Pieter Ferreira Birdsong 2019

The Chardonnay-Pinot Noir Extra Brut from Pieter Ferreira, dates from 2016 and has been called “Birdsong” since 2018. The newly released 2019 is priced at R350 a bottle, below the currently available Rosé 2016 (R425) and the Blanc de Blancs 2017 (R465) but there’s no step-down in quality.

Consisting of 72% Chardonnay (Robertson and Cape Agulhas) and 28% Pinot Noir (Paarl), the Chardonnay was partially fermented in barrel, before the blend was prepared for secondary fermentation, the wine spending 48 months on the lees.

The nose shows citrus and raspberry plus hints of struck-match reduction and brioche. On the palate, there’s wonderfully pure fruit to go with snappy acidity and a fine, energetic mousse, the finish possessing having a saline quality (alc: 11.84%). So very precise and a sheer pleasure to drink.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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