Kloovenburg Lledoner Pelut 2022

Lledoner Pelut is thought to be a mutation of Grenache, the difference in the variant form being that the underside of the leaves is downier, and it has the advantage of being less susceptible to rot.  It is grown chiefly in Languedoc-Roussillon and, in Catalonia, where it is known as Garnacha Peluda. Swartland property Kloovenburg was the first to plant it in South Africa and the maiden vintage 2022 is now available at R199 a bottle.

Winemaking involved 50% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting nine months in older oak. The nose shows pronounced rose-like perfume, strawberry, white pepper and maybe some dried herbs. The palate is ripe and easy, slightly loose on the mid-palate, some savoury bite to the finish (alc: 14.48%). On the whole, quite likeable and Kloovenburg deserve praise for adding variety to the national vineyard.  

CE’s rating: 89/100.

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