The 2022 Saurwein 'Om' Pinot Noir is an elegant and expressive wine from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, perfumed with red berries, hibiscus, and earthy beetroot tones. With poised tannins, crisp acidity, and a touch of spice, it's a vibrant, food-friendly Pinot with a soulful origin and a peaceful energy.

Decanter | D 93
Published: Nov 2, 2023

Delicately and perfumed with notes of red and dark fruits and a hint of spiciness. Vivid and young, slightly turbid, with notes of chocolate and savoury complexity. Poised tannins with elegance and snappiness and just a touch of alcoholic heat. An utterly delicious lunch wine.

Saurwein.co.za

Grape origin:
Place of the Gods Farm, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge,Walker Bay, Hermanus.This dryland vineyard is situated just 12 km from the sea and lies at 300m above sea level. The soils are granite origin with a significant portion of clay. Pinot noir clones are 115 and 667.The vineyard was planted in 2006.

Winemaking:
Grapes are hand-picked, hand-sorted, grapes are cold-soaked, fermentation is spontaneous, post-fermentation maceration is complete when the tannins are optimal, minimum of 10 months in 228 liter French oak barrels (new and older).

Descriptors of the nose:
Red berries, beetroot earthiness, fresh hibiscus, fruit-coated tannin, crisp acidity, medium-bodied.

Descriptors of the flavour & palate:
Red forest fruit, beetroot earthiness, fresh hibiscus, fruit-coated tannin and crisp acidity, medium bodied

The story:
Om symbolises the concept of universal creation. This word is also synonymous with peace. The vineyard is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge region (Heaven and Earth),?a beautiful and peaceful place close to my heart. May this wine carry forward the peace that its place of creation inspires.

Ideal Cuisine:
French cuisine, refined Asian and African cuisine, savoury vegetarian dishes with aubergine or beetroot, Jerusalem artichoke, fish, poultry, duck, red meat.

May this wine carry forward the peace that its place of creation inspires.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Closure: Natural cork
Harvest: 2022
Oak: Aged for 10 months in 228-litre French oak barrels, using a combination of new and older barrels
Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir
Farming: Dryland farming; Saurwein practises regenerative agriculture on its own farm, but certification for this specific vineyard is not confirmed
Vineyard Area: Place of the Gods Farm, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Walker Bay, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa. The dryland vineyard lies approximately 12 km from the sea at 300 metres above sea level, with granite-derived soils and a significant clay component in the subsoil. Pinot Noir clones 115 and 667 were planted in 2006.
Vinification: Produced by winemaker Jessica Saurwein from carefully selected Pinot Noir grapes harvested in two batches from two vineyard sites approximately 100 metres apart. The grapes are hand-picked and hand-sorted, followed by cold soaking and spontaneous fermentation. Post-fermentation maceration continues until the tannins reach optimal maturity. The wine is matured for 10 months in 228-litre French oak barrels, combining new and older oak, with a minimal-intervention approach. The aromatic profile reveals strawberries, red and black cherries, plums and exotic spices. The palate offers red berry fruit, fresh hibiscus and velvety, fruit-coated tannins, balanced by crisp acidity. Medium-bodied, concentrated and elegant, with excellent depth, freshness and ageing potential.
Winemaker: Jessica Saurwein
Region: Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Walker Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

Serving Temperature: 14–16°C
Decanting: 30 minutes; serve gently to preserve its delicate aromatics
Food Pairing: Roast duck, grilled salmon, roast chicken, mushroom risotto, herb-roasted pork, aubergine dishes and refined Asian cuisine.