chenin Blanc aromas of pineapple, lychee, and guava. The addition of Viognier and Roussane adds complexity with each component contributing its distinctive characteristics to the blend, bringing our hints of pear, melon, and granadilla.
This wine is perfect on its own as an aperitif but will also pair well with a wide range of foods, especially sushi, oysters, Asian curries, sweet and sour dishes and summer salads.
Winemaking is not about systems and recipes. Not if you want to make distinctive wines. Everything done at Joostenberg's winery (and vineyards) is aimed at ensuring that their wines are both delicious and true to their origin.
Since great wines begin with great grapes, Joostenberg's aim is to grow the best possible grapes in as "natural" a way as possible – hence organics, dry-farming, etc. They simply then guide the wines through the winemaking process without the interference of unnecessary additives or modifications. Some call this "minimalist winemaking".
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
Flanked by majestic mountains on either side, the Paarl district is a valley whose most valuable water source is the Berg River. While sometimes during dry and hot summers, the vineyards in the valley need supplemental irrigation, those vineyards on the eastern slopes where water retention is better, aren't irrigated.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc enjoy great success in Paarl.