12,400 bottles by Jessica Saurwein
Chi means “life force” and Chi stands for CHIUTA (an African rain god). Situated in the fertile Elgin valley, the picturesque vineyard site inspired the creation of this crisp, handcrafted Riesling.
60% of the blend’s fruit comes from Casey’s Ridge Vineyard, Elgin on loamy and very rocky red slate soils. (Riesling clones WR110F and vineyard was planted 2011.) The other 40% of the blend De Bos Vineyard, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on decomposed Bokkeveld Shale and Sandstone. (Riesling clones 110 & 239 AB and vineyard was planted 2011.)
Winemaking
Grapes were hand-picked, cooled, then hand-sorted, destemmed and pressed. Spontaneous fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, which lasted about 4 weeks until optimal residual sugar balance achieved at about 11,5 g/ l. The wine was prepared for bottling and bottled after 2 months in tank.
Experience
This wine shows fragrant citrus blossom, yellow flowers and citrus, white pear, ginger, flint. It is ideal with Salads/ cheeses/ Asian-style dishes with a bit of spice/ sweetness
Technicalities:
Residual Sugar: 11,5 g/l
pH: 3.0
Total acidity: 8,5 g/l
Alcohol: 11,0 %
May the “Chi” be with you!
Ratings
95/100 - 5 Stars Platter's & RIESLING OF THE YEAR.
94/100 Tim Atkin MW
90/100 Neal Martin, Vinous.com
Saurwein Chi Riesling 2024
2024 was a great vintage with long, cool ripening
Keywords for this vintage: light and fresh, sunshine in a glass
WINEMAKING
Grapes were hand-picked, cooled, hand-sorted, destemmed and pressed oxidatively. Spontaneous fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks,
which lasted about 5 weeks until optimal residual sugar balance was achieved at about 13,5 g/ I. The wine was prepared for bottling and bottled after 2 months in tank.EXPERIENCE
Fragrant citrus blossom, yellow flowers and citrus, white pear, ginger, flint
If you like - Ideal Cuisine: Salads/ cheeses/ Asian-style dishes with a bit of spice/ sweetness
Alcohol: 11 % I RS: 13.3 g/I I pH: 3.1 I TA: 6.7 g/I
May the “Chi” be with you!